What Does P0922 Mean?
The TCM has detected that the gear shift forward actuator circuit voltage is below the expected range. This indicates a short to ground in the actuator circuit, a failed actuator motor with shorted windings, or a grounded control wire. The forward actuator is responsible for engaging odd-numbered gears (1st, 3rd, 5th) in automated manual transmissions.
Safety Warning
A low circuit condition prevents proper odd-gear engagement. The transmission will likely enter limp mode. Do not drive; tow for repair.
Common Causes
35%
Short to ground in forward actuator wiring harness
30%
Forward actuator motor internal short to ground
20%
TCM output driver failure shorted low
15%
Water intrusion in actuator connector creating ground path
Diagnostic Steps
1
Step 1: Disconnect the forward actuator and measure insulation resistance from each motor terminal to the actuator housing/ground — should read greater than 10M ohms; low readings indicate internal short.
2
Step 2: With actuator disconnected, measure resistance from each harness wire to chassis ground at the TCM connector — should be OL; any reading indicates a harness short.
3
Step 3: Inspect the actuator connector and harness for physical damage, moisture, or chafing against grounded metal components.
4
Step 4: Measure actuator motor winding resistance — very low resistance (below specification) indicates shorted windings.
5
Step 5: If harness and actuator test good, check the TCM output driver by commanding the actuator and monitoring output pin voltage — a stuck-low driver indicates TCM failure.
Estimated Repair Cost
$150 - $1,200
Parts + labor, varies by vehicle and location
The TCM has detected that the gear shift forward actuator circuit voltage is below the expected range. This indicates a short to ground in the actuator circuit, a failed actuator motor with shorted windings, or a grounded control wire. The forward actuator is responsible for engaging odd-numbered ge...
The most common cause of P0922 (Gear Shift Forward Actuator Circuit Low) is: Short to ground in forward actuator wiring harness
Typical repair costs for P0922 range from $150 to $1,200, depending on the vehicle, location, and whether you do it yourself or go to a shop.
A low circuit condition prevents proper odd-gear engagement. The transmission will likely enter limp mode. Do not drive; tow for repair.
Start by connecting an OBD2 scanner to read the code and any freeze frame data. Then follow the diagnostic steps specific to P0922 to identify the root cause.
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Quick Info
Category
Powertrain
System
Automated Manual Transmission (Shift Control)
Difficulty
Type
Generic (SAE)
Recommended Tools
OBD2 Scanner
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