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P0835 – Clutch Pedal Switch B Circuit High (OBD2)

P0835 means "Clutch Pedal Switch B Circuit High". The voltage in the clutch switch / clutch position system circuit is above the permitted maximum. For most sensors this points to an open signal or ground wire – the signal "floats" up to the reference voltage – or to a short to voltage.

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P0835 quick summary

Fault codeP0835
MeaningClutch Pedal Switch B Circuit High
SystemPowertrain (Engine & Transmission)
VehiclesGeneric OBD2
SeverityMedium
Can I drive?Usually yes, but the engine may not start, cruise control and start-stop may not work. With excessive clutch slip, avoid heavy loads.
Repair cost€15 – €1,500

How clutch switches and clutch position sensors work

Clutch pedal switches and clutch position sensors tell the control units when the clutch is pressed – for starting, cruise control, start-stop and automated clutches; these codes cover them and the clutch actuator.

Manual cars have one or two clutch pedal switches (A, B) or a position sensor on the pedal. They allow the engine to start only with the clutch pressed, cancel cruise control, control start-stop and smooth engine speed during gear changes.

Automated manual and some dual-clutch systems use a clutch actuator and a clutch position sensor; codes P0805–P0811 and P0900–P0903 cover their position sensing, control error and excessive slip.

A faulty clutch switch can stop the engine from starting, disable cruise control or start-stop, and cause jerky behaviour when changing gear.

On VAG vehicles (VW, Audi, Škoda, Seat, Cupra), VCDS and older VAG testers can show this code as the five-digit VAG code 17219 (P0835). Both numbers mean the same fault.

Symptoms of P0835

  • Engine does not start even with the clutch pressed
  • Cruise control or start-stop not working
  • Engine speed flare when changing gear
  • Clutch slipping (automated clutches)
  • Check Engine light on

Most common causes of P0835 (most likely first)

Mechanic's Pro Tip

On automated manual gearboxes, always run the clutch learning routine after any clutch, actuator or battery work – most 'clutch slip' complaints after repairs come from a missing calibration.

  1. 1.Open circuit in the signal or ground wire

    Most likely

    A loose ground connection is a very common cause.

  2. 2.Signal wire shorted to the 5 V reference or battery voltage

  3. 3.Faulty clutch switch / clutch position system

  4. 4.Worn clutch (slip codes)

  5. 5.Clutch actuator fault (automated manual)

  6. 6.Wiring or connector fault

Step-by-step diagnostic guide

  1. 1

    Read codes and switch status

    Read codes and watch the clutch switch or position signal in live data while pressing the pedal.

  2. 2

    Check signal and ground

    With the ignition on and the clutch switch / clutch position system plugged in, back-probe the signal and ground wires. A signal stuck at reference or battery voltage points to an open ground/signal wire or a short to voltage.

    Multimeter: Ground wire to battery negative: below about 0.1 V. Signal stuck at about 5 V (or 12 V) = open or short to voltage.

  3. 3

    Check switch adjustment

    Check the switch position on the pedal bracket and the pedal stop.

  4. 4

    Measure the switch or sensor

    Check the switch contacts or sensor voltage over the pedal travel.

    Multimeter: Position sensors: signal changing smoothly across the travel (for example about 0.5–4.5 V).

  5. 5

    Check the clutch

    For slip codes, check the clutch for wear and the actuator for leaks or faults.

  6. 6

    Replace and calibrate

    Replace the faulty part and run the clutch or actuator calibration with the scan tool if required.

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep driving with P0835?

Usually yes, but the engine may not start, cruise control and start-stop may not work. With excessive clutch slip, avoid heavy loads.

How much does it cost to fix P0835?

Typical repair costs are 15 € – 1500 €, depending on the cause and the vehicle. The most common fixes are: open circuit in the signal or ground wire; signal wire shorted to the 5 V reference or battery voltage; faulty clutch switch / clutch position system. Always confirm the cause with the tests above before buying parts.

Why won't my car start with the clutch pressed?

If the clutch switch does not report 'pressed', the starter is blocked for safety.

Can a clutch switch affect cruise control?

Yes. Cruise control switches off when the clutch is pressed, so a faulty switch can disable it.

What is the difference between P0835 and similar codes?

P0835 belongs to a group of codes for the same component that differ in the type or location of the fault: P0832 – Clutch Pedal Switch A Circuit High; P0833 – Clutch Pedal Switch B Circuit; P0834 – Clutch Pedal Switch B Circuit Low; P0900 – Clutch Actuator Circuit / Open; P0901 – Clutch Actuator Circuit Range/Performance; P0902 – Clutch Actuator Circuit Low. The tests on this page apply to the whole group; the type of fault tells you where to start.

Related fault codes

This guide is for information only. Working on vehicles can be dangerous — if you are unsure, have the car checked by a qualified mechanic. Values can differ between model years; always check the manufacturer's repair information.