Diagnostic article Generic OBD-II
P0803: Skip-shift solenoid command does not match circuit state
P0803 checks the manual-transmission skip-shift solenoid control circuit in this GM implementation.
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Documented application
2009 General Motors diagnostic parameter file 09OBDG07 Engine Diagnostics.pdf. Section-specific modules and calibrations; no per-code model or engine applicability established.
The code alone does not identify a failed part or establish that a vehicle is safe to drive. Confirm the vehicle, reporting module and applicable service procedure.
P0803 concerns the skip-shift solenoid control circuit in GM's group 07 manual-transmission example. The controller compares the output-driver command with observed circuit voltage. It is an electrical integrity check, not a general diagnosis of difficult manual gear selection.
The intended state determines the expected voltage
The source states that circuit voltage should be low during operation and near battery positive when off. A measurement has meaning only when paired with the commanded state. Seeing a high voltage on an intentionally inactive channel does not by itself reproduce the fault.
The monitor requires engine speed above 600 rpm and a run/crank voltage between 11 and 18 volts. It accumulates 20 failures in 25 samples at 250-millisecond intervals. These are the documented conditions for repeated command-versus-feedback disagreement.
Do not infer a mechanical transmission repair
The code does not identify an internal gear defect or prove which electrical component is responsible. The source's manual-transmission scope also matters; the same generic code cannot establish that every vehicle has this exact skip-shift arrangement.
Record the solenoid command and available feedback, then use the matching vehicle circuit procedure. Verification should show the expected electrical response under the relevant commands and successful completion of monitoring. A driver reporting that shifting feels normal, or a code that has simply been cleared, does not establish that the monitored output path is reliable.
Source and applicability
2009 General Motors diagnostic parameter file 09OBDG07 Engine Diagnostics.pdf. Section-specific modules and calibrations; no per-code model or engine applicability established. This explanation describes the documented monitor, not a universal repair procedure.
Article source documents
Source checks describe how the text was prepared; they do not certify a diagnosis or confirm compatibility with every vehicle using this code.
Original code reference
Dictionary definition
Upshift/Skip Shift Solenoid Control Circuit
This definition retains its original catalog scope. The article above is limited to its explicitly documented application.
Reference scope
Generic OBD-II definition.
A manufacturer label does not establish the model, year, engine or module to which a diagnosis applies. Read the safety and diagnostic limits.
Definition source
- DTC Database: pinned community code definitions
Source checked · MIT