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P0934

Hydraulic Pressure Sensor Circuit Low

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By
KBB Service Advisor
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Reviewed by
Gary Hardesty

What Is the P0934 Code?

Symptoms
Causes
Seriousness
Can I Still Drive?
Diagnose
Difficulty of Inspecting
Get Additional Help

The P0934 code definition is “Hydraulic Pressure Sensor Circuit Low.” This indicates that the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) or Engine Control Module (ECM) has recognized that the hydraulic pressure within the transmission circuit is creating a low-voltage signal. This doesn’t necessarily mean there’s a problem with the hydraulic pressure, but instead that the sensor circuit is sending a low voltage, making the PCM or ECM unable to determine actual line pressure. As an OBD-II generic trouble code, this code can pop up in most vehicles equipped with the OBD-II system.

More About Error Code P0934

The transmission is a complex piece of equipment that undergoes significant pressure when you drive. Depending on the current engine load and driving conditions, your PCM may need to change the hydraulic pressure. However, if your vehicle can’t understand the pressure level from the hydraulic pressure sensor circuit or the transmission line pressure sensor circuit, it won’t be able to determine when that pressure is too high. This is why it logs the P0934 code.

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What Are the Symptoms of a P0934 Code?

You’ll commonly notice serious drivability issues when the PCM or ECM cannot modulate line pressure. This diagnostic trouble code usually sets your vehicle’s pressure control solenoid to a default duty cycle. This can create harsh shifting at low RPMs and delayed or soft shifting at higher RPMs. There may be lower acceleration power or higher engine rev than usual. Additionally, symptoms of code P0934 may vary depending on what temporary solution the PCM or ECM has settled on. Your ECM may tell the transmission to start at 2nd gear or not to shift gears to a higher gear. You should also definitely see the check engine light turn on.

What Are Some Causes of a P0934 Code?

The most common cause of the P0934 input code is usually damage to the wiring or connectors within the system. This may include blown or failed fuses or a faulty hydraulic pressure sensor circuit. A defective transmission pressure sensor may also result in OBD-II code P0934. In some rare cases, the problem may be issues with the PCM, ECM, or Transmission Control Module (TCM), but this is very uncommon and should never be the first thing you consider.

How Serious Is the P0934 Code?

The P0934 code should be considered very serious. This code primarily has to do with pressure within your transmission. If the PCM or ECM doesn’t know how much hydraulic pressure is present within the transmission, you can experience severe drivability issues and engine damage over time. If you want to avoid transmission damage, which can be exceptionally serious and expensive to fix, try to tackle the P0934 code as early as possible.

Can I Still Drive with a P0934 Code?

In most cases, you’ll physically be able to drive when the P0934 code is active, as this code rarely results in a no-start code. However, that doesn’t mean driving with this code is safe. The P0934 error code results in serious drivability issues and possible transmission damage, requiring more extensive transmission repairs. Instead of letting this code go, you should stop driving the vehicle and pursue expert assistance.

How Easy Is It to Diagnose a P0934 Code?

The P0934 code is often difficult to diagnose. It’s very common for transmission codes to be notably difficult to diagnose, as the transmission is an enormously complex piece of machinery that is often hard to understand, especially for DIYers. Because this code is very complex, the problem is so serious, and the diagnostic process often requires special information and specialty tools, it’s usually best to get an expert to help with your P0934 code.

How Difficult Is It to Inspect a P0934 Code?

The P0934 code is often fairly difficult to inspect, as transmission problems are hard to understand and even harder to get to the bottom of. The P0934 code is fairly generic as far as transmission codes go. This code only indicates a problem with the voltage associated with the transmission pressure sensor circuit, not exactly what that problem is or what might be causing it. If you need tools like access to technical service bulletins, an OBD-II code scanner, and circuit resistor tools, getting help from an expert mechanic is a good idea.

Need Additional Help with Your P0934 Code?

Most people will need extra help with the P0934 code, and that’s one of the reasons it’s so helpful to find a mechanic who can determine the problem and perform a fix with no follow-up repairs necessary.

You’ll want to find an auto repair shop in your area. A local automobile repair shop is one of the top tools when dealing with these problems, as experts will know how to fix the problem far better than you will.

You should also check the OBD-II database from KBB.com. This database will give you more information about the description of codes you’re experiencing, including other codes that may be giving you insight into the underlying problem here.

P0934 Q&A

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