P0950 – ASM Control Circuit [Up / Down / Auto / etc] (OBD2)
P0950 means "ASM Control Circuit [Up / Down / Auto / etc]". The control unit has detected a fault in the electrical circuit of the automated manual gearbox actuators: the signal or control current is missing or outside the expected window. The code does not say whether the value is too high or too low, so the wiring and the component itself both have to be checked.
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P0950 quick summary
| Fault code | P0950 |
|---|---|
| Meaning | ASM Control Circuit [Up / Down / Auto / etc] |
| System | Powertrain (Engine & Transmission) |
| Vehicles | Generic OBD2 |
| Severity | High |
| Can I drive? | Not recommended. The gearbox may fail to select gears or get stuck in neutral. |
| Repair cost | €50 – €2,000 |
How automated manual gearboxes select gears
Automated manual gearboxes use electric or hydraulic actuators to select the gate and shift gears; these codes cover gate select and gear shift position sensors, actuators, the shift lock and the adaptive shift (ASM) controls.
An automated manual gearbox is a manual gearbox with actuators instead of a driver. One actuator moves the selector left and right (gate select), another forward and backward (gear shift); position sensors report where the selector is. A clutch actuator operates the clutch.
Codes P0904–P0931 cover the gate select and gear shift position circuits, actuators and the gear shift lock solenoid; P0949–P0959 cover the adaptive shift management (ASM) learning and mode/control circuits.
Typical faults are worn actuators, position sensors out of calibration, low hydraulic fluid, wiring problems and missing adaptations after repairs.
On VAG vehicles (VW, Audi, Škoda, Seat, Cupra), VCDS and older VAG testers can show this code as the five-digit VAG code 17334 (P0950). Both numbers mean the same fault.
Symptoms of P0950
- Gearbox does not select a gear or stays in neutral
- Slow or jerky gear changes
- Gear display flashing
- Warning messages
- Engine does not start (not in neutral)
Most common causes of P0950 (most likely first)
Mechanic's Pro Tip
After disconnecting the battery, many automated manual gearboxes need a learning procedure before they shift properly again – check that first if problems start after a battery change.
1.Damaged wire or loose, corroded connector at the automated manual gearbox actuators
Most likelyGreen or white corrosion, pushed-back pins and chafed insulation near hot or moving parts are the most common findings.
2.Faulty automated manual gearbox actuators
An internal break or short in the component itself.
3.Blown fuse or missing supply voltage
If several codes appeared at the same time, check the shared fuse, relay or ground point first.
4.Position sensor out of calibration
5.Low hydraulic fluid or leak (hydraulic systems)
6.Adaptation not performed after repair or battery work
Step-by-step diagnostic guide
- 1
Read codes and positions
Read the gearbox codes and watch the gate and shift positions in live data.
- 2
Check the circuit with a multimeter
With the ignition off, unplug the automated manual gearbox actuators and the control unit connector (or back-probe), then check each wire between them for continuity and for shorts to ground and to battery voltage. Compare the component's resistance or supply voltage with the value in the repair manual.
Multimeter: Wire continuity: below about 1 Ω. Wire to ground with both connectors unplugged: no continuity. Supply/reference with ignition on: usually 5 V for sensors, battery voltage for actuators.
- 3
Check fluid (hydraulic systems)
Check the hydraulic fluid level and look for leaks.
- 4
Check actuators
Run actuator tests and check movement and current draw.
- 5
Check wiring
Check sensor supplies and signals and actuator wiring.
- 6
Repair and calibrate
Replace the faulty part and run the gearbox learning procedure (ASM adaptation).
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep driving with P0950?
Not recommended. The gearbox may fail to select gears or get stuck in neutral.
How much does it cost to fix P0950?
Typical repair costs are 50 € – 2000 €, depending on the cause and the vehicle. The most common fixes are: damaged wire or loose, corroded connector at the automated manual gearbox actuators; faulty automated manual gearbox actuators; blown fuse or missing supply voltage. Always confirm the cause with the tests above before buying parts.
What is an automated manual gearbox?
A manual gearbox where actuators change gears and operate the clutch automatically.
Why does my car not start after a gearbox fault?
The engine may only start in neutral; if the gearbox cannot confirm neutral, starting is blocked.
What is the difference between P0950 and similar codes?
P0950 belongs to a group of codes for the same component that differ in the type or location of the fault: P0930 – Gear Shift Lock Solenoid Circuit Low; P0931 – Gear Shift Lock Solenoid Circuit High; P0949 – ASM Adaptive Learning Not Done; P0951 – ASM Control Circuit Range/Performance; P0952 – ASM Control Circuit Low; P0953 – ASM Control Circuit High. 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.