AutoCodesFord – P1891 Ford

P1891 Ford Code - Transmission Transfer Case Contact Plate Ground Return Open Circuit

Quick Answer

P1891 Ford indicates Transmission Transfer Case Contact Plate Ground Return Open Circuit. Common causes include Faulty Transfer Case Motor, Transfer Case Motor harness is open or shorted, Transfer Case Motor circuit poor electrical connection. 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
P1891 Ford indicates Transmission Transfer Case Contact Plate Ground Return Open Circuit.
Common causes
Common causes include Faulty Transfer Case Motor, Transfer Case Motor harness is open or shorted, Transfer Case Motor circuit poor electrical connection.
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.
AI answers can be wrong. Verify repairs with testing. Open full chat
Code Popularity 32,973
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Sep 26, 2019
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Code P1891 Ford Description

OBDII Code P1891 Ford - Transmission Transfer Case Contact Plate Ground Return Open Circuit - AutoCodes.com
P1891 Ford Code - Transmission Transfer Case Contact Plate Ground Return Open Circuit

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P1891 Ford?

  • Faulty Transfer Case Motor
  • Transfer Case Motor harness is open or shorted
  • Transfer Case Motor circuit poor electrical connection

How to Fix the DTC P1891 Ford?

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 P1891 Ford 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 P1891 Ford Code

1. What does the OBDII code P1891 mean on a Ford vehicle?

P1891 refers to a Transmission Transfer Case Contact Plate Ground Return Open Circuit, indicating an electrical issue in the transfer case system.

2. What are common symptoms of a P1891 code in Ford vehicles?

Symptoms may include the 4WD system not engaging or disengaging properly, the 4WD warning light illuminating, or erratic shifting behavior.

3. What causes the P1891 code to appear?

Common causes include damaged or corroded wiring, a faulty contact plate, a bad ground connection, or an issue with the transfer case control module.

4. How can I diagnose the P1891 code?

Start by inspecting the wiring and connectors near the transfer case for damage or corrosion, checking the ground connections, and testing the contact plate for continuity.

5. Can I drive with the P1891 code present?

Driving with this code may be possible, but it can result in limited or improper operation of the 4WD system, so repairs should be made promptly.

6. How do I fix the P1891 code on my Ford vehicle?

Repairs may include cleaning or repairing ground connections, replacing damaged wiring, or replacing the transfer case contact plate if it’s faulty.

7. Is the P1891 code specific to Ford vehicles?

While the code is most commonly associated with Ford vehicles, it may also appear in other makes that use similar transmission systems.

8. How much does it cost to repair a P1891 code?

Repair costs vary and depend on the extent of the issue. Wiring repairs may cost $50–$150, while replacing a transfer case contact plate or control module can cost $200–$800.

9. Can a bad battery cause the P1891 code?

A weak or failing battery is unlikely to directly cause this code, but electrical issues related to the battery can exacerbate transfer case grounding problems.

10. Do I need to reset the code after repairs?

Yes, after completing repairs, use an OBDII scanner to clear the code and verify that it does not reappear during a test drive.

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