Powertrain
generic / SAE
P081A
Starter Disable Circuit Low
Starter disable circuit reads stuck low — short to ground or low-side driver stuck on. The starter is permanently disabled, blocking engine cranking.
SystemPowertrain
Typegeneric / SAE
GroupP0
Range / number8 / 1A
Possible causes
- Disable wire shorted to ground high
- Connector pins corroded - high contact resistance low
- Harness chafing through insulation low
Symptoms
- Check engine or transmission warning light on
- Harsh, delayed, or missing shifts
- Possible limp mode (locked in one gear)
- Slipping or shuddering during gear changes
Inspection / repair
- Difficulty: medium
- DIY: possible
- Estimated cost: 60–300 €
- Estimated time: 0.3–1.5 h
- Component: starter disable circuit
- MIL / check engine light
Sources
References
sae:J2012