P1835
Kick-Down Switch.
- GM
- Powertrain
- Manufacturer code
- Medium severity
How this code is built
- P
- SystemPowertrain
- 1
- Defined byThe manufacturer
- 8
- AreaTransmission
- 35
- FaultThe specific fault in that area
What it means
P1835 on GM vehicles relates to the kick-down switch circuit, the switch that tells the control module when the accelerator has been pressed fully to the floor. The module set the code because the switch signal was implausible, stuck, or did not match throttle position and other inputs. Exact switch location and test values vary by model and transmission, so check the manufacturer data for the specific vehicle.
Symptoms
- Transmission fails to kick down when the accelerator is pressed hard
- Kick-down happens unexpectedly or at part throttle
- Harsh, delayed or poorly timed shifts
- Transmission stuck in a fixed gear or limp-home mode on some models
- Malfunction indicator lamp or transmission warning lamp on
Possible causes
- Faulty or misadjusted kick-down switch at or near the accelerator pedal or throttle linkagelikely
- Damaged, corroded or loose wiring or connector in the switch circuitlikely
- Short to ground or open circuit in the switch signal wirepossible
- Throttle position sensor or accelerator pedal sensor giving a signal that disagrees with the switchpossible
- Poor power or earth supply to the transmission or engine control modulepossible
- Fault inside the control modulerare
How to diagnose
- Read all stored codes and freeze frame data, noting any throttle or pedal sensor codes too
- Visually inspect the kick-down switch, its mounting and adjustment, and the pedal or linkage for damage or obstruction
- Inspect the wiring and connector for chafing, water ingress, corrosion and bent or pushed-back pins
- With a scan tool that shows live data, watch the kick-down switch status while pressing the pedal slowly to the floor and check it changes only at full travel
- Compare switch status with throttle position or pedal position readings for agreement
- Check the switch and circuit with a multimeter against the manufacturer's wiring diagram, testing continuity, short to ground and supply voltage
- Check the control module power and earth supplies
- Clear the code and road test to see whether it returns
How to fix
- Adjust or replace the kick-down switch as the manufacturer specifies
- Repair or replace damaged wiring and clean or replace corroded connectors
- Replace a faulty throttle or pedal position sensor if its signal is incorrect
- Repair poor power or earth connections to the control module
- Replace the control module only after all other causes are ruled out, with any required programming
Can I keep driving?
Medium severity
The car can usually be driven carefully for a short time, but expect poor or odd shifting and reduced performance when overtaking. Get it checked soon, particularly if the transmission is going into limp mode.
Guide written by AI from the code's definition. Confirm with a diagnosis before replacing parts.
This code for other makes
- P1835BuickKick-Down Switch
- P1835CadillacKick-Down Switch
- P1835ChevroletKick-Down Switch
- P1835GMCKick-Down Switch
- P1835OldsmobileKick-Down Switch
- P1835OtherTransmission Transfer Case Differential Lock-Up Solenoid Short Circuit To Ground
- P1835SaturnKick-Down Switch
- P1835VolkswagenPressure Control Solenoid 5 Short To B+