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P1852

Brake Band Apply Solenoid Low Voltage.

  • Cadillac
  • Powertrain
  • Manufacturer code
  • Medium severity

How this code is built

P
SystemPowertrain
1
Defined byThe manufacturer
8
AreaTransmission
52
FaultThe specific fault in that area

What it means

P1852 on a Cadillac means the transmission control module saw a low voltage condition on the circuit for the brake band apply solenoid. The module drives this solenoid to apply a band inside the automatic gearbox, and it set the code because the circuit voltage was lower than expected when the solenoid was commanded or monitored. Which gearbox and which band the solenoid controls depends on the model and year.

Symptoms

  • Warning light on, possibly with a transmission or service message
  • Harsh, delayed or missing gear engagement
  • Gearbox stuck in a single gear (limp mode)
  • Slipping or flare between gear changes
  • Loss of engine braking or a particular gear range

Possible causes

  • Damaged wiring or poor connection in the solenoid circuit (chafing, corrosion, pin tension, short to earth)likely
  • Faulty brake band apply solenoid (internal short or open winding)likely
  • Damaged or water-contaminated internal transmission wiring harness or connectorpossible
  • Low battery or charging system voltage, or a poor power or earth supply to the control modulepossible
  • Fault inside the transmission control module driver circuitrare
  • Contaminated or degraded fluid or valve body problem affecting the solenoidrare

How to diagnose

  1. Read all stored and pending codes and the freeze frame data, noting voltage, gear and temperature when the fault set
  2. Check battery condition and charging voltage, and clear any related power supply faults first
  3. Inspect the transmission connector and harness for chafing, corrosion, fluid ingress and pushed-back pins
  4. Check the transmission fluid level and condition against the manufacturer's procedure for that model
  5. Measure solenoid winding resistance and compare it with the manufacturer's specification for that gearbox
  6. Test the solenoid circuit for short to earth, open circuit and voltage drop between the control module and the transmission connector
  7. Check the power and earth supplies to the transmission control module
  8. Using a scan tool that supports it, command the solenoid and watch for a response and for the code returning

How to fix

  • Repair or replace damaged wiring and clean or replace faulty connector terminals
  • Replace the brake band apply solenoid if it is out of specification
  • Replace the internal transmission harness or connector if it is damaged or leaking
  • Correct battery, charging or earth faults that cause low voltage
  • Replace or repair the transmission control module only after the wiring and solenoid are proven good
  • Change contaminated fluid and filter, and repair valve body issues, as the model procedure requires

Can I keep driving?

Medium severity

The car can usually be driven a short distance to a workshop, but the gearbox may go into limp mode and continued use with slipping or harsh shifts can cause internal wear. Get it checked soon and avoid heavy loads or towing.

Guide written by AI from the code's definition. Confirm with a diagnosis before replacing parts.

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