AutoCodes – Generic – P0881

P0881 Code - Transmission Control Module Supply Voltage Performance

Quick Answer

The Transmission Control Module (TCM) requires continuous battery voltage to operate. Common causes include Transmission Control Module (TCM) Power and/or Ground connection, Faulty Transmission Control Module, Transmission Control Module harness is open or shorted. 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: P0881 indicates Transmission Control Module Supply Voltage Performance.
Common causes: Common causes include Transmission Control Module (TCM) Power and/or Ground connection, Faulty Transmission Control Module, Transmission Control Module harness is open or shorted.
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 12,197

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 Aug 03, 2022

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
Comments
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Code P0881 Description

The Transmission Control Module (TCM) requires continuous battery voltage to operate. The Transmission Control Module monitors the battery voltage. The Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) will be set when the Transmission Control Module detects a variation in battery B+ voltage greater than 4 V for 0.5 s within a 1.5 s period.

OBDII Code P0881 - Transmission Control Module Supply Voltage Performance - AutoCodes.com — P0881 Code - Transmission Control Module Supply Voltage Performance

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0881?

Transmission Control Module (TCM) Power and/or Ground connection
Faulty Transmission Control Module
Transmission Control Module harness is open or shorted
Transmission Control Module circuit poor electrical connection

How to Fix the DTC P0881?

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 P0881 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 P0881 code?

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Information for Specific Makes

P0881 Buick — Transmission Control Module Supply Voltage Performance
P0881 Cadillac — Transmission Control Module Supply Voltage Performance
P0881 Chevrolet — Transmission Control Module Supply Voltage Performance
P0881 Dodge — Transmission Control Module Supply Voltage Performance
P0881 GMC — Transmission Control Module Supply Voltage Performance

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.