Skip to content

P0958 – ASM Mode Circuit High (OBD2)

P0958 means "ASM Mode Circuit High". The voltage in the automated manual gearbox actuators 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.

Last updated

P0958 quick summary

Fault codeP0958
MeaningASM Mode Circuit High
SystemPowertrain (Engine & Transmission)
VehiclesGeneric OBD2
SeverityHigh
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 17342 (P0958). Both numbers mean the same fault.

Symptoms of P0958

  • 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 P0958 (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. 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 automated manual gearbox actuators

  4. 4.Position sensor out of calibration

  5. 5.Low hydraulic fluid or leak (hydraulic systems)

  6. 6.Wiring or connector fault

  7. 7.Adaptation not performed after repair or battery work

Step-by-step diagnostic guide

  1. 1

    Read codes and positions

    Read the gearbox codes and watch the gate and shift positions in live data.

  2. 2

    Check signal and ground

    With the ignition on and the automated manual gearbox actuators 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 fluid (hydraulic systems)

    Check the hydraulic fluid level and look for leaks.

  4. 4

    Check actuators

    Run actuator tests and check movement and current draw.

  5. 5

    Check wiring

    Check sensor supplies and signals and actuator wiring.

  6. 6

    Repair and calibrate

    Replace the faulty part and run the gearbox learning procedure (ASM adaptation).

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep driving with P0958?

Not recommended. The gearbox may fail to select gears or get stuck in neutral.

How much does it cost to fix P0958?

Typical repair costs are 50 € – 2000 €, 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 automated manual gearbox actuators. 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 P0958 and similar codes?

P0958 belongs to a group of codes for the same component that differ in the type or location of the fault: P0953 – ASM Control Circuit High; P0954 – ASM Control Circuit Intermittent; P0955 – ASM Mode Circuit [Perf / Winter / Sport / etc]; P0956 – ASM Mode Circuit Range/Performance; P0957 – ASM Mode Circuit Low; P0959 – ASM Mode Circuit Intermittent. 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.