P0959 Auto Shift Manual Mode Circuit Intermittent
P0959 is a generic OBD2 powertrain code. It means “Auto Shift Manual Mode Circuit Intermittent” — the same on every make and model, because the definition comes from the SAE J2012 standard rather than from the carmaker.
Ask the AI about P0959 on your car- System
- Powertrain (P)
- Code type
- Generic (SAE)
- Range
- P09xx
What the wording tells you
“Intermittent” or “erratic” means the signal dropped out or jumped for brief moments. Look for a loose pin, a chafed wire that shorts over bumps, or corrosion — and expect the fault to hide at the workshop; wiggling the harness with the engine running often brings it out.
Can I keep driving with P0959?
The rule of thumb for this area (transmission): Drive gently and get it diagnosed soon. If the transmission is in limp mode, slipping or shifting harshly, keep driving to a minimum — carrying on can turn a sensor fault into a rebuild.
How P0959 breaks down
Powertrain. Engine, transmission, fuel and emissions — the codes behind the check engine lamp.
Generic code: defined by SAE, the same on every make.
Transmission.
The specific fault within this range.
Where to look: Transmission
Automatic, dual-clutch and automated manual transmissions: shift and pressure-control solenoids, speed sensors, gear-ratio monitoring, the torque converter clutch, fluid temperature and pressure, range sensors and transfer cases.
Typical causes in this area
- Low, old or wrong transmission fluid
- Failed solenoids or speed sensors
- Wiring and connectors at the transmission
- Internal wear — clutches, bands, the torque converter
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Read and clear P0959 on your iPhone
Brimly reads stored, pending and permanent codes through a Bluetooth LE or Wi-Fi OBD2 adapter, explains each one offline from the same 2,693-code dictionary as this page, and clears them once the fault is fixed — each clear goes into the car’s service history with the codes it removed. OBD diagnostics are part of Brimly Forever, a one-time purchase; the PRO assistant explains a code for your exact car.
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Frequently asked
What does P0959 mean?
P0959 is a generic OBD2 powertrain code. It means “Auto Shift Manual Mode Circuit Intermittent” — the same on every make and model, because the definition comes from the SAE J2012 standard rather than from the carmaker.
Can I drive with P0959?
The rule of thumb for this area (transmission): Drive gently and get it diagnosed soon. If the transmission is in limp mode, slipping or shifting harshly, keep driving to a minimum — carrying on can turn a sensor fault into a rebuild.
What causes P0959?
“Intermittent” or “erratic” means the signal dropped out or jumped for brief moments. Look for a loose pin, a chafed wire that shorts over bumps, or corrosion — and expect the fault to hide at the workshop; wiggling the harness with the engine running often brings it out. Typical causes in this area: Low, old or wrong transmission fluid; Failed solenoids or speed sensors; Wiring and connectors at the transmission; Internal wear — clutches, bands, the torque converter.
How do I clear P0959?
Fix the cause first, then clear it with any OBD2 scanner or app. Once the fault is gone the car also clears it on its own: the check engine lamp goes off after the self-test passes on three drive cycles in a row, and the stored code ages out after about 40 warm-ups. Clearing without a repair only hides it for a while — and resets the readiness monitors an emissions inspection looks at.
Is P0959 the same on every car?
Yes. P0959 is a generic SAE J2012 code, so its definition is identical on every make and model. What differs is the cause behind it and the repair procedure, which depend on the engine — that’s why the assistant on this page asks for your car.
Guides
Definitions: the generic SAE J2012 codes from Brimly’s offline dictionary (data version 2026.09). Causes and advice are general guidance for all makes — the service information for your car has the last word.