What Does P0953 Mean?
DTC P0953 indicates the Auto Shift Manual control circuit has a high voltage or high signal condition. The TCM detects voltage above the expected maximum on the ASM control circuit, which may indicate the actuator circuit is shorted to battery voltage, has an open ground, or the relay/driver is stuck in the active state. This can cause the actuator to operate uncontrolled or remain energized when it should be off.
Safety Warning
A high circuit condition can cause uncontrolled actuator movement, resulting in unexpected gear engagement, stuck shifts, or transmission damage from forced engagement without synchronization. Immediate diagnosis is recommended to prevent mechanical damage.
Common Causes
30%
Open ground circuit for the ASM shift actuator
25%
Control wire shorted to battery voltage in the harness
20%
Relay or power transistor stuck in the on-state
15%
Disconnected actuator connector causing open circuit read-back as high
10%
TCM internal driver circuit failure
Diagnostic Steps
1
Step 1: Verify the ASM actuator connector is fully plugged in and secure. A disconnected actuator can cause the TCM to see a high-voltage condition on the feedback circuit.
2
Step 2: Check the ground circuit for the ASM actuator. Measure resistance from the actuator ground pin to chassis ground. An open ground will cause high-voltage readings on the control circuit.
3
Step 3: With the actuator disconnected, measure voltage on the control wire at the harness side. If battery voltage is present when the TCM is not commanding the actuator, trace for a short to B+.
4
Step 4: Check the relay or power driver for the ASM circuit. A stuck relay will continuously supply power to the actuator circuit, creating a high condition.
5
Step 5: After repairs, clear codes and perform TCM actuator calibration. Test all shift positions to verify proper operation and correct voltage levels.
Estimated Repair Cost
$200 - $1,200
Parts + labor, varies by vehicle and location
DTC P0953 indicates the Auto Shift Manual control circuit has a high voltage or high signal condition. The TCM detects voltage above the expected maximum on the ASM control circuit, which may indicate the actuator circuit is shorted to battery voltage, has an open ground, or the relay/driver is stuc...
The most common cause of P0953 (Auto Shift Manual Control Circuit High) is: Open ground circuit for the ASM shift actuator
Typical repair costs for P0953 range from $200 to $1,200, depending on the vehicle, location, and whether you do it yourself or go to a shop.
A high circuit condition can cause uncontrolled actuator movement, resulting in unexpected gear engagement, stuck shifts, or transmission damage from forced engagement without synchronization. Immediate diagnosis is recommended to prevent mechanical damage.
Start by connecting an OBD2 scanner to read the code and any freeze frame data. Then follow the diagnostic steps specific to P0953 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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