Code
P0871
Generic
P — Powertrain
Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch C Circuit Range/Performance
Views:
UK: 13
EN: 31
RU: 25
AI status
Completed
Completed
100%
Causes
- Faulty transmission fluid pressure sensor or pressure switch (C)
- Open, shorted, or corroded wiring or connector in the sensor/switch C circuit
- Poor electrical connection or terminal corrosion at connector
- Low or contaminated transmission fluid (level/condition)
- Internal transmission hydraulic problem (valve body, pressure regulator, blocked passage)
- Faulty TCM/PCM or incorrect programming
Symptoms
- Check Engine or Transmission warning light illuminated
- Harsh, delayed, or erratic shifting
- Transmission may go into limp-home mode (reduced gear availability)
- Possible inability to shift or slipping under load
- Stored P0871 code, may be accompanied by related transmission codes
What to check
- Retrieve all stored codes and freeze frame data with a scan tool; note related transmission codes
- Inspect transmission fluid level and condition (color, smell, contamination)
- Visually inspect wiring and connector for sensor/switch C for damage, corrosion, or looseness
- Backprobe sensor connector and monitor live data while cranking/running to confirm signal behavior
- Check for continuity, short to ground, and short to battery on the sensor circuit (with ignition off)
- Compare sensor signal (voltage/resistance) to manufacturer specification or typical expected range
Signal parameters
- Typical variable pressure sensor: approx. 0.5–4.5 V output proportional to pressure (varies by vehicle)
- Typical pressure switch: open/closed digital state (0 V or near-battery voltage when switched)
- Open circuit: no signal/OL; short to ground: ~0 V; short to battery: near B+ (~12 V)
- Expected circuit resistance to ground when disconnected depends on sensor type; consult factory spec
Diagnostic algorithm
- Connect an OBD-II scanner and record P0871 and any related codes and freeze-frame data. Note conditions when code set.
- Check transmission fluid level and condition; correct level and replace or flush if fluid is burnt/contaminated before further testing.
- Perform a visual inspection of the sensor/switch C connector and wiring harness for damage, chafing, or corrosion; repair as needed.
- Backprobe the sensor connector with the ignition on and monitor the signal while operating the transmission (or while commanded by scanner). Verify the signal type (analog voltage or digital switch) and that it changes with engine/transmission activity.
- With ignition off, measure continuity and resistance between sensor pin(s) and TCM connector; check for short to ground or battery. Repair wiring faults found.
- If wiring checks good, bench-test or replace the pressure sensor/switch C and retest. Use correct OEM or specified replacement.
- If replacing sensor does not clear code, inspect valve body/pressure regulator and hydraulic passages for sticking or leakage; consider professional transmission inspection.
- If hydraulic/mechanical components are confirmed good, verify TCM/PCM power, grounds, and update/reprogram or replace TCM only after all other causes have been eliminated.
- After repairs, clear codes and road-test while monitoring live data to confirm correct pressure signal and no recurrence.
Likely causes
- Damaged wiring or loose/corroded connector to pressure sensor C
- Failed pressure sensor/switch C
- Low/dirty transmission fluid causing incorrect pressure
- Valve body or pressure regulator sticking or leaking
- Intermittent TCM input/output fault
Fault status
Status
Stored when the transmission control module detects the Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch C circuit output is outside expected range, inconsistent with other inputs, or shows an open/short condition.
Repair difficulty: Medium
Diagnostic time: 1.0-4.0 hours
Similar codes
Workshop Manuals
Available brands with manuals
2
AUDI 11
6-speed manual gearbox 0B1, front-wheel drive — Workshop Manual (Edition 05.2014)
Workshop Manual199,00 UAH
Audi A3 (1997) – 1.6L 4-cylinder (2‑valve) Engine Mechanical Components Service Manual (AEH, AKL, APF) – Edition 07.2002
Workshop Manual199,00 UAH
AUDI A3 (2004) Workshop Manual — 2.0L FSI Turbo (4‑cyl, 4‑valve) Engine, Mechanics — Edition 03.2017
Workshop Manual199,00 UAH
Audi A3 2004 — Electrical System (Workshop Manual, Edition 02.2018)
Workshop Manual199,00 UAH
Audi A4 / A4 Cabriolet – 4.2 l V8 (5‑valve, timing chains) – Workshop Manual (Mechanics) – Edition 04.2007
Workshop Manual199,00 UAH
Audi A4 / A4 Cabriolet — Auxiliary Heater Workshop Manual (Edition 08.2004)
Workshop Manual199,00 UAH
Audi A4 / A4 Cabriolet (1.8T 4‑cyl turbo) — Motronic Injection & Ignition System Service Manual (Edition 01.2015)
Workshop Manual199,00 UAH
Audi A8 (2003) — Electrical System Workshop Manual (Edition 08.2014)
Workshop Manual199,00 UAH
Audi Q4 e-tron (Type F4) - Self-study Programme SSP 685
Workshop Manual199,00 UAH
Audi Q8 (2018) — Electrical System Workshop Manual (Edition 05.2019)
Workshop Manual199,00 UAH
Audi Servicing Manual — 7‑Speed Dual Clutch Transmission 0CJ / 0CL / 0CK / 0DN / 0DP / 0HL (Edition 05.2018)
Workshop Manual199,00 UAH
LAND ROVER 3
Land Rover Defender 300Tdi — Workshop Manual (1996 model year)
Workshop Manual199,00 UAH
Land Rover Defender Workshop Manual Supplement & Body Repair Manual (1999 & 2002 MY)
Workshop Manual199,00 UAH
Land Rover Range Rover — Electrical Library (LRL 0453ENG, 2002)
Workshop Manual199,00 UAH
Your experience will help others
+100 karma for a short comment :)
Was this AI description helpful?
Your feedback helps improve AI descriptions.
👍 Like
0
👎 Dislike
0
Send to email
