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DTC P0851: Park/Neutral Switch Input Circuit Low: Notes

DTC detecting condition: 

Detected when two consecutive driving cycles with fault occur.

Trouble symptom: 

Improper idling

Wiring diagram: 

Engine Electrical System Ref. to WIRING SYSTEM>ENGINE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM .

G16446414Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
CAUTION: Use the check board when measuring the ECM terminal voltage and resistance. Ref. to ENGINE (DIAGNOSTICS) (H4DOTC)>GENERAL DESCRIPTION>PREPARATION TOOL>HOW TO USE CHECK BOARD .
NOTE: After the faulty parts are repaired or replaced, perform the final check in Basic Diagnostic Procedure. Ref. to ENGINE (DIAGNOSTICS) (H4DOTC)>BASIC DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURE>PROCEDURE .
  1. CHECK SELECT CABLE  .

    Check the select cable.

    Is there any fault in select cable?

    Yes:  Repair or adjust the select cable. Ref. to CONTROL SYSTEMS>SELECT CABLE .

    No:  Go to  2.

  2. CHECK INPUT SIGNAL OF ECM  .
    1. Turn the ignition switch to ON.
    2. Place the select lever in other than "P" range and "N" range.
    3. Measure the voltage between ECM connector and chassis ground.

      Connector & terminal 

      (E159) No. 12 - Engine ground:

    Is the voltage 10 V or more?

    Yes:  Repair the poor contact of ECM connector.

    No:  Go to  3.

  3. CHECK HARNESS BETWEEN ECM AND TRANSMISSION HARNESS CONNECTOR (SHORT TO GROUND)  .
    1. Turn the ignition switch to OFF.
    2. Disconnect the connector from ECM.
    3. Disconnect the connector from inhibitor switch.
    4. Measure the resistance between ECM connector and chassis ground.

      Connector & terminal 

      (E159) No. 12 - Engine ground:

    Is the resistance 1 MΩ or more?

    Yes:  Replace the inhibitor switch. Ref. to CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION (TR690)>INHIBITOR SWITCH .

    No:  Repair the following item.

    • Short circuit to ground in harness between ECM connector and inhibitor switch connector
    • Poor contact of coupling connector