AutoCodes – Generic – P0872

P0872 Code - Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch 'C' Circuit Low

Quick Answer

The 4th clutch pressure switch is located in the hydraulic passage to the 4th clutch. Common causes include Faulty Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch 'C', Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch 'C' harness is open or shorted, Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch 'C' 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: P0872 indicates Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch 'C' Circuit Low.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch 'C', Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch 'C' harness is open or shorted, Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch 'C' 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 31,454

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

Repair Importance Level

Urgent (Diagnose now) (3 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Advanced (Pro) (3 / 3)

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Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Aug 03, 2022

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Tech Notes ▶
Cost to Diagnose
Comments
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Code P0872 Description

The 4th clutch pressure switch is located in the hydraulic passage to the 4th clutch. When oil pressure is supplied to the 4th clutch, the switch is grounded, LOW. When oil pressure is not supplied, the switch is open, HI. The PCM receives the signal from the 4th clutch pressure switch to detect the fluid pressure status, in order to reduce the shift shock when shifting into 4th gear, from 3rd to 4th or 5th to 4th. If the 4th clutch pressure switch is ON when the gear ratio is not 4th gear, the PCM determines it is a fault and Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P0872 sets. DTC P0872 is a type C DTC. The Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) will set if the 4th clutch pressure switch is OFF when the transmission is in 5th gear for 2 seconds or greater.

OBDII Code P0872 - Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch 'C' Circuit Low - AutoCodes.com — P0872 Code - Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch 'C' Circuit Low

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0872?

Faulty Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch 'C'
Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch 'C' harness is open or shorted
Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch 'C' circuit poor electrical connection
Faulty Powertrain Control Module (PCM)

How to Fix the DTC P0872?

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 does this mean?

Code Tech Notes

User Submitted Video

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P0872 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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Information for Specific Makes

P0872 Acura — 4th Clutch Transmission Fluid Pressure Switch Short Or Stuck ON
P0872 Buick — Transmission Fluid Pressure Switch 3 Circuit Low Voltage
P0872 Cadillac — Transmission Fluid Pressure Switch 3 Circuit Low Voltage
P0872 Chevrolet — Transmission Fluid Pressure Switch 3 Circuit Low Voltage
P0872 Dodge — Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch 'C' Circuit Low
P0872 GMC — Transmission Fluid Pressure Switch 3 Circuit Low Voltage
P0872 Honda — 4th Clutch Transmission Fluid Pressure Switch Short Or Stuck ON
P0872 Pontiac — Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch 'C' Circuit Low
P0872 Saturn — Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch 'C' Circuit Low
P0872 Toyota — Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch 'C' Circuit Low

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.