P0876 code meaning
Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch D Circuit Range/Performance
Powertrain system Generic code P08xx codes Check engine light
What P0876 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. P0876 means D is electrically fine but implausible. Allison 2006: the reverse switch stays open in R, or does not drop out within 5 to 30 s after engine stop, type B with two trips. Mitsubishi's Jatco CVT sets it when the high clutch switch stays on for 1.5 s while the clutch should be exhausted. On Ram's 68RFE it came with P0871 from mechanical damage.
P0876 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyHard
- Typical labor1 to 12 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P0876
- MIL or transmission warning lamp on
- Limp mode, harsh engagement
Common causes of P0876
- Most likelyValve body worn or dirty, valve sticking
- PossiblePressure switch faulty
- PossibleMechanical damage: thrust washer, clutch
- Less likelyFluid level or condition
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 P0876 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. |
| 76 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0876 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 P0876
What does P0876 mean?
P0876 means "Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch D Circuit Range/Performance". 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 P0876?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0876 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0876 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0876 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 P0876 to fix?
Difficulty: hard. A typical repair takes 1 to 12 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0876 clear itself after the repair?
After the repair the car has to complete a drive cycle (a mix of city and highway driving) before the test runs again. Until then the readiness monitor shows "not ready", which can fail an inspection.