On this page, you’ll learn more about the following codes:
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The definition of the P0933, P0934, and P0935 codes are all “Hydraulic Pressure Sensor,” with P0933 indicating “Range/Performance,” P0934 indicating “Circuit Low,” and P0935 indicating “Circuit High.” These fault codes all indicate that your vehicle’s powertrain control module (PCM) or engine control module (ECM) has identified an issue with the indicated pressure reading within your hydraulic pressure sensor. This is a generic OBD-II code and can show up in many different OBD-II-equipped vehicles.
More About the P0933 Code
When changing gears in line with driving conditions, your vehicle needs to be able to change hydraulic pressure within the transmission. Pressure control solenoids change where the transmission hydraulic pressure is routed within the transmission to apply pressure to the desired function, but the PCM uses the pressure sensor to validate that the pressure is being applied where it is directed. If the actual line pressure reading detected by the transmission pressure sensor differs significantly from the expected pressure sensor signal voltage, you may see one of these diagnostic trouble codes.
The most common symptom of these error codes is usually your check engine light turning on. However, because these codes often have to do with issues surrounding hydraulic pressure calculation, which can impact your vehicle’s ability to stay in the current gear reliably, it’s also quite common to see general hydraulic pressure issues. This can include unusually firm shifts with low RPMs, unusually soft shifts under load, generally lower acceleration power, and sometimes the engine not upshifting even at high speed. Your vehicle’s ability to keep the transmission in gear can be compromised by these codes, which can lead to pressure issues.
Most of the time, the problems related to these pressure codes start because of an issue with your hydraulic pressure sensor itself, such as a faulty sensor. Electrical connection issues can also arise due to a circuit fault surrounding the sensor, including issues with the wiring harness and general pressure sensor circuit failure. Sometimes, this issue can arise due to problems with your hydraulic pressure control solenoid, also called your line pressure solenoid, which directs oil to the end land of the pressure regulator valve. If your scan tool is showing other issues related to your transmission, you should also look into those as well. In very rare cases, this can be due to problems with your PCM or ECM, but this is so uncommon that you definitely shouldn’t consider it your first choice.
The repair importance level for the P0933, P0934, and P0935 codes is fairly high. This is because issues related to your hydraulic pressure sensor can relate to transmission problems, which are some of the most serious problems overall. Problems with your transmission can be expensive and difficult to solve. Especially if the overarching issue is fairly minimal, it’s best to fix the problem as soon as possible, as this lessens the likelihood that you’ll need to shell out for a transmission issue later.
In most cases, you’ll physically be able to drive with this set of codes active. It doesn’t usually have a significant impact on your accelerator pedal, even though it may cause some general issues with the engine running. Still, because this can be such a serious code, it’s best to deal with it as soon as possible. Regardless of the underlying problem, from wiring issues to low transmission fluid level to an actual faulty sensor, get help diagnosing the problem before you keep driving.
The main issue with diagnosing these codes tends to be that there’s not really such thing as a complete list of possible causes. The underlying cause can be just about anything, especially if you’re dealing with other codes at the same time. The problem may depend on information from your scan tool, your vehicle’s make, model, and engine type, and the primary input that’s failed. This complexity is what leads many DIYers to get assistance from an expert instead of trying to diagnose the problem themselves.
Inspection, as with diagnosis, can require a lot of work. Your scan tool is a great starting tool for inspecting problems within your vehicle, but you’ll probably need additional information for this issue. You may need a digital volt-ohmmeter (DVOM), which can help you check for ground circuit issues, access to information about factory specifications on your vehicle, and a diagnostic flowchart to help you track down the underlying issue. An expert, however, can help you inspect this code more easily without having to worry about these issues creeping up on you.
Whether it’s just a single hour of labor or an extensive series of fixes, finding a solution to the P0933, P0934, and P0935 codes may require help from an expert.
To start your journey toward expert assistance, you should first find an auto repair shop in your area. A local auto repair shop is a great starting point for any fixes, as it will help you find a solution without having to go too far out of your way.
Additionally, you may want to check out the OBD-II database at KBB.com. If you have other codes popping up on your scan tool, this database can help you learn more about those codes and the possible repairs that may be necessary for them.
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