What Does P0952 Mean?
DTC P0952 indicates the Auto Shift Manual control circuit has a low voltage or low signal condition. The TCM detects that the voltage on the ASM control circuit is below the acceptable threshold, which may prevent the shift actuator from receiving adequate power to operate or indicate a short-to-ground condition in the control wiring.
Safety Warning
A low control circuit means the shift actuator may not have enough power to complete gear changes. This can result in stuck-in-gear conditions, inability to shift, or sudden loss of drive. Do not continue driving if shifting is compromised.
Common Causes
30%
Short to ground in the ASM actuator control wiring
25%
Shift actuator motor with internal short to ground
20%
Corroded connector with low-resistance path to ground
15%
TCM driver circuit pulling the output low due to internal fault
10%
Damaged wiring harness from road debris or heat exposure
Diagnostic Steps
1
Step 1: Disconnect the ASM actuator connector and check if the code clears or the TCM reports an open circuit instead. This helps isolate whether the fault is in the actuator or the wiring.
2
Step 2: Measure resistance from the actuator motor terminals to ground. A low reading (near 0 ohms) indicates an internally shorted actuator motor.
3
Step 3: With the actuator disconnected, check the control wiring for a short to ground using a multimeter between each wire and chassis ground.
4
Step 4: Inspect the wiring harness along its routing path for physical damage, especially where it passes near exhaust components, sharp edges, or moving parts.
5
Step 5: If the wiring and actuator test good, check the TCM connector pins for the ASM control circuit. Corrosion or moisture at the TCM connector can pull the circuit low.
Estimated Repair Cost
$200 - $1,200
Parts + labor, varies by vehicle and location
DTC P0952 indicates the Auto Shift Manual control circuit has a low voltage or low signal condition. The TCM detects that the voltage on the ASM control circuit is below the acceptable threshold, which may prevent the shift actuator from receiving adequate power to operate or indicate a short-to-gro...
The most common cause of P0952 (Auto Shift Manual Control Circuit Low) is: Short to ground in the ASM actuator control wiring
Typical repair costs for P0952 range from $200 to $1,200, depending on the vehicle, location, and whether you do it yourself or go to a shop.
A low control circuit means the shift actuator may not have enough power to complete gear changes. This can result in stuck-in-gear conditions, inability to shift, or sudden loss of drive. Do not continue driving if shifting is compromised.
Start by connecting an OBD2 scanner to read the code and any freeze frame data. Then follow the diagnostic steps specific to P0952 to identify the root cause.
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Quick Info
Category
Powertrain
System
Transmission / Auto Shift Manual Control
Difficulty
Type
Generic (SAE)
Recommended Tools
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