AutoCodesFord – P1859 Ford

P1859 Ford Code - Transmission Transfer Case Contact Plate 'D' Open Circuit

Quick Answer

The Transmission Control Module (TCM) monitors the Transmission Transfer Case Contact Plate 'D'. Common causes include Faulty Transfer Case Shift Motor, Transfer Case Shift Motor harness is open or shorted, Transfer Case Shift Motor 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
P1859 Ford indicates Transmission Transfer Case Contact Plate 'D' Open Circuit.
Common causes
Common causes include Faulty Transfer Case Shift Motor, Transfer Case Shift Motor harness is open or shorted, Transfer Case Shift Motor 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.
AI answers can be wrong. Verify repairs with testing. Open full chat
Code Popularity 1,687
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Jan 31, 2020
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Code P1859 Ford Description

The Transmission Control Module (TCM) monitors the Transmission Transfer Case Contact Plate 'D'. The TCM sets the OBDII code when the Transmission Transfer Case Contact Plate 'D' is not to factory specifications.
OBDII Code P1859 Ford - Transmission Transfer Case Contact Plate 'D' Open Circuit - AutoCodes.com
P1859 Ford Code - Transmission Transfer Case Contact Plate 'D' Open Circuit

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P1859 Ford?

  • Faulty Transfer Case Shift Motor
  • Transfer Case Shift Motor harness is open or shorted
  • Transfer Case Shift Motor circuit poor electrical connection

How to Fix the DTC P1859 Ford?

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 P1859 Ford 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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Need Help with the Code?

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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 P1859 Ford Code

What does the OBDII code P1859 mean on a Ford vehicle?

The P1859 code indicates an open circuit in the transmission transfer case contact plate 'D,' which is part of the system that manages the transfer case's gear selection.

What are the common symptoms of a P1859 code on a Ford?

Symptoms may include the 4WD system not engaging or disengaging properly, warning lights on the dashboard, and erratic transfer case operation.

What causes the P1859 code to appear in a Ford vehicle?

Common causes include a faulty transfer case contact plate, damaged wiring or connectors, corrosion in the electrical circuit, or a failed transfer case control module.

Can I still drive my Ford with a P1859 code?

While you may be able to drive the vehicle, the 4WD system may not function correctly, which could be problematic in off-road or low-traction conditions.

How do I diagnose the P1859 code on my Ford?

Diagnosis typically involves inspecting the wiring and connectors for damage, testing the transfer case contact plate for continuity, and checking the transfer case control module for faults.

What tools are needed to troubleshoot a P1859 code?

You’ll need a scan tool to read and clear codes, a multimeter to test electrical circuits, and possibly wiring diagrams for your specific Ford model.

How is the P1859 code fixed on a Ford vehicle?

Repairs may include replacing the transfer case contact plate, repairing damaged wiring, cleaning corroded connectors, or replacing the transfer case control module.

How much does it cost to fix a P1859 code on a Ford?

Repair costs vary depending on the issue, but replacing the transfer case contact plate can range from $200 to $500, including parts and labor.

Can a P1859 code be triggered by a low battery voltage?

Yes, low battery voltage or poor electrical connections can sometimes cause this code, as the transfer case system relies on stable electrical input.

Will clearing the P1859 code solve the problem?

Clearing the code may temporarily reset the system, but the underlying issue must be resolved to prevent the code from returning.

Discuss the causes and fixes for P1859 Ford OBDII Code

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