What Does P0860 Mean?
The gear shift module communication circuit has a general malfunction. This code is set when the TCM/PCM detects that communication with the gear shift module has been lost or is corrupted. This affects vehicles with electronic shift-by-wire systems where the shifter position is communicated electronically rather than through a mechanical linkage to the transmission.
Common Causes
30%
Faulty gear shift module
25%
Damaged communication wiring between the shifter and TCM
20%
CAN bus communication failure affecting the shift module
15%
Power supply or ground fault at the gear shift module
10%
TCM communication port failure
Diagnostic Steps
1
Verify that the gear shift module has power and ground by measuring voltage at its connector — check the fuse supplying the module.
2
Scan all control modules for DTCs — if multiple modules show communication faults, the issue may be a network-level problem rather than specific to the shift module.
3
Inspect the wiring between the gear shift module (typically in the center console) and the TCM for damage, particularly in areas prone to wear from console components.
4
If the vehicle uses CAN bus for shift module communication, perform CAN bus diagnostics including voltage level and resistance checks.
5
Attempt to communicate directly with the gear shift module using the scan tool — if it does not respond, the module itself may have failed.
Estimated Repair Cost
$200 - $900
Parts + labor, varies by vehicle and location
The gear shift module communication circuit has a general malfunction. This code is set when the TCM/PCM detects that communication with the gear shift module has been lost or is corrupted. This affects vehicles with electronic shift-by-wire systems where the shifter position is communicated electro...
The most common cause of P0860 (Gear Shift Module Communication Circuit) is: Faulty gear shift module
Typical repair costs for P0860 range from $200 to $900, depending on the vehicle, location, and whether you do it yourself or go to a shop.
The vehicle may not recognize gear shift commands, potentially preventing the driver from selecting Park, Drive, or Reverse. This is a significant safety concern. If the vehicle is stuck in gear or cannot shift to Park, have it towed for repair.
Start by connecting an OBD2 scanner to read the code and any freeze frame data. Then follow the diagnostic steps specific to P0860 to identify the root cause.
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Quick Info
Category
Powertrain
System
Transmission / Electronic Shift Control
Difficulty
Type
Generic (SAE)
Recommended Tools
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