AutoCodes – Generic – P079A

P079A Code - Transmission Friction Element 'A' Slip Detected

Quick Answer

The Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) will monitor the amount of force needed to assist with vehicle steering when the ignition is ON and the voltage supply to the PSCM is above 6 volts, all other Electric Power-Assisted Steering (EPAS) sensors are functioning correctly and the EPAS gear is providing assist. Common causes include Low tire air pressure, Damaged steering gear bellows boot, Contaminated gear/rack. 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: P079A indicates Transmission Friction Element 'A' Slip Detected.
Common causes: Common causes include Low tire air pressure, Damaged steering gear bellows boot, Contaminated gear/rack.
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 3,311

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 Jun 14, 2020

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code P079A Description

OBDII Code P079A - Transmission Friction Element 'A' Slip Detected - AutoCodes.com — P079A Code - Transmission Friction Element 'A' Slip Detected

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P079A?

Low tire air pressure
Damaged steering gear bellows boot
Contaminated gear/rack
Inner tie rods
Steering gear internal failure

How to Fix the DTC P079A?

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 P079A 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.

Need more information about the P079A code?

Need more information on how to fix the P079A code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

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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 P079A Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P079A?

- Common symptoms include harsh shifting, transmission slipping, reduced fuel efficiency, and the transmission may go into limp mode.

2. What can cause OBDII code P079A to trigger?

- The code P079A is triggered when the Transmission Control Module (TCM) detects excessive slipping of the friction element 'A' in the transmission.

3. How serious is OBDII code P079A?

- OBDII code P079A should be addressed promptly to prevent further damage to the transmission system and ensure safe driving conditions.

4. Can driving with OBDII code P079A cause further damage?

- Continuing to drive with code P079A can lead to increased wear on transmission components and potentially result in a complete transmission failure.

5. How is OBDII code P079A diagnosed?

- Diagnosis involves using a professional diagnostic scan tool to read the code, along with conducting a thorough inspection of the transmission system.

6. What are some common repair tips for OBDII code P079A?

- Repairing code P079A may involve checking and replacing the friction element 'A', inspecting the transmission fluid level and condition, and ensuring proper TCM operation.

7. Can I reset OBDII code P079A without fixing the underlying issue?

- While you can clear the code temporarily, it is crucial to address the root cause of code P079A to prevent ongoing transmission problems.

8. How much does it typically cost to repair OBDII code P079A?

- The cost of repairing code P079A can vary depending on the extent of the issue, but it may involve replacing transmission components or addressing related issues.

9. Are there any preventive measures to avoid OBDII code P079A?

- Regular maintenance, such as checking and changing transmission fluid at recommended intervals, can help prevent issues that may trigger code P079A.

10. Can a DIY enthusiast fix OBDII code P079A?

- While some basic maintenance tasks can be done by DIY enthusiasts, diagnosing and repairing code P079A often requires professional expertise and specialized tools.