What Is the P0871 Code?
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The P0871 code definition is “Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch C Circuit Range/Performance.” This generic powertrain code only indicates an issue with your vehicle’s transmission fluid pressure. If your transmission control module (TCM) recognizes that there’s a problem with the transmission fluid pressure on switch C, it will send a signal to the powertrain control module (PCM) or engine control module (ECM), indicating that it should turn on this error code. This code can appear in most OBD-II-equipped vehicles with an automatic transmission.
More About Error Code P0871
This very generic trouble code can show up for various reasons. It just means there’s a problem with your transmission fluid pressure sensor or switch C. That problem could be from a pressure issue, an electrical connection issue, or something else entirely. This code is also frequently associated with codes P0867, P0868, P0869, P0870, P0872, P0873, P0874, P0875, P0876, P0877, P0878, and P0879, as all of these codes relate to the transmission fluid pressure sensor.
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What Are the Symptoms of a P0871 Code?
The most common symptoms of the P0871 code and other transmission codes tend to be transmission drivability concerns. This may include problems with transmission overheating, transmission slippage, or failed transmission gear engagement. You may be able to tell even from the outside of the vehicle, as it can create a smell of burning transmission oil. You might also see smoke from the transmission area if you’re dealing with actively leaking transmission fluid. The check engine light turns on with this diagnostic fault code.
What Are Some Causes of a P0871 Code?
The P0871 code is unique in that there is a wide array of reasons that you might experience this code. Generally, the most common causes are a failed transmission fluid pressure sensor or a fault in the transmission fluid pressure circuit. Occasionally, even low transmission fluid levels can result in this code. However, internal transmission problems, in general, can also create this diagnostic trouble code. If a code can result in a defective transmission, you want to seek help.
How Serious Is the P0871 Code?
The P0871 code is very serious. Any code concerning your transmission should be treated seriously, as transmission issues can leave you stranded in the middle of nowhere with very little warning. Additionally, the longer you leave transmission issues, even ones that don’t seem very significant, the more likely you’ll end up with actual transmission damage, which can be much more difficult and expensive to fix. Fix this code immediately to avoid permanent engine damage, including mechanical or electrical failure.
Can I Still Drive with a P0871 Code?
You should avoid driving with the P0871 code. Even though it doesn’t often result in Limp Mode or Limp Home Mode, a mode where top vehicle speed may be limited and certain unnecessary systems in your vehicle may be shut off, this circuit code can still result in drivability issues like unnecessary fuel consumption and faulty electrical signals. Only drive with the P0871 code once you know what the problem is and how to fix it, or you might run into mechanical issues and transmission damage.
How Easy Is It to Diagnose a P0871 Code?
The P0871 code diagnostic procedure is often very difficult. Code diagnosis can be very easy if the problem involves dirty or low transmission fluid with no underlying cause. You just need to do a transmission flush or top off your transmission fluid. However, for problems that don’t have to do with these issues or problems with a secondary cause, like a transmission fluid leak, you might need to do a lot of work to diagnose the code properly. This is something that a certified mechanic may be much more well-suited to.
How Difficult Is It to Inspect a P0871 Code?
Sometimes, the problem is just a transmission fluid issue. In this case, you may need to top off the fluid. If there are any other problems, however, a thorough inspection can require you to look at other error codes, test the sensor, perform a visual inspection, check the reference voltage, check all sides of the circuit, including the ground side, and return signal, and even test transmission pressure. If you don’t have the specialty tools or the overall knowledge necessary for this inspection, leave it to the experts.
Need Additional Help with Your P0871 Code?
Many people will need extra help with code P0871. It’s common for people to reach out for assistance with this generic code, as it is difficult to diagnose and repair.
To start, find an auto repair shop in your area. A local automobile repair shop can give you more insight into the problems you’re experiencing without requiring you to drive your vehicle very far. They can also help you with regular service when you don’t have a code reader problem.
This diagnosis of this code is also simplified with information from other codes in your scan tool. If you check the OBD-II database available at KBB.com, you can get information about any other codes that you’re also experiencing. This can help you understand more about any problems inside your vehicle.
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