AutoCodes – Saturn – P0873 Saturn

P0873 Saturn 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 Saturn 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 1,509

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 Dec 18, 2020

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
Comments
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Code P0873 Saturn 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 Saturn - Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch 'C' Circuit High - AutoCodes.com — P0873 Saturn Code - Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch 'C' Circuit High

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0873 Saturn?

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 Saturn?

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 Saturn 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.