P0831

Clutch Pedal Switch A Circuit Low

Q: Is it safe to drive with P0831?

Yes — the engine runs and drives normally. The main nuisance is a hard start on cars that require the clutch pressed to crank, and cruise control that won't engage.

Q: Can I just clear P0831?

You can, but it returns until the switch or its wiring is fixed. If your car uses a clutch-start interlock, a bad switch can leave you unable to start.

Transmission / clutch controls Generic OBD-II Medium

What it means

P0831 sets when the module sees a low-voltage (or shorted) signal from clutch pedal switch "A" on a manual-transmission car. That switch tells the car whether the clutch is pressed — it's used for the clutch-start interlock and cruise control. The engine still runs and drives normally, but on cars that require the clutch pressed to crank you may have starting trouble.

Medium

Can I keep driving? The engine runs and drives normally, but on cars with a clutch-start interlock you may have trouble cranking, and cruise control may not work.

Real-world scan data

Seen in

scans in the past year

Found in

<0.1%

of scans

<0.1%

of scans that found faults

Figures reflect only diagnostic scans recorded through our own apps and tools. Cars are typically scanned because a symptom or warning light prompted it, so these counts describe our scan records — not the incidence of faults in any model, and not the quality, reliability, or safety of any vehicle. No comparison between manufacturers or models is implied. All trademarks belong to their respective owners; no affiliation or endorsement is implied.

Common symptoms

What you'll notice

Check-engine light on
Hard to start or engine won't crank on cars that require the clutch pressed to start
Engine may crank without the clutch pedal pressed (interlock defeated)
Cruise control won't engage or drops out

Common causes

Most likely first

Faulty clutch pedal position switchLikely
Corroded, shorted, or damaged wiring in the switch circuitCommon
Loose or disconnected connector at the switchCommon
Misadjusted switch or pedal bracketLess often
Failed control module (rare)Less often

How to diagnose & fix

Work through it in order

Read freeze-frame data and confirm the code, then locate the clutch pedal switch at the pedal bracket.
Inspect the connector and wiring for corrosion, chafing, or a short to ground.
Check switch adjustment and test its operation with the pedal up and down (continuity).
Replace the clutch pedal switch if it fails the test.
Repair wiring faults, then clear the code and re-test starting and cruise control.

FAQ

Quick answers

Is it safe to drive with P0831?+

Yes — the engine runs and drives normally. The main nuisance is a hard start on cars that require the clutch pressed to crank, and cruise control that won't engage.

Can I just clear P0831?+

You can, but it returns until the switch or its wiring is fixed. If your car uses a clutch-start interlock, a bad switch can leave you unable to start.

Read & clear P0831 yourself

Scan your car, confirm the code, and clear it once it's fixed — with OBD DashX on your phone.

▶ Get it on Google Play

✓ Verified name — SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6Guidance reviewed by OBD DashX