What does it mean?
P1736 is a Powertrain (engine, transmission, fuel system) fault code. It indicates: Shift Motor-Open or Short to Battery .
Symptoms
- MIL (check engine lamp) on with a mode or gear warning indication
- The requested range or mode change never completes
- Shift motor makes no sound at all, or runs and stops part way
- Vehicle stays stuck in the current range even after repeated requests
- Repeated fuse failures when the circuit is shorted
Likely causes
- Open winding or worn brushes inside the shift motor
- Short to battery voltage on one of the motor feed wires from chafed insulation
- Corroded or water filled connector at the motor, common on underbody mountings
- Broken wire where the harness flexes near the moving assembly
- Blown fuse or a failed relay in the motor supply path
- Binding shift mechanism forcing the motor to stall and overload its circuit
- Module or driver stage failure, checked only after the motor and wiring are proven
How to fix it
- Check the supply fuse and relay, and test both for voltage under load
- Inspect the motor connector and harness for water, corrosion and chafe points
- Measure the motor winding resistance and compare with specification
- Apply controlled power directly to the motor to confirm it turns smoothly in both directions
- With the motor unplugged, test the feed circuits for a short to battery voltage and for continuity to the module
- Check the mechanism for binding, damaged detents and lack of lubrication
- Replace the shift motor after verification, then confirm position feedback reads correctly