Fault code lookup

PowertrainP081A

Caution

Severity: Caution - get it checked when you can

Starter Disable Circuit Low

27 brands affected · Generic SAE J2012 description.

Key terms: SAE J2012: the standard generic code list · Powertrain: engine, transmission and emissions

1What it means in plain English

This range normally covers the transmission control system, but some manufacturers use P07-P09 codes for unrelated functions (fuel pump control, air-mix motors, lighting or windows). Check the description before assuming it is a transmission fault.

2Common causes

  1. Low or dirty transmission fluid
  2. Faulty shift solenoid
  3. Faulty speed sensor
  4. Wiring or connector fault
  5. Internal transmission wear

3Can I drive?

Caution · drive with care

If the transmission slips, jerks, will not shift, or a transmission temperature warning is on, stop driving and let it cool: continuing can cause expensive damage. If the code names a different system (for example the fuel pump), treat it on its own terms; a fuel-pump control failure can stall the car, so have it checked before driving further. Otherwise drive gently to a workshop.

This page gives general information. It is not professional advice. For a definite diagnosis and a repair quote, ask a qualified mechanic to inspect the car.

4Brand data 27

BrandCodeDescriptionSystem
Ashok Leyland CVP081AStarter Disable Circuit Low SAEPowertrain
BAIC MotorP081AStarter Disable Circuit Low BrandPowertrain
BYDP081AAllow start signal BrandPowertrain
CheryP081AStarter Disable Circuit Low BrandPowertrain
DaewooP081AStarter Disable Circuit Low BrandPowertrain
DFFSP081AStarter Disable Circuit Low BrandPowertrain
DFFXP081AStarter Disable Circuit Low BrandPowertrain
DFXKP081AStarter Disable Circuit Low BrandPowertrain
EOBDP081AStartspÀrrkrets lÄg BrandPowertrain
GeelyP081AStarter Disable Circuit Low BrandPowertrain
GMP081AStarter Disable Circuit Low BrandPowertrain
Great WallP081AStarter Disable Circuit Low BrandPowertrain
HafeiP081AStarter Disable Circuit Low BrandPowertrain
HoldenP081AStarter Inhibit Circuit Low Voltage BrandPowertrain
HyundaiP081AStarter Disable Circuit Low SAEPowertrain
IsuzuP081AStarter Disable Circuit Low SAEPowertrain
Land RoverP081AStarter disable - circuit low BrandPowertrain
MitsubishiP081AStarter Disable Circuit Low SAEPowertrain
OpelP081AStarter Disable Circuit Low BrandPowertrain
PeugeotP081AStarter Disable Circuit Low SAEPowertrain
PorscheP081AStarter Disable Circuit Low SAEPowertrain
ProtonP081AStarter Disable Circuit Low SAEPowertrain
SaabP081AStarter Disable Circuit Low BrandPowertrain
MG (SAIC)P081AStarter Disable Circuit Low BrandPowertrain
SubaruP081AStarter Disable Circuit Low SAEPowertrain
TataP081AStarter Disable Circuit Low SAEPowertrain
ToyotaP081AStart lock: circuit short to ground/open BrandPowertrain

Legend: SAE is the generic J2012 description; Brand is text taken from that manufacturer’s data. Manufacturer rows keep the wording and language of the source data, and non-English text is tagged so screen readers pronounce it correctly.

5Related codes

Browse Pxxx codes or P081xx codes.

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