AutoCodes – Cadillac – P0873 Cadillac

P0873 Cadillac Code - Transmission Fluid Pressure Switch 3 Circuit High Voltage

Quick Answer

The transmission fluid pressure switch, also known as the pressure switch manifold, is a multiple switch assembly made up of 3 normally open pressure switches and 1 normally closed pressure switch. Common causes include Low transmission fluid level, Dirty transmission fluid, Faulty Transmission Control Solenoid Valve Assembly. Severity is High - diagnose this code as soon as possible. Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

What it means: P0873 Cadillac indicates Transmission Fluid Pressure Switch 3 Circuit High Voltage.
Common causes: Common causes include Low transmission fluid level, Dirty transmission fluid, Faulty Transmission Control Solenoid Valve Assembly.
Severity: High - diagnose this code as soon as possible.
Can I drive?: Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

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Code Popularity 568

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

Repair Importance Level

Urgent (Diagnose now) (3 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Advanced (Pro) (3 / 3)

What is this?

Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Aug 02, 2022

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code P0873 Cadillac Description

The transmission fluid pressure switch, also known as the pressure switch manifold, is a multiple switch assembly made up of 3 normally open pressure switches and 1 normally closed pressure switch. Pressure switch 1 monitors shift valve 1 positioning, pressure switch 2 monitors shift valve 2 positioning, pressure switch 3 monitors shift valve 3 positioning, and pressure switch 4 monitors the position of the manual selector valve. The TCM provides a signal circuit to each of the pressure switches. The TCM constantly monitors the circuits to determine the position of the shift valves. The position of shift valves 1, 2, and 3 is controlled by 3 normally closed shift solenoids. When energized, shift solenoid 1 directs fluid pressure to shift valve 1, shift solenoid 2 directs fluid pressure to shift valve 2, and shift solenoid 3 directs fluid pressure to shift valve 3, which strokes the shift valves. When a shift valve is stroked, an exhaust passage is blocked and fluid pressure increases, closing the normally open pressure switch. The Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) will be set when the TCM detects that transmission fluid pressure switch 3 signal circuit is High when shift solenoid 3 is commanded ON for 1 s.

OBDII Code P0873 Cadillac - Transmission Fluid Pressure Switch 3 Circuit High Voltage - AutoCodes.com — P0873 Cadillac Code - Transmission Fluid Pressure Switch 3 Circuit High Voltage

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0873 Cadillac?

Low transmission fluid level
Dirty transmission fluid
Faulty Transmission Control Solenoid Valve Assembly
Transmission Control Solenoid Valve Assembly harness is open or shorted
Transmission Control Solenoid Valve Assembly circuit poor electrical connection
Faulty Transmission Control Module (TCM)

How to Fix the DTC P0873 Cadillac?

Review the 'Possible Causes' above and visually examine the corresponding wiring harness and connectors. Check for damaged components and inspect connector pins for signs of being broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded.

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P0873 Cadillac code, it typically requires 1.0 hour of labor. Rates vary by location, vehicle, and shop. Many shops charge between $80–$150 per hour; dealerships and metro areas may be higher, independents may be lower.

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About the author: William Orellana is a Master Mechanic and Mechanical Engineer with over 30 years of experience diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Learn more about his background.

Frequently Asked Questions about P0873 Cadillac Code

1. What does the OBDII code P0873 mean on a Cadillac?

P0873 indicates a "Transmission Fluid Pressure Switch 3 Circuit High Voltage" issue, meaning the transmission control module is detecting a high voltage signal from pressure switch 3.

2. What are the common symptoms of the P0873 code on a Cadillac?

Symptoms may include harsh or delayed shifting, transmission slipping, the vehicle going into limp mode, and the illumination of the check engine light.

3. What causes the P0873 code on a Cadillac?

Common causes include a faulty transmission fluid pressure sensor, damaged wiring or connectors in the circuit, low or contaminated transmission fluid, or a malfunctioning transmission control module (TCM).

4. Can low transmission fluid cause the P0873 code?

Yes, low or contaminated transmission fluid can cause abnormal pressure readings, potentially triggering the P0873 code.

5. How do I diagnose the P0873 code on my Cadillac?

Diagnosis involves checking the transmission fluid level and condition, inspecting wiring and connectors for damage, testing the transmission fluid pressure sensor, and using a scan tool to monitor live data.

6. Can I drive my Cadillac with the P0873 code?

Driving with the P0873 code is not recommended, as it can lead to further transmission damage and may cause the vehicle to shift improperly or enter limp mode.

7. How do I fix the P0873 code on a Cadillac?

Repairs may include replacing the transmission fluid pressure sensor, repairing damaged wiring, cleaning or replacing connectors, or addressing low or dirty transmission fluid.

8. How much does it cost to fix the P0873 code on a Cadillac?

Repair costs vary depending on the cause but may range from $100 to $300 for sensor replacement or wiring repairs. More extensive transmission issues could cost significantly more.

9. Does the P0873 code mean my transmission is failing?

Not necessarily. While it could indicate a serious problem, many cases are caused by sensor or wiring issues that are less severe and easier to repair.

10. Will clearing the P0873 code with a scan tool fix the issue?

Clearing the code may temporarily remove the check engine light, but if the underlying problem isnâ€™t resolved, the code will likely return.