P1833

What it means

P1833 on a Cadillac means the transmission control module has detected low voltage on the power supply circuit feeding the automatic transmission solenoids. The module compares the solenoid supply voltage with what it expects, usually with the ignition on or the engine running, and sets the code when the supply falls below the threshold. The exact fuse, relay and wiring layout depends on the model and transmission.

Symptoms

• Transmission warning or service light on
• Harsh, delayed or flared gear shifts
• Transmission stuck in one gear (limp mode)
• No upshifts or no torque converter lock-up
• Poor fuel economy
• Intermittent shifting problems that come and go

Possible causes

• Blown or loose fuse, or a corroded fuse terminal, in the transmission solenoid power supplylikely
• Corroded, damaged or loose wiring or connectors in the solenoid power feed, including the connector at the transmissionlikely
• Low system voltage from a weak battery, poor battery terminals or a poorly charging alternatorpossible
• Poor ground connection for the transmission control module or the transmission harnesspossible
• Faulty relay or ignition switch feed supplying the solenoid power circuit (depends on model)possible
• Internal short or fault in a solenoid or the transmission internal harness pulling the supply downrare
• Faulty transmission control modulerare

How to diagnose

1. Read all stored codes and freeze frame data, noting battery voltage and conditions when the code set, and check for other voltage or communication codes.
2. Test the battery state of charge and the charging voltage with the engine running to rule out a general low voltage problem.
3. Check the fuse and relay for the transmission solenoid supply using the vehicle wiring diagram, looking for blown fuses and corroded terminals.
4. Inspect the wiring and connectors between the fuse box, control module and transmission for chafing, water ingress, green corrosion and pushed-back pins.
5. Measure the solenoid supply voltage at the control module and at the transmission connector with the ignition on, and compare it with battery voltage under load.
6. Perform voltage drop tests on the power and ground circuits to find high resistance.
7. Check the resistance of the solenoids and the internal harness against specification for that transmission, to find a short pulling the supply down.
8. Clear the code and road test, then recheck for the code returning and monitor live voltage.

How to fix

• Replace any blown fuse only after finding what caused it, and clean or replace corroded fuse or relay terminals.
• Repair or replace damaged wiring and connectors, and clean or renew corroded terminals.
• Restore good ground connections at the body and transmission control module.
• Replace a faulty relay or switch in the supply circuit.
• Charge or replace a weak battery, or repair the charging system.
• Repair or replace a faulty solenoid pack or internal harness, or the control module, only once testing proves it at fault.

Can I keep driving?

This code for other makes

• P1833BuickA/T Solenoids Power Circuit Low Voltage
• P1833ChevroletA/T Solenoids Power Circuit Low Voltage
• P1833GMA/T Solenoids Power Circuit Low Voltage
• P1833GMCA/T Solenoids Power Circuit Low Voltage
• P1833OldsmobileA/T Solenoids Power Circuit Low Voltage
• P1833OtherTransmission Transfer Case Differential Lock-Up Solenoid Open Circuit
• P1833SaturnA/T Solenoids Power Circuit Low Voltage

Nearby codes

• P1831CadillacPC Solenoid Power Circuit Low Voltage
• P1835CadillacKick-Down Switch