P0805 Clutch position sensor circuit

Clutch position sensor circuit fault

Monitor

On a manual transmission this usually shows as a start or clutch-pedal quirk, though PartsAvatar says it warrants prompt attention. Ford and Nissan bulletins also tie it to rougher shifting or idle-stop faults.

It gets more serious if:

  • Inspect soon: Raise to Inspect soon if shifting becomes erratic, gears are missed, or a warning message appears.

Source: how we rate severity

P0805 in short

P0805 is a clutch position sensor circuit fault. On a manual car the engine may not crank with the clutch pressed, or may start without it. Bulletins also link it to Focus dual-clutch shifting faults and a Pathfinder idle-stop message. It is usually not urgent, but have it checked.

The clutch position sensor tells the computer when the clutch pedal is pressed, which is used for starting in gear protection and cruise or idle-stop functions. Wiring, the sensor or switch, or misadjustment are the common causes.

The same code appears in other designs. Ford's 2012-2013 Focus and 2016-2017 Focus DPS6 bulletins list P0805 with erratic shifting, and clutch actuator motor failure on the DPS6. Nissan NTB21-109 says to reprogram the transmission computer on the 2022 Pathfinder when P0805 is stored with an idle stop message.

Check the pedal switch and wiring first on a manual.

Most likely causes

  1. Clutch position sensor, switch or wiring

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    Both references list the sensor or switch, damaged wiring and misalignment.
    What would change this
    Rises if the engine starts without the clutch or will not crank with it pressed. Falls if the circuit tests good.

  2. Control module reprogram

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Nissan NTB21-109 says to confirm the part number and reprogram the TCM on the 2022 Pathfinder for P0805.
    What would change this
    Rises if your VIN matches. Falls if not.
    How to test the transmission control module (tcm)

  3. Dual-clutch actuator motor or related fault

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Ford 20B23 for 2016-2017 Focus DPS6 lists P0805 among codes caused by clutch actuator motor failure; ASI-44686 lists it for 2012-2013 Focus.
    What would change this
    Rises if you have a DPS6 Focus with shifting complaints. Falls otherwise.

What to test first

Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.

  1. Ask a dealer about bulletins for your VIN and check that the clutch pedal switch is aligned and the connector is clean.

    Low riskTool: scan tool

Symptoms

  • Engine will not crank with the clutch pressed, or starts without pressing it
  • Warning light
  • Erratic shifting or missed gears (Focus DPS6) Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
  • Idle Stop System Fault message (Pathfinder)

How to fix

  1. Check that the clutch pedal switch connector is seated and clean, then ask a dealer about bulletins.

Parts and cost context

  • Transmission control module (TCM):On some models the fix is software. Labor varies; get a quote.

Labor varies by vehicle and shop; get a quote before you approve a repair.

Compare used part prices on PartPriceGuide

On your vehicle

Ford

  • 2012–2017 · Focus

    Supported by vehicle data

    Ford ASI-44686 and 20B23 list P0805 on the Focus; 20B23 attributes it to clutch actuator motors on the DPS6. Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.

  • ASI-44686Status unverified

    Intermittent or delayed engagement, no start, with or without DTCs including P0805

    2012–2013focus · NHTSA 10056788

    Ford bulletin for 2012-2013 Focus.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • 20B23Status unverified

    DPS6 clutch actuator motor replacement

    2016–2017focus · NHTSA 10178055

    Ford: erratic shifting, missed gears, vibration and MIL with codes including P0805 due to clutch actuator motor failure.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

Nissan

  • 2022 · Pathfinder

    Supported by vehicle data

    Nissan NTB21-109 says to reprogram the TCM when P0805 is stored on the 2022 Pathfinder. Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.

  • NTB21-109Status unverified

    P0805 stored in the TCM

    2022pathfinder · NHTSA 10206382

    Nissan: confirm the TCM part number and reprogram if applicable.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • P0884Transmission control module power input signal intermittent

    Same system Supported by vehicle data

    P0884 is the transmission control module power input signal; ASI-44686 lists it with P0805.

All Transmission codes

P0805 questions

Can I drive with P0805?

Usually yes if the car starts and shifts normally. Get it checked if shifting turns erratic or the engine will not start.

Sources and review

  1. OBD II error code P0805: Clutch Position Sensor Circuit — PartsAvatar
  2. P0805 Trouble Code: Clutch Position Sensor Circuit — TroubleCodes.net
  3. Ford 20B23: clutch actuator motor replacement, P0805 among codes — Ford (via NHTSA flat file)
  4. Nissan NTB21-109: P0805 clutch position sensor A in TCM — Nissan (via NHTSA flat file)
  5. Ford ASI 44686: P0805, P2831 and others, delayed engagement or no start — Ford (via NHTSA flat file)
Last reviewed
Written by
Saurabh K.
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