Located under the dash, on or near the accelerator pedal assembly, the kick down switch activates the downshift solenoid inside the transmission when you floor the gas pedal. This causes the transmission to downshift and give you a burst of power. If a short is detected in the kickdown switch circuit, a P1837 diagnostic trouble code will be stored in the ECU.
What Transmission Do I Have?
How Serious is the Code?
A P1837 DTC means that the kick-down switch is not working, so you won’t be able to accelerate when you may need to. And needless to say, this is a serious safety issue.
Symptoms
Symptoms of a P1837 include:
- No downshift when gas pedal is pushed all the way to the floor
- Poor vehicle performance
- Slow shifts
- Shifts happen too soon
Causes
- Broken kick-down switch
- Failed downshift solenoid
- Accelerator pedal linkage/assembly issue
How to Diagnose the Code?
When determining the cause of a P1837 OBDII diagnostic trouble code, the technician should carefully inspect the kick-down switch and wiring for signs of a short. Electrical tests should also be performed.
What Transmission Do I Have?
What Repairs Will Fix P1837?
- Replace the kick-down switch
- Adjust the accelerator pedal linkage
Related Codes
P1835 – Kick-Down Switch Circuit
P1836 – Kick-Down Switch Failed Open
P1837 – Kick-Down Switch Failed Short
