P0886 code meaning
TCM Power Relay Control Circuit Low
Powertrain system Generic code P08xx codes Check engine light
What P0886 means
Some gearboxes draw their power through a relay, such as the transmission control relay in Chrysler's fuse box that feeds the solenoids. P0885 to P0887 cover the coil control of that relay, P0888 to P0892 its sense line, which reads back the switched output and compares it with the command. A dead relay leaves all solenoids without power, so the gearbox drops into its hydraulic emergency gear. P0886 means the coil control line is shorted to ground or the driver reports a short, so the relay pulls in unintentionally or the driver shuts down. No maker documents the code; its neighbours P0885 and P0887 are documented by Ford and FCA.
P0886 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyMedium, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.5 to 2 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P0886
- MIL on
- Limp mode possible
- Relay does not click or stays pulled in
Common causes of P0886
- Most likelyControl wire chafed to ground
- PossibleRelay coil shorted
- Less likelyModule driver faulty
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Transmission relayRelay wiringFuseTransmission control module
What each part of P0886 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. |
| 86 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0886 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 P0886
What does P0886 mean?
P0886 means "TCM Power Relay Control Circuit Low". Some gearboxes draw their power through a relay, such as the transmission control relay in Chrysler's fuse box that feeds the solenoids. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0886?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0886 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0886 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0886 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 P0886 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 2 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will P0886 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.