Safety Warning

DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.

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HOMESERVICE MANUALSSUBARU2005OUTBACK I, STANDARDREPAIR AND DIAGNOSISENGINE PERFORMANCETESTING & DIAGNOSISENGINE CONTROLS - ENGINE (DIAGNOSTICS) (H4SO)DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURE WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC)DTC P0851 NEUTRAL SWITCH INPUT CIRCUIT LOW (AT MODEL)

2005 Subaru Outback i, Standard

DTC P0851 Neutral Switch Input Circuit Low (At Model)

2005 Subaru Outback i, StandardSECTION DTC P0851 Neutral Switch Input Circuit Low (At Model)

DTC DETECTING CONDITION:

Two consecutive driving cycles with fault
GENERAL DESCRIPTION < Ref. to DTC P0851 NEUTRAL SWITCH INPUT CIRCUIT LOW (AT MODEL) , Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Detecting Criteria. >

TROUBLE SYMPTOM:

Erroneous idling

CAUTION: After repair or replacement of faulty parts, conduct Clear Memory Mode < Ref. to , OPERATION , Clear Memory Mode.> and Inspection Mode < Ref. to , PROCEDURE , Inspection Mode.>.

WIRING DIAGRAM:

Fig 1: DTC P0851 Neutral Switch Input Circuit Low (At Model)

Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.

DTC P0851 NEUTRAL SWITCH INPUT CIRCUIT LOW (AT MODEL) DIAGNOSIS

Step	Check	Yes	No
1. CHECK OTHER DTC ON DISPLAY.	Is any other DTC displayed?	Inspect DTC P0705 using "List of Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC)". < Ref. to , LIST OF DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) . >	Go to step 2.
2. CHECK INPUT SIGNAL FOR ECM. Turn the ignition switch to ON. Place the select lever except for "N" and "P" ranges. Measure the voltage between ECM and chassis ground. Connector & terminal (B137) No. 9 (+) - Chassis ground (-):	Is the voltage more than 10 V?	Even if malfunction indicator light lights up, the circuit has returned to a normal condition at this time.	Go to step 3.
3. CHECK HARNESS BETWEEN ECM AND TRANSMISSION HARNESS CONNECTOR. Turn the ignition switch to OFF. Disconnect the connectors from ECM and transmission harness connector (T3). Measure the resistance of harness between ECM connector and chassis ground. Connector & terminal (B137) No. 9 - Chassis ground:	Is the resistance more than 1 MΩ?	Go to step 4.	Repair ground short circuit in harness between ECM and transmission harness connector.
4. CHECK TRANSMISSION HARNESS CONNECTOR. Disconnect the connector from inhibitor switch. Measure the resistance of harness between transmission harness connector and engine ground. Connector & terminal (T3) No. 11 - Engine ground:	Is the resistance more than 1 MΩ?	Go to step 5.	Repair ground short circuit in harness between transmission harness and inhibitor switch connector.
5. CHECK INHIBITOR SWITCH. Measure the resistance between inhibitor switch connector the receptacle's terminals in select lever except for "N" and "P" range. Terminals No. 7 -No. 12:	Is the resistance more than 1 MΩ?	Go to step 6.	Replace the inhibitor switch.< Ref. to INHIBITOR SWITCH . >
6. CHECK SELECTOR CABLE CONNECTION.	Is there any fault in selector cable connection to inhibitor switch?	Repair selector cable connection.< Ref. to INSPECTION , Select Cable. >	Contact SOA Service Center.

RENDER: 1.0x

NO RELATED

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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

• You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
• Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
• The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
• You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
• You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.