P0998
Shift Solenoid F Control Circuit Low
Transmission
Generic OBD-II
Medium
What it means
P0998 means the control circuit for shift solenoid F is reading low voltage — usually a short to ground or a low-resistance (shorted) solenoid. Shift solenoids route hydraulic pressure to engage gears, so a circuit fault often causes erratic shifting or a protective limp mode. It's commonly a wiring short or a failed solenoid.
Medium
Can I keep driving? The transmission may shift erratically or enter limp mode; you can usually limp to a shop but avoid extended driving on it.
Common symptoms
What you'll notice
- Check-engine light on
- Erratic shifting or failure to shift
- Transmission slipping or hesitation
- Possible limp / failsafe mode
Common causes
Most likely first
- Short-to-ground or low-resistance fault in the shift solenoid F circuitLikely
- Failed shift solenoid FCommon
- Damaged wiring or connectorCommon
- Corroded or loose electrical connectionsLess often
- Failed transmission control module (TCM)Less often
How to diagnose & fix
Work through it in order
- Scan freeze-frame and note the shift conditions when the code set.
- Inspect the solenoid F wiring and connector for shorts to ground, chafing, or corrosion.
- Measure the solenoid's resistance against spec; a shorted coil reads low.
- Repair the wiring or replace the solenoid; internal solenoids may require dropping the pan and valve body.
- If the circuit and solenoid check good, have the TCM tested. Clear and re-test.
FAQ
Quick answers
Is it safe to drive with P0998?+
Only briefly. The transmission often enters limp mode, and continued driving with slipping or erratic shifts can cause internal damage.
Can I just clear P0998?+
It returns until the short-to-ground or failed solenoid is repaired. Clearing only resets the light.
Related codes
Often seen with P0998
Read & clear P0998 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