OBD2 Car ScannerWhat does P0801 mean?
P0801 stands for Reverse Inhibit Control Circuit Malfunction. The transmission control system has found a problem. You may notice harsh, late or missing gear changes.
Powertrain codes cover the engine, transmission and emissions. When the car's computer sees a reading outside its normal range, it stores this code and may turn on a warning light on the dashboard.
Common causes
- Low or old transmission fluid
- Faulty shift solenoid
- Faulty transmission speed or temperature sensor
- Damaged wiring
- Internal transmission wear
What to do
- Read all stored and pending codes with a scanner. Several codes together often point to one cause.
- Note the freeze frame data (speed, temperature, load) recorded when the code was set.
- Inspect the wiring and connectors of the part named in the code for damage, corrosion or looseness.
- Fix the most likely and cheapest cause first, then clear the code and drive to see if it comes back.
Read this code from your own car
Plug in a cheap ELM327 adapter and the app shows every fault code, what it means and how to fix it.
Frequently asked questions
What does P0801 mean?
P0801 means “Reverse Inhibit Control Circuit Malfunction”. It belongs to the transmission group: The transmission control system has found a problem. You may notice harsh, late or missing gear changes.
Is it safe to drive with P0801?
Avoid driving long distances. This kind of fault can cause damage or affect safety, so get it checked as soon as possible.
How do I clear P0801?
Fix the cause, then clear the code with an OBD2 scanner or app. If the fault is still there, the code will come back.
Related codes
- P07BCTransmission Park Position Sensor/Switch B Circuit Performance High
- P07BDTransmission Park Position Sensor/Switch B Circuit Intermittent/Erratic
- P07BETransmission Park Position Sensor/Switch A/B Correlation
- P0800Transfer Case Control System (MIL Request)
- P0802Transmission Control System MIL Request Circuit/Open
- P08031-4 Upshift (Skip Shift) Solenoid Control Circuit Malfunction
- P08041-4 Upshift (Skip Shift) Lamp Control Circuit Malfunction
- P0805Clutch Position Sensor Circuit
Code meanings can vary by manufacturer. This page is general guidance, not a repair manual. Always confirm the cause before replacing parts.