Low transmission fluid level or degraded, contaminated fluid; Faulty transmission fluid pressure sensor or switch, or a poor signal from it; Damaged wiring, corroded or loose connector at the pressure sensor or transmission harness; Blocked transmission filter or restricted fluid passages reducing line pressure; Worn or sticking pressure control solenoid or valve body fault; Worn transmission pump or internal seal leakage causing low pressure; Fault in the transmission control module or an outdated calibration, where the manufacturer has identified one.

P0867

Transmission Fluid Pressure.

Generic
Powertrain
Generic code
Medium severity

How this code is built

P: SystemPowertrain
0: Defined bySAE, the same on every car
8: AreaTransmission
67: FaultThe specific fault in that area

What it means

P0867 is the generic code for Transmission Fluid Pressure. The generic definition is not specific about the exact fault, so the control unit has logged that the line pressure it measures or commands does not match what it expects. The transmission control module compares the pressure sensor or switch signal with the commanded pressure, and sets the code when the two disagree or the signal is implausible. The exact test and thresholds vary by manufacturer and transmission.

Symptoms

Harsh, delayed or flared gear changes
Transmission warning light or malfunction indicator lamp on
Transmission dropping into limp mode or a fixed gear
Slipping under load or loss of drive
Gear shifts that feel inconsistent when hot or cold

Possible causes

Low transmission fluid level or degraded, contaminated fluidlikely
Faulty transmission fluid pressure sensor or switch, or a poor signal from itlikely
Damaged wiring, corroded or loose connector at the pressure sensor or transmission harnesslikely
Blocked transmission filter or restricted fluid passages reducing line pressurepossible
Worn or sticking pressure control solenoid or valve body faultpossible
Worn transmission pump or internal seal leakage causing low pressurerare
Fault in the transmission control module or an outdated calibration, where the manufacturer has identified onerare

How to diagnose

Read all stored and pending codes plus freeze frame data, noting temperature, gear and load when it set, and check for related codes
Check for any manufacturer service bulletins or known issues for the specific model and transmission
Check the transmission fluid level and condition using the correct procedure for that transmission, looking for burnt smell, debris or discolouration
Inspect the transmission for external fluid leaks
Inspect the pressure sensor wiring and connector for damage, water ingress, corrosion and bent pins
Check the sensor supply, earth and signal voltages against the manufacturer's data, and view live pressure data compared with the commanded value
Test the pressure control solenoids and their circuits against specification
Where the fault persists, carry out a line pressure test following the manufacturer's procedure

How to fix

Correct the fluid level or replace degraded fluid and filter with the specified type
Repair or replace damaged wiring and clean or replace faulty connectors
Replace the pressure sensor or switch if it is out of specification
Replace faulty pressure control solenoids or repair the valve body as the diagnosis shows
Repair or replace the pump or internal components if the line pressure test confirms low pressure
Update the control module calibration only where the manufacturer lists it as a fix for this fault

Can I keep driving?

Medium severity

The car may be driven carefully a short distance if it shifts normally, but get it checked soon, as low or erratic pressure can damage the transmission. If it slips, loses drive or goes into limp mode, stop driving and have it recovered.

Guide written by AI from the code's definition. Confirm with a diagnosis before replacing parts.