Reverse Inhibit Control Circuit/Open
What it means
P0801 means the circuit that controls the reverse inhibit function is open. This system normally prevents the transmission from engaging reverse under the wrong conditions (for example, while moving forward). With the circuit open, you may have trouble engaging reverse or lose the reverse-lockout feature, though forward driving is usually normal. The common causes are a faulty reverse inhibit solenoid, open wiring, or a bad connector.
Can I keep driving? Forward driving is usually normal; the main effect is trouble engaging reverse or a disabled reverse-lockout feature — safe to drive, but fix it so reverse works reliably.
Common symptoms
What you'll notice
- Check-engine light on
- Trouble engaging or a delay going into reverse
- Reverse lockout not working as intended
- No obvious change to forward driving
Common causes
Most likely first
- Faulty reverse inhibit solenoidLikely
- Open or damaged wiring in the control circuitCommon
- Loose or corroded electrical connectionsCommon
- Failed transmission control module (TCM)Less often
How to diagnose & fix
Work through it in order
- Read freeze-frame data and confirm the code with a scan tool.
- Inspect the reverse inhibit solenoid connector and wiring for opens, corrosion, or damage.
- Test the reverse inhibit solenoid resistance and operation; replace if open or faulty.
- Clean or repair any loose or corroded connections in the circuit.
- If the solenoid and wiring are good, evaluate the TCM. Clear and retest.
FAQ
Quick answers
Is it safe to drive with P0801?+
Can I just clear P0801?+
Related codes
Often seen with P0801
Read & clear P0801 yourself
Scan your car, confirm the code, and clear it once it's fixed — with OBD DashX on your phone.