P0838 - OBD II Trouble Code

Our automotive experts have put together the following information about the P0838 diagnostic trouble code. We've provided the common symptoms that occur when this code is set along with the frequent repairs that address the issues related to the P0838 code.

OBD II Fault Code

• OBD II P0838

OBD-II Code 4-wheel drive light is flashing is defined as a Four Wheel Drive (4WD) Switch Circuit Low

The 4-Wheel Drive Switch Circuit tells the Transmission Control Module (TCM) what mode the 4-wheel drive system is in (i.e. 4-wheel high, 4-wheel low, 2-wheel). If this switch does not send back a plausible signal, code P0838 will be stored and the 4-wheel drive system may be disabled.

4-wheel drive light is flashing Symptoms

• 4-wheel drive light is flashing
• 4-wheel drive system is disabled

Common Problems That Trigger the P0838 Code

• 4-wheel drive switch failure
• Transfer case switch failure
• Transmission Control Module (TCM) failure
• Wiring issue