C1138: Gear Select position short to Battery

MediumChassisChassis Electronics

What does C1138 mean?

C1138 is a diagnostic trouble code indicating "Gear Select position short to Battery". This code relates to your vehicle's chassis electronics and should be diagnosed to determine the root cause. The severity level helps indicate how urgently this should be addressed.

Symptoms you may notice

  • Check engine light (MIL) illuminated on dashboard
  • Harsh or delayed gear shifts
  • Transmission slipping
  • Vehicle stuck in one gear (limp mode)

Common causes

  • Low or degraded transmission fluid
  • Worn clutch packs or bands
  • Faulty shift solenoid
  • Wiring issue to the transmission control module
  • Failing torque converter

What should you do?

Schedule a diagnostic appointment at your earliest convenience. The vehicle is generally safe to drive short distances, but the underlying issue should be addressed to prevent it from worsening.

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