What Is the P0849 Code?
Symptoms
Causes
Seriousness
Can I Still Drive?
Diagnose
Difficulty of Inspecting
Get Additional Help
The P0849 code definition is “Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch B Circuit Intermittent.” This code indicates that your vehicle’s powertrain control module (PCM) or engine control module (ECM) has determined a problem with the pressure sensor, switch, or hydraulic clutch that identifies fluid levels inside the automatic transmission. As a generic powertrain code, the P0849 code can turn up in just about any OBD-II-equipped vehicle, but it is more common anecdotally in Nissan vehicles.
More About the P0849 Code
In an automatic transmission, the fluid pressure is very important. Transmission fluid is responsible for a variety of tasks in an automatic transmission, ranging from shifting in and out of gear to handling the lockup in the torque converter to engaging or disengaging the clutch. That’s what the transmission fluid pressure sensor (TFPS) or switch handles; this electrical circuit takes the commands of the PCM or ECM and turns them into actions that allow your transmission to shift accurately and otherwise function well. This code might not specifically indicate that there’s a problem with your TFPS sensor or switch circuit, but it does show that the TFPS sensor circuit is sending irregular voltages to the PCM.
Who Has the Lowest Price?
Some service centers will give you an online estimate to compare. Why drive around Town!?
What Are the Symptoms of a P0849 Code?
The first symptom of the P0849 error code, which you will see with many of these engine codes, is that the check engine light will turn on. Even if there are no other mechanical issues, you should at least see a malfunction indicator light. Generally, this code’s drivability symptoms have to do with an overarching issue related to transmission shifting. You’ll likely see rough shifting and even transmission slipping. In some cases, you may even see a very high temperature within the transmission, which can also result in a decrease in fuel economy.
What Are Some Causes of a P0849 Code?
There are actually a variety of possible P0849 diagnostic trouble code causes. The most common issue is a failed TFPS sensor, but there are also other possible causes of error code P0849, ranging from fairly likely to incredibly unlikely. That may include any of the following:
- General internal transmission malfunction issue
- Intermittent open, short to ground, or short to voltage in the electrical signal circuit
- Other electrical problems, such as corroded connector pins and disconnected signal terminals
- Dirty or contaminated transmission fluid
- Low transmission fluid
- Other faulty sensors or faulty solenoid control circuits within the transmission
- Blockage within your vehicle’s hydraulic lines
- Faulty PCM or ECM, which is uncommon
Any of these causes can relate to a P0849 code, so it’s important that you go through the proper diagnostic flowchart before you make any choices that could relate to fixing a possible issue.
How Serious Is the P0849 Code?
The P0849 code can be very serious because it deals with your vehicle’s transmission. If there’s a problem with your transmission, it can have severe drivability impacts on your vehicle and can also cause long-term transmission damage that can be both difficult and expensive to fix. Treat this code as serious, even if you’re not seeing drivability problems right now, so you can invest in a relatively simple fix rather than having to spend significantly more money on a fix in the future.
Can I Still Drive with a P0849 Code?
It depends on the severity of the code as to whether you’ll be able to physically drive. In some cases, OBD-II generic code P0849 will cause your vehicle to enter Limp Mode or Limp Home Mode, which can severely reduce the speed at which you can drive and shut off less necessary components of the vehicle, like your air conditioning. Fuel consumption can also go up, making it more expensive to drive. Regardless of whether you technically can drive, it’s best to avoid doing so. Driving with a possible transmission issue can result in severe harm to your transmission, so you should stop and get help as soon as possible.
How Easy Is It to Diagnose a P0849 Code?
P0602 code diagnosis can be difficult due to how many causes the P0849 error code is related to. Diagnosing the right issue involves going through a diagnostic chart that may include a wide variety of steps, often tailored specifically to your vehicle’s make and model. Combined with the fact that a transmission issue can be difficult to fix, many people will choose to get expert assistance from a professional for this code to reduce diagnosis time.
How Difficult Is It to Inspect a P0849 Code?
Inspecting anything that has to do with your transmission is often quite difficult. To inspect the P0849 code, you’ll need to understand quite a bit about how your transmission functions and how to fix various problems within the transmission. Inspection for this code can be surprisingly difficult, so it’s best to talk to a professional automotive diagnostician so you don’t make any common mistakes.
Need Additional Help with Your P0849 Code?
The P0849 code can often require additional help, especially because, as a transmission fault, this code can easily indicate more severe problems that you’ll need to fix as soon as possible. The good news is that an expert will be able to identify and solve the problem.
Your first step should be to find an auto repair shop in your area. This is especially important if you’re dealing with a Limp Mode issue, as it can be difficult to drive too far with one of these conditions.
Additionally, it could be a good idea to check out the KBB.com OBD-Il database. These database entries can especially help if your vehicle has multiple fault codes, which might include issues with the TCM power relay sense circuit, your clutch pedal switch, and your four-wheel drive, as you’ll be able to untangle the other issues and learn more about what other codes might mean for your engine.
P0849 Q&A
Common Error Codes
Browse All OBD-II Codes
Get Recall Alerts
All recalls are considered serious. Stay safe. Take care of any recalls ASAP. The good news? Recall repairs are free when performed at a local dealer.