OBD-II Code P0930 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

P0930 means the Gear Shift Lock Solenoid Control Circuit has a fault. The gear shift lock solenoid prevents you from moving the gear selector out of Park unless you press the brake pedal. This is a safety feature required on all modern vehicles. When this circuit fails, the solenoid may not release and the shifter can get stuck in Park. Alternatively, the shift lock may not engage, allowing gear changes without the brake pressed.

Affected Models

All 1996+ vehicles with automatic transmissions and electronic shift lock
Common in Toyota and Lexus vehicles with electronic park lock systems
Common in Honda and Acura vehicles with shift interlock solenoids
Common in GM vehicles with Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI)

Common Causes

Failed shift lock solenoid with a broken coil or stuck plunger
Open or short circuit in the solenoid control wiring
Blown fuse in the shift interlock circuit
Faulty brake pedal position switch not signaling the TCM to release the lock
Corroded solenoid connector causing intermittent or no activation

How to Fix It

Check the brake light fuse and shift interlock fuse first. A blown fuse disables the solenoid. Brake lights not working confirms a brake switch or fuse issue.

On most vehicles, if the brake lights do not come on, the shift interlock will not release either — they share the same brake switch signal.
Test the brake pedal position switch. The switch should send a signal when the pedal is pressed. Use a multimeter at the switch connector.

The brake pedal switch is located behind the brake pedal arm under the dash. It typically has 2 or 4 wires.
Locate the shift lock solenoid. It is usually inside the center console near the gear selector. Access it by removing the shifter trim panel.

There is usually a manual override slot near the shifter for emergency Park release — a key or screwdriver presses in to free the lock.
Test the solenoid coil resistance with a multimeter. Typical resistance is 10 to 30 ohms. An open reading means the coil has failed.

Also apply 12V directly to the solenoid to confirm the plunger extends and retracts. A stuck plunger needs replacement.
Replace the solenoid if it fails the electrical or mechanical test. Clear the code and verify the shift lock engages and releases correctly with brake pedal input.

Test both scenarios — confirm the shifter is locked without the brake pressed, and freely releases with the brake pressed.

When to Call a Professional

Shift lock solenoid replacement costs $100 to $300 parts and labor. Brake light switch replacement is $50 to $150. Wiring repair is $100 to $250. This is generally one of the more affordable transmission-related repairs.

Frequently Asked Questions

My car is stuck in Park — is P0930 why?

Likely yes. A failed shift lock solenoid is a common reason for a shifter stuck in Park. Look for the manual override slot near the gear selector — it lets you manually release Park in an emergency.

Is a stuck-in-Park shifter dangerous?

It is not a safety risk while the car is stopped. However, you cannot drive until the solenoid is fixed or the manual override is used. Fix it properly — do not rely on the manual override for everyday use.

Can a bad brake light switch cause P0930?

Yes — the shift interlock uses the same brake switch signal as the brake lights. If the brake switch fails or the fuse blows, the shift interlock receives no signal to release. Always check brake light operation as a first step.