What Is the P0868 Code?
Symptoms
Causes
Seriousness
Can I Still Drive?
Diagnose
Difficulty of Inspecting
Get Additional Help
The P0868 code indicates that there’s an issue with the transmission fluid pressure. Although a high transmission fluid can be a potential problem, this specific diagnostic code indicates that the transmission fluid pressure is low; you should check P0869 if your transmission fluid pressure is high, as that’s typically the code you’ll see instead.
More About the P0868 Code
Transmission fluid provides hydraulic pressure, which allows your vehicle to shift gears. The fluid itself also provides lubrication and helps to cool the engine overall. While you might initially think that low transmission fluid would only be a problem for lubrication purposes, it, in fact, has a huge impact on your vehicle’s function overall, and it’s important to keep it at an accurate level.
Who Has the Lowest Price?
Some service centers will give you an online estimate to compare. Why drive around Town!?
What Are the Symptoms of a P0868 Code?
There are a variety of symptoms you might see with a P0868 code. The check engine light is one of the most prominent, and it should show up even if you do not see a significant number of other symptoms. You might also see issues with gear shifting, including gears slipping or the gears not shifting at all. The transmission may also start overheating, which may cause damage to the transmission. Some vehicle models will also switch the engine into Limp Mode to avoid further damage.
What Are Some Causes of a P0868 Code?
If the transmission fluid pressure is low, it may simply be that the transmission level is too low. This may be caused by transmission fluid leaks, however, which will need fixing before you refill the transmission. The code may also come about due to dirty or contaminated transmission fluid, which won’t function as well. Finally, the problem could be due to a defect, including damaged wiring, a defective temperature or pressure sensor for the transmission fluid, a failure of the pressure pump, or even a faulty PCM, although this is extremely uncommon.
How Serious Is the P0868 Code?
The P0868 code is extremely serious. Because transmission fluid impacts your vehicle’s ability to shift gears, which is a critical component of the vehicle, you should treat the P0868 code as having a serious impact on your vehicle’s overall function. Even if you technically can still use your vehicle, you shouldn’t drive very long distances.
Can I Still Drive with a P0868 Code?
It depends on whether the code is creating drivability issues or not. In some cases, you may not be able to drive at all; if the vehicle won’t shift gears out of your first gear, you will only be able to drive at a very low speed, and if your transmission is overheating, you might not be able to drive at all. If your vehicle is in Limp Home mode or seems to be having very serious drivability issues, then you might want to contact a nearby repair shop for more information about whether it’s safe to drive your vehicle to the repair shop.
How Easy Is It to Diagnose a P0868 Code?
The diagnosis process for a P0868 code can be very difficult. If a simple transmission fluid replacement doesn’t fix the problem, you’ll then need to start looking into potential solutions, like a replacement for various sensors or a faulty connection. Determining the actual problem associated with the P0868 code can be difficult if it has nothing to do with the transmission fluid itself, which is why diagnosis can be so hard.
How Difficult Is It to Inspect a P0868 Code?
The inspection process is also often difficult, mostly because of the number of causes that you may experience with the P0868 code. Additionally, your transmission and the connections that it has with the rest of your vehicle can be very complex, which means that as a hobbyist, you may not know where to start or how to do it correctly. That’s why it’s best to leave this to an expert.
Need Additional Help with Your P0868 Code?
The P0868 code may be a fairly simple fix that you can solve with just a transmission change or top-up, or it may be a more complex issue that you need to get expert assistance with. Most DIY hobbyists are not prepared for more complex problems with their transmissions, which means you might need help from a professional. If you’re looking to find an expert who can help with your P0868 code, then there are plenty of options available.
The first step is to find a repair shop in your area. There are many local repair shops all across the nation that specialize in a wide variety of repairs and vehicle types, which means that no matter what vehicle you have, you can use this locator tool to help you find an option.
Second, if you’re seeing more than one code, you might want to check out the OBD-II database at KBB. This database gives you more insight into all the different codes that your vehicle might be throwing, helping you understand whatever issues you’re experiencing.
P0868 Q&A
Common Error Codes
Browse All OBD-II Codes
Get Recall Alerts
All recalls are considered serious. Stay safe. Take care of any recalls ASAP. The good news? Recall repairs are free when performed at a local dealer.