Is it safe to drive with this code?

Driving with P0928 is often impractical rather than unsafe—many vehicles simply will not shift out of Park, leaving you immobilised. In rare cases where the interlock fails open, the selector may move without brake pressure, which could create a roll-away hazard. See our site disclaimer for further guidance on vehicle use.

P0928 may affect your MOT outcome if the Malfunction Indicator Lamp is illuminated at the time of test. The interlock system itself is not directly assessed, but an advisory or failure can occur if warning lamps are lit. Refer to our MOT disclaimer for details.

Roughly how much does it cost to fix?

Repair costs typically fall in the low to mid three-figure range. Simple wiring repairs may cost low two-figure sums for parts plus an hour's labour, whilst solenoid replacement often ranges from low to mid three-figure totals depending on parts availability and access difficulty. Dealer rates and complex electronic shifter assemblies can push costs higher; independent garages generally offer better value.

Can I temporarily bypass the shift lock to move my car?

Many vehicles have a manual shift-lock release—often a small slot near the gear selector that you press with a screwdriver or key whilst holding the brake. Consult your owner's handbook for the location and procedure, but this is an emergency measure only; proper repair is essential for safe operation.

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← All fault codes | Gearbox

P0928

Powertrain

Gear Shift Lock Solenoid/Actuator Control Circuit "A"/Open

The transmission control module has detected an open circuit or loss of electrical continuity in the gear shift lock solenoid system, which typically prevents the gearbox selector from being moved out of Park without pressing the brake.

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ⓘ Information only. This page provides general educational information about fault code P0928. We do not assess the urgency or safety implications of any specific fault. That requires in-person diagnosis by a qualified mechanic. Full terms.

Recommended next steps

Whether a fault is urgent, drivable, or routine depends entirely on the cause on a specific vehicle, and that can only be determined by a qualified mechanic with diagnostic equipment. If a warning light is illuminated, the most reliable next step is professional diagnosis.

What does P0928 mean?

P0928 is a Powertrain (engine, transmission, fuel system) fault code. It indicates: Gear Shift Lock Solenoid/Actuator Control Circuit "A"/Open.

This is a standardised OBD-II code. The technical definition is the same regardless of the make or model of vehicle, although specific causes and symptoms can vary between vehicles.

About Gearbox codes

Gearbox (transmission) codes report faults from the transmission control module: solenoid issues, fluid pressure problems, slipping clutches on dual-clutch boxes, and torque converter faults. Many trigger limp mode that locks the gearbox into a single forward gear.

P0928 is one of 643 codes in this category. Browse all Gearbox codes →

What we know about P0928 specifically

We record the SAE J2012 standardised definition and the system this code belongs to, but we have not yet published detailed driver-reported symptoms, common causes, or step-by-step diagnostic guidance for P0928.

Rather than invent that information by generating generic content from a template, we leave it out. For specific guidance, the most reliable sources are:

•your vehicle's own service manual or manufacturer-specific technical bulletins
•a qualified mechanic with a manufacturer-level diagnostic tool
•a marque specialist familiar with your make and model

Codes nearby

Codes adjacent to P0928 in the P-code series. Many fault codes appear together with their neighbours because they relate to the same circuit or component.

P0925 Gear Shift Reverse Actuator Circuit Range/Performance

P0926 Gear Shift Reverse Actuator Circuit Low

P0927 Gear Shift Reverse Actuator Circuit High

P0929 Gear Shift Lock Solenoid/Actuator Control Circuit "A" Range/Performance

P092A Gear Shift Lock Solenoid/Actuator Control Circuit "B"/Open

P092B Gear Shift Lock Solenoid/Actuator Control Circuit "B" Range/Performance

Other Gearbox codes

Other fault codes in the same system as P0928. The ones with detailed guides have plain-English explanations, symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps.

P0700

Transmission Control System Malfunction Detailed guide

P0701

Transmission Control System Range/Performance

P0702

Transmission Control System Electrical

P0703

Torque Converter/Brake Switch B Circuit

P0704

Clutch Switch Input Circuit Malfunction

P0705

Transmission Range Sensor Circuit Malfunction (PRNDL Input)

Spotted an issue or have something to add? Mechanics, technicians, and drivers who have first-hand experience with P0928 can submit a correction or expansion. We review every submission before publishing, mechanic submissions are prioritised.

Information only, not professional advice

The information on this page is provided for general guidance and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for diagnosis or repair advice from a qualified mechanic. Always verify any fault before paying for repairs. carfaultcodes.co.uk accepts no liability for decisions made based on this information. Full terms →

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