AutoCodes – Pontiac – P0873 Pontiac

P0873 Pontiac Code - Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch 'C' Circuit High

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: P0873 Pontiac indicates Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch 'C' Circuit High.
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 409

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 Dec 18, 2020

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code P0873 Pontiac 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 ON when the transmission is in 5th gear for 2 seconds or greater.

OBDII Code P0873 Pontiac - Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch 'C' Circuit High - AutoCodes.com — P0873 Pontiac Code - Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch 'C' Circuit High

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0873 Pontiac?

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 P0873 Pontiac?

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 Pontiac 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 Pontiac Code

What does the OBDII code P0873 mean for a Pontiac?

The code P0873 indicates that the Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch 'C' Circuit has a high voltage reading, suggesting an issue with the sensor or related wiring.

What are the common symptoms of code P0873 in a Pontiac?

Symptoms may include transmission slipping, harsh shifting, failure to engage certain gears, or the transmission going into limp mode.

What causes the P0873 code to appear on a Pontiac?

Common causes include a faulty transmission fluid pressure sensor, damaged wiring or connectors, low transmission fluid levels, or internal transmission problems.

Can low transmission fluid trigger code P0873?

Yes, low or contaminated transmission fluid can affect pressure readings and potentially trigger the P0873 code.

How is the P0873 code diagnosed?

A mechanic will typically check the transmission fluid level, inspect the wiring and connectors for damage, test the pressure sensor, and possibly perform a scan tool live data analysis.

Can driving with code P0873 damage the transmission?

Yes, ignoring this code can lead to further damage to the transmission, especially if the issue involves low fluid or internal transmission problems.

How much does it cost to repair the P0873 code on a Pontiac?

Repair costs can vary widely, ranging from $100 for sensor replacement to over $1,000 for internal transmission repairs, depending on the root cause.

Can a faulty transmission fluid pressure sensor cause shifting problems?

Yes, a malfunctioning sensor can send incorrect data to the transmission control module, leading to improper gear shifting or limp mode activation.

Is it safe to clear the P0873 code without fixing the problem?

Clearing the code without addressing the underlying issue is not recommended, as the problem will likely persist or worsen over time.

Can a DIYer fix the P0873 code on a Pontiac?

If the issue is related to damaged wiring or a faulty sensor, a DIYer with basic tools and knowledge may be able to repair it. Complex transmission issues should be handled by a professional.