Faulty or misadjusted kick-down switch (worn contacts or internal open circuit); Damaged, corroded or loose wiring or connector at the switch; Open circuit or short in the switch signal or ground wire between switch and control unit; Accelerator pedal assembly or mounting out of position so the switch is never actuated; Water ingress or contamination in the connector or switch; Fault inside the transmission or powertrain control unit.

P1836

Kick-Down Switch Failed Open.

GM
Powertrain
Manufacturer code
Low severity

How this code is built

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

What it means

On GM vehicles P1836 means the kick-down switch has been seen as failed open. The kick-down switch is fitted to some automatic transmission applications and tells the control unit when the driver has pushed the accelerator pedal to or near the floor for a downshift. The control unit set the code because the switch circuit stayed open or gave no signal when it expected one, for example at full throttle demand.

Symptoms

Transmission does not kick down when the accelerator is pressed hard
Sluggish or delayed overtaking response
Gearshifts feel different from normal, with late or missing downshifts
Check engine light or transmission warning light on
Transmission may default to a fixed shift strategy on some models

Possible causes

Faulty or misadjusted kick-down switch (worn contacts or internal open circuit)likely
Damaged, corroded or loose wiring or connector at the switchlikely
Open circuit or short in the switch signal or ground wire between switch and control unitpossible
Accelerator pedal assembly or mounting out of position so the switch is never actuatedpossible
Water ingress or contamination in the connector or switchpossible
Fault inside the transmission or powertrain control unitrare

How to diagnose

Read the stored codes and freeze frame data, and note whether other transmission or throttle codes are present
Check the service information for your model to confirm whether a kick-down switch is fitted and where it is located
Inspect the switch, pedal area and connector for damage, corrosion, moisture or loose pins
Check the pedal and switch position and adjustment, and confirm the switch is physically actuated at full travel
With the ignition on, watch the switch state in live data while pressing the pedal fully, and compare it with the expected values
Check the switch with a multimeter for continuity open and closed as the pedal moves
Test the signal and ground wires for continuity, short circuits and resistance back to the control unit
Check the supply and ground to the control unit only after the wiring and switch have been proved good

How to fix

Replace the kick-down switch if it fails the continuity or live data test
Repair or replace damaged wiring and clean or renew corroded connector terminals
Correct the switch adjustment or pedal mounting so the switch operates at full travel
Dry out and seal the connector and correct the source of any water ingress
Repair or replace the control unit only if all wiring and the switch are proved good, following the manufacturer procedure
Clear the code and road test to confirm it does not return

Can I keep driving?

Low severity

The car can normally be driven as the main effect is the loss of kick-down shifting. Take extra care when overtaking and book the repair soon.

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