Faulty kick-down switch stuck closed or internally shorted; Wiring shorted to ground or voltage in the kick-down switch circuit, for example chafed or pinched harness; Corroded, damaged or loose connector at the switch or control module; Switch out of adjustment or mechanical fault at the throttle or accelerator pedal linkage holding the switch actuated; Throttle position sensor or related input giving a conflicting signal, depending on model and engine; Faulty powertrain control module.

P1837

Kick-Down Switch Failed Short.

Oldsmobile
Powertrain
Manufacturer code
Medium severity

How this code is built

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

What it means

P1837 on an Oldsmobile means the powertrain control module has detected that the kick-down switch circuit is shorted, so the signal is stuck in the 'pressed' state or the circuit is shorted to power or ground. The switch tells the control module when the throttle is pushed fully down so it can command a downshift. The module saw a signal that did not match throttle position or driver input and set the code.

Symptoms

Transmission warning or check engine light on
Harsh, early or unwanted downshifts
No kick-down response or delayed downshift when the throttle is floored
Transmission held in a lower gear or poor fuel economy
Erratic or firm shift feel

Possible causes

Faulty kick-down switch stuck closed or internally shortedlikely
Wiring shorted to ground or voltage in the kick-down switch circuit, for example chafed or pinched harnesslikely
Corroded, damaged or loose connector at the switch or control modulepossible
Switch out of adjustment or mechanical fault at the throttle or accelerator pedal linkage holding the switch actuatedpossible
Throttle position sensor or related input giving a conflicting signal, depending on model and enginerare
Faulty powertrain control modulerare

How to diagnose

Read all stored codes and freeze frame data, noting throttle position, speed and gear when the code set, and check for other transmission or throttle codes
Inspect the kick-down switch, its connector and the harness for damage, chafing, water ingress and corrosion
Check the switch mounting and the throttle or pedal linkage to confirm the switch is not held pressed at idle
Using live data, watch the kick-down switch status at idle, part throttle and full throttle; it should change only at full throttle
Measure the switch with a multimeter for correct open and closed states against the manufacturer's specification, as the arrangement depends on model and year
Check the circuit for short to ground or voltage and continuity back to the control module, with the connectors unplugged
Check the control module supply, grounds and connector pins if wiring and switch test fine

How to fix

Replace the kick-down switch if it is stuck or shorted internally
Repair or replace the damaged wiring and fix the cause of the chafing
Clean or replace corroded or damaged connectors and terminals
Adjust or repair the throttle linkage or pedal so the switch only operates at full throttle
Repair any related throttle position sensor fault found during testing
Replace or reprogram the control module only after all other causes are ruled out and a fault is confirmed

Can I keep driving?

Medium severity

The car can usually be driven carefully for a short time, but shifting may be harsh or wrong, so get it checked soon. If shifting becomes severe or the transmission goes into limp mode, limit driving.

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