P0983: Shift Solenoid D Control Circuit High

High-voltage fault in the control circuit of shift solenoid D. Ford defines it narrowly as SSD short to power; the open circuit stays with P0765. On the 6R140 the solenoid outputs are run by a smart driver chip (ADLER) that does the open and short checks itself, while older units use a feedback line from the output stage; both need 0.5 to 5 s. Since SSD on Ford six-speeds controls the low/reverse clutch, either alone or through the multiplex valve, a constant power short can apply that clutch at the wrong time. The 2020–2023 gasoline summary keeps the same assignment. GM documents no P0983 for its geared automatics, and Ferrari uses it for an actuator 3 sensor reading too high. Ground faults are P0982.

Medium severity. Can I keep driving?Drive as little as possible and gently. If the transmission slips or stays in one gear, go slowly to a repair shop or call for a tow truck.

Symptoms

MIL on, default gear
Clunk or tie-up feel if the low/reverse clutch applies unintentionally
Upper gears blocked

Most likely causes

Solenoid D control wire shorted to a supply
Solenoid D with shorted windings
Conductive contamination between neighbouring pins
Faulty smart driver or output stage in the module

What to check, in order

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

Check the fluid level and condition according to the manufacturer
Check the sensor's ground and make sure the signal wire is not receiving voltage from another circuit.
Check the transmission connector
Read the data with a transmission-compatible scanner
Measure the solenoid valve circuit
Leave opening the transmission to a specialized repair shop

Good to know

Repair difficulty: hard
It can trigger limp mode.
It affects emissions.

What each character of P0983 means

P: Powertrain: engine and transmission
0: Generic code: same on every make
9: Transmission
83: Specific fault in that system

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep driving with code P0983?

Drive as little as possible and gently. If the transmission slips or stays in one gear, go slowly to a repair shop or call for a tow truck.

What causes code P0983?

The most common causes are: solenoid D control wire shorted to a supply; solenoid D with shorted windings; conductive contamination between neighbouring pins.

Related codes

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.