P0920 on Ford
Gear Shift Forward Actuator Circuit/Open
P0920 on Ford vehicles indicates gear shift forward actuator circuit/open. Au7o has documented this code across 1 Ford model — most commonly on Focus. P0920 indicates an open circuit in the gear shift forward actuator circuit. In transmissions that use electronic shift actuators, this actuator helps engage forward gear ranges; an 'open' means the control module isn't seeing a complete electrical circuit to that actuator. The code is treated as serious because it can prevent the transmission from shifting or engaging gears properly. Symptoms may include inability to select or stay in a forward gear, harsh or no engagement, a transmission warning light, or limp-mode behavior.
Common Causes of P0920
- •Open or broken wiring in the actuator circuit
- •Faulty gear shift forward actuator
- •Corroded, loose, or disconnected connector
- •Moisture or corrosion on circuit contacts
- •Damaged wiring harness near the transmission
- •Poor ground or open power feed to the actuator
- •Faulty transmission control module (less common)
P0920 on Ford by Model
Ford Focus(1 issue)
- DPS6 PowerShift Dual-Clutch Transmission Shudder, Hesitation, and Failure2012-2018
The DPS6 PowerShift 6-speed dual-clutch automated transmission fitted to 2012-2018 Ford Focus (and 2011-2019 Fiesta) is widely considered one of the worst transmission designs in modern automotive history. The dry dual-clutch design was fundamentally unsuited for stop-and-go driving, producing violent shuddering during low-speed acceleration, hesitation when pulling away from stops, unexpected surging, and abrupt harsh shifts. Ford knew of the defects from the start but concealed them and continued selling vehicles. Multiple class action lawsuits resulted in settlements covering 2012-2016 models (expanded to 2017-2018). Ford issued dozens of TSBs and software reflashes that repeatedly failed to fix the underlying mechanical problem. The TCM (Transmission Control Module) failures are a distinct but related issue. Repair options include clutch replacement (temporary fix), TCM reprogramming, or complete transmission replacement.
Looking for P0920 on a different make?
View P0920 across all makes →Frequently Asked Questions
What does P0920 mean on Ford?▼
P0920 stands for "Gear Shift Forward Actuator Circuit/Open." P0920 indicates an open circuit in the gear shift forward actuator circuit. In transmissions that use electronic shift actuators, this actuator helps engage forward gear ranges; an 'open' means the control module isn't seeing a complete electrical circuit to that actuator. The code is treated as serious because it can prevent the transmission from shifting or engaging gears properly. Symptoms may include inability to select or stay in a forward gear, harsh or no engagement, a transmission warning light, or limp-mode behavior. On Ford specifically, this code is documented across 1 model.
What causes P0920 on Ford vehicles?▼
Common causes on Ford: Open or broken wiring in the actuator circuit, Faulty gear shift forward actuator, Corroded, loose, or disconnected connector, Moisture or corrosion on circuit contacts, Damaged wiring harness near the transmission. Specific causes vary by model and year — see the per-model sections below.
How much does it cost to fix P0920 on a Ford?▼
Repair costs vary widely depending on the root cause and specific Ford model.
Which Ford models have P0920 documented?▼
Au7o has documented P0920 on 1 Ford model: Focus.