P0874 code meaning
Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch C Circuit Intermittent
Powertrain system Generic code P08xx codes Check engine light
What P0874 means
Transmission fluid pressure switches C and D report whether a clutch circuit is pressurised. They are more widespread than A and B: GM's 6L80/6L90 and 6T40/6T70 six-speeds put switch C on the 2-6 brake and D on the 1-2-3-4 clutch, Allison uses them for its third shift valve and its reverse switch, Ram's RFE gearboxes for the clutch pressure switches in the solenoid block. Ford reports pressure faults under its solenoid codes. P0874 reports short dropouts or flutter of the C signal without a lasting low or high. It is documented only in GM bulletin 21-NA-033 for the Corvette C8 dual clutch, with MIL: dirt and sticking valves are cleaned, the clutches relearned, and only then the circuit traced. Thresholds are not published.
P0874 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyMedium
- Typical labor0.5 to 4 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P0874
- Warning lamp coming and going
- Occasional harsh shift or limp mode
Common causes of P0874
- Most likelyLoose contact or corrosion at connector or harness
- PossibleDirt or sticking valve (dual clutch)
- PossibleSensor or switch with dropouts
- Less likelyLow fluid level, pressure drops in corners
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Transmission fluid pressure sensorTransmission valve bodyTransmission wiringTransmission control module
What each part of P0874 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 8 | Area: transmission. |
| 74 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0874 and any other codes stored with it: several codes together often point to one cause.
- Check for loose connectors and damaged wiring around the parts the code names.
- Check open recalls for your car: some faults are fixed for free by the dealer. Enter your VIN.
- Clear the code only after the repair. If it comes back, the fault is still there.
Buying a used car? Scan it for stored codes before you pay. A recently cleared memory can hide a problem.
Questions about P0874
What does P0874 mean?
P0874 means "Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch C Circuit Intermittent". Transmission fluid pressure switches C and D report whether a clutch circuit is pressurised. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0874?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0874 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0874 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0874 is emissions-related, so most inspection programs fail a car while it is stored or while the check engine light is on.
How hard is P0874 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 4 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0874 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.