P086E: Neutral Position Sensor A Circuit Intermittent/Erratic

Neutral position sensor A is a three-wire Hall sensor on the shift shaft of a manual gearbox that reports neutral to the engine module; start-stop may only switch the engine off in neutral. Audi uses it as sender G701 on the Q3 and A3, GM on the 2019 Corvette ZR1 manual, where its faults suspend the gear ratio checks. Thresholds and MIL status are not published. P086E means the signal jumps out of range for short moments or changes implausibly fast, typically a loose contact or a chafed wire that moves with the shift shaft. Audi often stores it together with P086D when the too-short G701 wiring only breaks contact now and then.

Symptoms

• Start-stop works only at times
• Start system warning comes and goes

Most likely causes

• Wire at the neutral sender strained or cracked (Audi G701)
• Loose contact or corrosion in the connector
• Sensor or magnet target loose

What to check, in order

Start with the simplest. You can tick off each step.

1. Check the fluid level and condition
2. Gently move the wiring with the engine running and watch whether the reading changes.
3. Read the input and output speed in live data
4. Check the connector and wiring
5. Check for other related engine codes
6. Consult the manufacturer's procedure for the transmission

Good to know

• Repair difficulty: medium

What each character of P086E means

• P: Powertrain: engine and transmission
• 0: Generic code: same on every make
• 8: Transmission
• 6E: Specific fault in that system

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep driving with code P086E?

Drive gently to a repair shop. If it slips, you hear clunks, or it loses its gears, do not keep driving.

What causes code P086E?

The most common causes are: wire at the neutral sender strained or cracked (Audi G701); loose contact or corrosion in the connector; sensor or magnet target loose.

Related codes

• P086ANeutral Position Sensor A Circuit/Open
• P086BNeutral Position Sensor A Range/Performance
• P086CNeutral Position Sensor A Circuit Low
• P086DNeutral Position Sensor A Circuit High
• P08B1Neutral Position Sensor B Circuit Intermittent/Erratic

Sources

• static.nhtsa.gov: MC 10244474 0001
• patents.google.com: en
• law.cornell.edu: 13 CCR 1968.2

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.