The gear selector switch (GWS) on late-model BMW vehicles consists of the control electronics circuit and the selector lever.
The sensors for recording the gearshift lever position and for inhibiting inadvertent gearshifts are integrated in the control electronics. When the fault code 802683 (selector lever knob exchange with disconnection of battery) is stored, this indicates the GWS was exchanged without isolating the vehicle battery.
Removal of electronic components without first disconnecting the battery may result in a short circuit, causing component damage. Once the fault 802683 is stored, it cannot be deleted and only becomes inactive after a GWS replacement. This is not a defect in the control unit.
Whenever this fault code is stored with additional faults in the gear selector switch (GWS) control unit, then the gear selector switch control module is also faulty and must be replaced. Or, when this fault code is stored without additional faults, then the fault memory entry can be ignored.
