P1838: Transmission Transfer Case Shift Motor Circuit Failure

MediumPowertrainTransmission

What does P1838 mean?

P1838 is a diagnostic trouble code indicating "Transmission Transfer Case Shift Motor Circuit Failure". This code relates to your vehicle's transmission and should be diagnosed to determine the root cause. The severity level helps indicate how urgently this should be addressed.

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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Code P1838 can mean different things depending on your vehicle. TorqueBot gives you a diagnosis specific to your make, model, and year.

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Related codes

P1837Transmission Transfer Case Rear Shaft Speed Sensor Circuit Failure
P1839Transmission Transfer Case Shift Motor Open Circuit
P1836Transmission Transfer Case Front Shaft Speed Sensor Circuit Failure
P1840Transmission Transfer Case Shift Motor Short Circuit To Battery