Skip to content

P0985 – Shift Solenoid E Control Circuit Low (OBD2)

P0985 means "Shift Solenoid E Control Circuit Low". The voltage the control unit measures in the shift solenoid circuit is below the permitted minimum. For a sensor this usually means the signal wire is shorted to ground or the reference voltage is missing; for an actuator, that its control wire is shorted to ground.

Last updated

P0985 quick summary

Fault codeP0985
MeaningShift Solenoid E Control Circuit Low
SystemPowertrain (Engine & Transmission)
VehiclesGeneric OBD2
SeverityHigh
Can I drive?Carefully and only to a workshop. The gearbox may be stuck in one gear.
Repair cost€80 – €2,000

How shift solenoids work

Shift solenoids direct hydraulic fluid in the valve body to select gears; these codes cover their circuits, performance and timing solenoids.

Each shift solenoid (A, B, C, D, E, F) opens or closes a passage in the valve body. The combination of active solenoids determines which gear is engaged. Shift timing solenoids control how quickly a shift happens.

Codes P0750–P0774 and P0972–P0999 report circuit faults, performance or stuck off, stuck on, electrical and intermittent faults; P0785–P0789 cover the shift timing solenoid.

A failed shift solenoid usually means some gears are missing, the gearbox stays in one gear or shifts harshly. Electrical faults are often in the internal harness or connector; mechanical faults are caused by dirty fluid.

On VAG vehicles (VW, Audi, Škoda, Seat, Cupra), VCDS and older VAG testers can show this code as the five-digit VAG code 17369 (P0985). Both numbers mean the same fault.

Symptoms of P0985

  • Gearbox stuck in one gear (limp mode)
  • Missing gears or wrong gear selection
  • Harsh or delayed shifts
  • Check Engine or gearbox warning
  • Engine revs high at speed

Most common causes of P0985 (most likely first)

Mechanic's Pro Tip

If several solenoid codes appear at once, suspect the common feed – the internal harness or the gearbox connector – rather than multiple failed solenoids.

  1. 1.Signal or control wire shorted to ground

    Most likely

    Look for chafed insulation where the harness touches the engine, exhaust brackets or body edges.

  2. 2.Missing 5 V reference or supply voltage

    An open reference wire or a shorted sensor elsewhere on the same reference circuit can pull it down.

  3. 3.Internal short in the shift solenoid

  4. 4.Faulty shift solenoid

  5. 5.Dirty or degraded fluid causing sticking

  6. 6.Valve body wear

  7. 7.Transmission control unit fault

Step-by-step diagnostic guide

  1. 1

    Read codes

    Read the transmission codes and note which solenoid is affected.

  2. 2

    Measure the signal voltage

    With the ignition on and the shift solenoid plugged in, back-probe the signal wire. Then unplug it and check the reference/supply and ground wires separately.

    Multimeter: Signal near 0 V = short to ground or no reference. Reference wire: about 5 V with ignition on. Signal wire to ground with connector unplugged: no continuity.

  3. 3

    Check fluid

    Check fluid level and condition.

  4. 4

    Measure the solenoid

    Measure the solenoid resistance at the gearbox connector and check for shorts to ground.

    Multimeter: On/off shift solenoids often read about 10–30 Ω; check the specification.

  5. 5

    Command the solenoid

    Use the scan tool to activate the solenoid and listen for the click.

  6. 6

    Repair and adapt

    Replace the solenoid or harness, change fluid and filter, and run adaptations.

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep driving with P0985?

Carefully and only to a workshop. The gearbox may be stuck in one gear.

How much does it cost to fix P0985?

Typical repair costs are 80 € – 2000 €, depending on the cause and the vehicle. The most common fixes are: signal or control wire shorted to ground; missing 5 V reference or supply voltage; internal short in the shift solenoid. Always confirm the cause with the tests above before buying parts.

Can a shift solenoid be replaced without removing the gearbox?

On many gearboxes yes – the solenoids are accessible after removing the oil pan. On some they are part of the mechatronic unit.

Why is my gearbox stuck in third gear?

Many gearboxes use a fixed gear as limp mode when a solenoid or sensor fails, so you can still drive to a workshop.

What is the difference between P0985 and similar codes?

P0985 belongs to a group of codes for the same component that differ in the type or location of the fault: P0982 – Shift Solenoid D Control Circuit Low; P0983 – Shift Solenoid D Control Circuit High; P0984 – Shift Solenoid E Control Circuit Range/Performance; P0986 – Shift Solenoid E Control Circuit High; P0997 – Shift Solenoid F Control Circuit Range/Performance; P0998 – Shift Solenoid F Control 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.