AutoCodes – Generic – P0890

P0890 Code - TCM Power Relay Sense Circuit Low

Quick Answer

The transmission control relay is used to supply power to the solenoid pack when the transmission is in normal operating mode. Common causes include Faulty Transmission Control Module (TCM) Power Relay, Transmission Control Module (TCM) Power Relay harness is open or shorted, Transmission Control Module (TCM) Power Relay 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: P0890 indicates TCM Power Relay Sense Circuit Low.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Transmission Control Module (TCM) Power Relay, Transmission Control Module (TCM) Power Relay harness is open or shorted, Transmission Control Module (TCM) Power Relay 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 29,660

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 21, 2020

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
Comments
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Code P0890 Description

The transmission control relay is used to supply power to the solenoid pack when the transmission is in normal operating mode. When the relay is off, no power is supplied to the solenoid pack and the transmission is in Limp-in mode. The relay output is fed back to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). It is referred to as the Transmission Control Relay Output circuit or switched battery.
Immediately after a controller reset (ignition key turned to the run position or after cranking engine), the PCM verifies that the relay contacts are open by checking for no voltage at the switched battery terminals. After this is verified, the voltage at the pressure switches is checked. There should be no voltage on the pressure switches at this time. The PCM will then activate the relay.

OBDII Code P0890 - TCM Power Relay Sense Circuit Low - AutoCodes.com — P0890 Code - TCM Power Relay Sense Circuit Low

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0890?

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

How to Fix the DTC P0890?

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 P0890 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

P0890 Dodge — TCM Power Relay Sense Circuit Low
P0890 Hyundai — Automatic Transmission Relay Circuit Low
P0890 Infiniti — Transmission Control Module Power Relay Sense Circuit Low
P0890 KIA — Automatic Transmission Relay Circuit Low
P0890 Nissan — Transmission Control Module Power Relay Sense 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.