P0959
Auto Shift Manual Mode Circuit Intermittent
Transmission control
Generic OBD-II
Medium
What it means
P0959 means the transmission control module has seen an intermittent electrical fault in the circuit that lets you switch between automatic and manual (Tiptronic-style) shift modes. The transmission still shifts on its own, but the manual mode may drop in and out. The cause is almost always a loose connector, chafed wiring, or a failing mode switch rather than the gearbox itself.
Medium
Can I keep driving? Usually driveable — the transmission still shifts automatically, but the manual/Tiptronic mode may work erratically until the intermittent circuit is fixed.
Common symptoms
What you'll notice
- Check-engine light on
- Manual (Tiptronic/manumatic) shift mode works only intermittently
- Unexpected switching between automatic and manual modes
- Transmission or manual-mode warning message
- Occasional erratic or missed manual gear changes
Common causes
Most likely first
- Loose or corroded connector in the auto-shift manual-mode circuitLikely
- Chafed or intermittently open wiring in the harnessCommon
- Faulty manual-mode selector switch or position sensorCommon
- Faulty transmission control module (TCM)Less often
How to diagnose & fix
Work through it in order
- Read freeze-frame data and note when the fault appears (in manual mode, over bumps, etc.).
- Wiggle-test the connectors and harness at the shifter and TCM to reproduce the intermittent.
- Inspect and clean the connectors; repair any chafed or broken wiring.
- Test the manual-mode selector switch/sensor and replace if faulty.
- If wiring and switch are good, have the TCM tested and reprogrammed or replaced as a last resort.
FAQ
Quick answers
Is it safe to drive with P0959?+
Generally yes — the transmission still shifts automatically. Only the manual shift mode is unreliable, so avoid relying on it until the fault is fixed.
Can I just clear P0959?+
You can, but because it is an intermittent circuit fault it will return once the loose connection or wiring problem acts up again.
Related codes
Often seen with P0959
Read & clear P0959 yourself
Scan your car, confirm the code, and clear it once it's fixed — with OBD DashX on your phone.
✓ Verified name — SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6Guidance reviewed by OBD DashX