Transmission fault only for a short time?

Tiny
VIKTORPANAMERA
  • MEMBER
  • 2010 PORSCHE PANAMERA
  • 4.8L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 17,500 MILES
Hello,

I have a Porsche Panamera 4S PDK 2010 (970).

The car will not go into R or D. When I clear the fault codes with an OBD scanner, the gears work again, but only for a short time.

When the fault code returns, the car seems to get stuck in about 3rd gear while driving.

I have already replaced the distance sensor (purchased from Fruugo) and the mechatronic unit, but the same fault codes keep appearing: P1731, P1732, and U0456.

Could you please help me diagnose this issue or advise what might be causing it?
Monday, March 16th, 2026 AT 3:00 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 55,150 POSTS
Hello,

So the transmission loses track of shift position and goes into failsafe mode.

P1731 - P1732 Shift rod - distance (position) sensor faults The PDK does not know what gear it’s in

U0456 Communication fault (invalid data from control module) Usually a symptom, not the root cause.

The "distance sensor (purchased from Fruugo)" is a problem, you need to buy OEM on this particular sensor, Porsche specialists say: Sensor failures trigger P1731-P1734 and require proper calibrated replacements. Once the PDK has been replaced it must be programmed so it can relearn the adaptation.

I would use a scanner to see if the computer sees the correct gear selection and make sure that is working correctly. There is an internal wiring harness that sits in transmission fluid that goes bad in these cars which is common. But, lets try the scanner test first. Please let me know what you find, Ken
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, March 17th, 2026 AT 9:20 AM

Please login or register to post a reply.