AutoCodes – RAM – P0870 RAM

P0870 RAM Code - OD Hydraulic Pressure Test

Quick Answer

Pressure switches are normally off or open (no pressure applied) and read high (+12 volts). Common causes include Faulty OD Hydraulic Pressure Switch, OD Hydraulic Pressure Switch harness is open or shorted, OD Hydraulic Pressure Switch 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: P0870 RAM indicates OD Hydraulic Pressure Test.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty OD Hydraulic Pressure Switch, OD Hydraulic Pressure Switch harness is open or shorted, OD Hydraulic Pressure Switch 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.

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Code Popularity 760

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 Apr 06, 2022

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code P0870 RAM Description

Pressure switches are normally off or open (no pressure applied) and read high (+12 volts). When an element is applied, the corresponding pressure switch closes to ground (0 volts) or turns on. The controller tests the OD and 2/4 pressure switches when they are off (when the corresponding friction element is not applied) by briefly applying the OD and 2/4 elements which will cause the corresponding pressure switch to close. The test verifies that the switches are operational and that the switch will close when the corresponding element is applied. If a switch fails to respond, it is re-tested. The MIL illuminates and the transmission system defaults to Limp-in mode.
After a shift into a forward gear, with engine speed greater than 1000 RPM, the PCM momentarily turns on element pressure to the clutch circuits that don't have pressure to identify the correct pressure switch closes. If the pressure switch does not close 2 times the Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) sets.

OBDII Code P0870 RAM - OD Hydraulic Pressure Test - AutoCodes.com — P0870 RAM Code - OD Hydraulic Pressure Test

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0870 RAM?

Faulty OD Hydraulic Pressure Switch
OD Hydraulic Pressure Switch harness is open or shorted
OD Hydraulic Pressure Switch circuit poor electrical connection
Faulty Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
Internal transmission problem

How to Fix the DTC P0870 RAM?

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 P0870 RAM 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 P0870 RAM Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P0870 RAM titled OD Hydraulic Pressure Test?

- Common symptoms of this code may include harsh shifting, delayed or erratic gear changes, transmission slipping, and illuminated warning lights on the dashboard.

2. What are the possible causes of OBDII code P0870 RAM?

- The code P0870 RAM is typically triggered by issues with the transmission fluid pressure, such as a malfunctioning hydraulic pump, low fluid levels, a faulty pressure sensor, or a clogged transmission filter.

3. How can I diagnose the cause of OBDII code P0870 RAM?

- To diagnose the cause of P0870 RAM, you may need to perform a hydraulic pressure test on the transmission system using a scan tool to monitor pressure values and identify any abnormalities.

4. What are the recommended repair tips for OBDII code P0870 RAM?

- Repair tips for this code may include checking and topping up the transmission fluid, inspecting and replacing the transmission filter if necessary, testing the hydraulic pump, and verifying the pressure sensor's operation.

5. Can driving with OBDII code P0870 RAM cause further damage to the vehicle?

- Continuing to drive with code P0870 RAM may lead to further damage to the transmission system, potentially resulting in more severe issues and costly repairs if left unaddressed.

6. How serious is OBDII code P0870 RAM?

- OBDII code P0870 RAM should be taken seriously as it indicates a problem with the transmission's hydraulic pressure, which can affect the vehicle's performance and drivability if not resolved promptly.

7. Can I reset OBDII code P0870 RAM with a simple OBDII scanner?

- While you can clear the code with an OBDII scanner, it is crucial to diagnose and address the underlying issue causing P0870 RAM to prevent the code from reoccurring and potentially causing further damage.

8. Is it safe to continue driving my vehicle with OBDII code P0870 RAM?

- It is not recommended to drive the vehicle with code P0870 RAM, as the transmission issues associated with this code can worsen over time and potentially lead to a breakdown or more extensive repairs.

9. How much does it typically cost to repair OBDII code P0870 RAM?

- The cost of repairing OBDII code P0870 RAM can vary depending on the specific cause of the issue, but it may range from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars, including parts and labor.

10. Are there any preventative measures to avoid OBDII code P0870 RAM in the future?

- To help prevent OBDII code P0870 RAM, it is essential to maintain regular transmission fluid checks and changes, address any transmission issues promptly, and follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule for your vehicle.