Pressurized transmission fluid is what operates all of the gears and clutches inside of the transmission. The transmission fluid pressure sensor monitors how much hydraulic pressure is currently available, then relays this data to the ECU through a series of electrical pulses. If the data coming from this sensor falls outside of the normal operating range programmed into the ECU, a P0876 DTC will be saved. This diagnostic trouble code means the transmission fluid pressure is outside of the normal operating range. There are several things that can cause this, and it could even be a failed TFP sensor or switch. But either way, this is a fairly serious DTC.
What Transmission Do I Have?
How Serious is the Code?
The P0876 diagnostic trouble code can actually be pretty serious. Particularly if the cause is a failing pump, or there isn’t enough transmission fluid for it to function properly. If an electrical issue is the cause, then the transmission may not perform correctly. It does not matter if the problem is electrical or mechanical. The drivability issues that can result may cause more serious internal damage.
Symptoms
Symptoms of a P0876 include:
- The transmission has overheated
- Transmission slipping
- Failure to engage gears
- Overheating
- Limp Mode
Causes
- The transmission fluid is low
- Dirt and metal fragments in the transmission fluid
- A transmission fluid leak
- The transmission is overheating
- The engine is overheated
- Damaged wiring and/or connectors
- Bad transmission pump
- Bad transmission fluid pressure sensor
- Bad transmission fluid temperature sensor
- Bad TCM
- Internal mechanical failure
How to Diagnose the Code?
Diagnosing a P0876 OBDII code should begin by checking the manufacturer’s TSB database for known solutions to these transmission problems. Next the wiring and connectors going to the TFPS sensor should be checked for signs of damage and corrosion. The transmission fluid pressure sensor itself will also need to be tested to see if it performs properly. Should no issues be found up to this point, an electric or mechanical problem should be considered.
After reading through all the DTC’s, the transmission fluid pressure sensor (usually located in the valve body or on the side of the transmission case) and the wiring going to it, will need to be inspected for signs of damage. The connectors also need to be inspected for signs of damage and corrosion. If none are found and the TFPS sensor is working properly, then a mechanical issue should be suspected.
If a P0876 diagnostic trouble code has been caused by a low transmission fluid condition, then simply repairing the leak may not solve the problem if damage has been done to other components.
What Repairs Will Fix P0876?
- Change the transmission fluid and filter
- Repair transmission fluid leaks
- Repair or replace damaged wiring and sensors on the transmission wiring harness
- Replace the transmission pump
- Replace transmission fluid pressure sensor
- Replace transmission fluid temperature sensor
- Replace or repair valve body
- Replace or repair transmission
Related Codes
P0875 Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch “D” Circuit
P0877 Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch “D” Circuit Low
P0878 Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch “D” Circuit High
P0879 Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch “D” Circuit Intermittent
What Transmission Do I Have?
