Faulty PWM solenoid or actuator that is internally shorted or open; Damaged or chafed wiring harness between the PCM and the PWM component; Corroded or loose electrical connector at the solenoid or PCM; Failed driver circuit inside the powertrain control module; Low or fluctuating system voltage affecting PWM signal integrity; Contaminated transmission fluid causing solenoid malfunction (if applicable)

DTC codes / Chrysler codes / P1194

P1194 · ChryslerIncorrect Or Irrational Performance Has Been Detected For The PWM

P1194 on Chrysler vehicles indicates that the powertrain control module has detected an irrational or incorrect performance from the pulse width modulated circuit, which typically controls a solenoid or relay in the transmission or fuel system. The computer compares expected current or voltage feedback against actual values and flags the code when the PWM signal does not behave as commanded.

SystemPowertrain

Code typeChrysler specific

SeverityMedium

Fix difficultyIntermediate

AreaFuel and air metering

Symptoms you may notice

Illuminated check engine light, often with no other noticeable symptoms
Harsh or delayed transmission shifts if the PWM circuit controls a transmission solenoid
Engine misfire or rough running if the circuit affects fuel injector pulse width
Reduced fuel economy or power delivery due to incorrect pulse width modulation
Intermittent stalling or hesitation during acceleration
Transmission may enter limp mode with limited gear selection

Common causes, most likely first

Faulty PWM solenoid or actuator that is internally shorted or open
Damaged or chafed wiring harness between the PCM and the PWM component
Corroded or loose electrical connector at the solenoid or PCM
Failed driver circuit inside the powertrain control module
Low or fluctuating system voltage affecting PWM signal integrity
Contaminated transmission fluid causing solenoid malfunction (if applicable)

How to diagnose and fix it

Scan all modules for stored and pending codes to confirm P1194 is the primary fault
Inspect the wiring harness and connectors at the PWM solenoid and PCM for damage or corrosion
Measure resistance and voltage at the PWM solenoid and compare to factory specifications
Test the PWM signal with an oscilloscope or duty-cycle meter to verify command vs. feedback
Check transmission fluid condition and level if the PWM circuit is transmission-related
Replace the faulty solenoid or actuator if electrical tests confirm failure
Reprogram or replace the PCM only after all other circuits and components test good

PWM circuit faults often misdiagnosed as solenoid failure

A chafed wire inside the harness loom can cause intermittent PWM faults that only appear when the engine is hot or vibrating, so always perform a wiggle test while monitoring live data.
The PCM driver for a PWM circuit can fail without setting any other codes, leading technicians to replace good solenoids repeatedly; always verify the command signal at the PCM connector.
Low battery voltage or a failing alternator can corrupt PWM signals and set P1194 without any actual circuit fault, so check charging system health first.
On some Chrysler transmissions, a PWM solenoid that tests good on a bench may still fail under operating temperature and pressure, so road-test with a scan tool recording live PWM duty cycle.
P1194 can be stored alongside transmission slip codes, but the PWM fault may be the root cause rather than a separate transmission failure, so address the circuit first.

Can I keep driving with P1194?

You can usually drive the vehicle to a repair shop if the only symptom is the warning light, but avoid heavy acceleration or towing until the fault is diagnosed. If the transmission shifts harshly or enters limp mode, limit driving to a short distance at low speed to prevent further damage.

Tools that help

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Guidance is general and written for Chrysler vehicles. Exact tests and values vary by model, so confirm the fault before replacing parts.