AutoCodesCadillac – P1870 Cadillac

P1870 Cadillac Code - Transmission Component Slipping

Quick Answer

With the engine speed over 500 rpm for 5 seconds, Fuel Shutoff inactive, throttle angle from 8.5-35%, Transaxle not in First gear, Transaxle gear range is D4, Transmission Fluid Temperature (TFT) Sensor input 68-266°F, engine torque from 50-200 ft-lbs, engine vacuum 0-105 kPa, Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) commanded on and at Max apply for over 5 seconds, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) detects a TCC slip speed of over 200 rpm for over 5 seconds, all conditions met for 3 times with TCC commanded off each time in between cycles. Common causes include Trailer towing may set code, Check transmission fluid level, Internal transmission fault. 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
P1870 Cadillac indicates Transmission Component Slipping.
Common causes
Common causes include Trailer towing may set code, Check transmission fluid level, Internal transmission fault.
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 7,499
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Sep 24, 2019
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Code P1870 Cadillac Description

With the engine speed over 500 rpm for 5 seconds, Fuel Shutoff inactive, throttle angle from 8.5-35%, Transaxle not in First gear, Transaxle gear range is D4, Transmission Fluid Temperature (TFT) Sensor input 68-266°F, engine torque from 50-200 ft-lbs, engine vacuum 0-105 kPa, Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) commanded on and at Max apply for over 5 seconds, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) detects a TCC slip speed of over 200 rpm for over 5 seconds, all conditions met for 3 times with TCC commanded off each time in between cycles.
OBDII Code P1870 Cadillac - Transmission Component Slipping - AutoCodes.com
P1870 Cadillac Code - Transmission Component Slipping

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P1870 Cadillac?

  • Trailer towing may set code
  • Check transmission fluid level
  • Internal transmission fault

How to Fix the DTC P1870 Cadillac?

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 P1870 Cadillac 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 P1870 Cadillac code?

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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 P1870 Cadillac Code

1. What does the OBDII code P1870 mean on a Cadillac?

Code P1870 indicates "Transmission Component Slipping," meaning the transmission is experiencing excessive slippage or performance issues.

2. What are the common symptoms of code P1870 on a Cadillac?

Symptoms include harsh or delayed shifting, slipping gears, reduced fuel efficiency, and the Check Engine Light turning on.

3. What causes the P1870 code on a Cadillac?

Common causes include worn valve body components, a malfunctioning torque converter clutch, low transmission fluid, or internal transmission wear.

4. Can driving with the P1870 code damage the transmission?

Yes, prolonged driving with this code can lead to further transmission damage and costly repairs.

5. How is code P1870 diagnosed on a Cadillac?

A mechanic typically uses a scan tool to confirm the code, checks transmission fluid condition and level, and inspects the valve body, torque converter, and internal components.

6. What repairs are needed to fix code P1870 on a Cadillac?

Repairs may include replacing or rebuilding the valve body, repairing the torque converter, flushing the transmission fluid, or addressing internal transmission damage.

7. Can low transmission fluid cause code P1870 on a Cadillac?

Yes, insufficient or contaminated transmission fluid can contribute to slipping and trigger this code.

8. Is it expensive to fix code P1870 on a Cadillac?

Repair costs vary depending on the severity of the issue, ranging from minor fixes like fluid replacement to major repairs like rebuilding the transmission.

9. Can the P1870 code be cleared without fixing the problem?

Clearing the code temporarily resets the Check Engine Light, but the underlying issue must be fixed to prevent the code from returning.

10. How can I prevent code P1870 from occurring on my Cadillac?

Regular transmission maintenance, including fluid changes and inspections, can help prevent issues leading to code P1870.

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