P081C concerns the input 'park position' – the P contact of the selector or shift module, or the park pawl feedback – which controls switching off the ignition, key release, starter release and the 'not in park' warning. It is documented on the 2017–22 Jeep Compass with the nine-speed automatic: a 2022 bulletin lists P081C with the MIL on, with 'Vehicle not in Park' shown although P is engaged; the car cannot be switched off, modules stay awake and the battery drains. The cause was shift module software, fixed by reflashing. The check is a circuit or plausibility test of the P signal against the range sensor; no thresholds are published.
Medium severity. Can I keep driving?Drive gently to a repair shop. If it slips, you hear clunks, or it loses its gears, do not keep driving.
Symptoms
- 'Not in park' message although P is engaged
- Ignition cannot be switched off, battery drains
- Check engine lamp (Jeep)
Most likely causes
- Shift module software (Jeep Compass)
- P contact or selector switch faulty or misadjusted
- Selector cable misadjusted
- Wire or connector
What to check, in order
Start with the simplest. You can tick off each step.
Good to know
- Repair difficulty: medium
What each character of P081C means
- P: Powertrain: engine and transmission
- 0: Generic code: same on every make
- 8: Transmission
- 1C: Specific fault in that system
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep driving with code P081C?
Drive gently to a repair shop. If it slips, you hear clunks, or it loses its gears, do not keep driving.
What causes code P081C?
The most common causes are: shift module software (Jeep Compass); p contact or selector switch faulty or misadjusted; selector cable misadjusted.
Related codes
- P081DNeutral Input Circuit
- P0850Park/Neutral Switch Input Circuit
- P0814Transmission Range Display Circuit
- P0817Starter Disable Circuit/Open
- P0705Transmission Range Sensor A Circuit (PRNDL Input)
Sources
Values and procedures vary by manufacturer. If it affects brakes, steering, fuel or high voltage, see a professional. Updated: 2026-11-04. How we build these pages.