P0841 DTC Code: Meaning, Causes, & Diagnosis

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P0841 is a relatively common trouble code.  While the check engine light does come on, this code indicates that there’s something wrong with the transmission, specifically the transmission fluid pressure sensor circuit.

It’s a generic code, so it has the same meaning for any vehicle made for the 1996 model year and up.  P0841 is most commonly found in vehicles manufactured by Chrysler and Nissan.

Abbreviations used in this article:

  • PCM– Powertrain Control Module, this is your vehicle’s computer. It controls the engine and transmission.
  • TCM– Transmission Control Module, the TCM controls the shifting of the transmission and is separate from the engine control module. Your vehicle will either have a PCM or a TCM.  And, for the purposes of this article, they are interchangeable.
  • TFPS– Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor

P0841 Definition:  Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch “A” Range/Performance

P0841 OBD2 Code

Here’s the definition of P0841 broken down by its individual parts. 

Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch

The transmission fluid pressure sensor/switch (TFPS) has two primary jobs:

  1. Convert the transmission fluid pressure into a signal that the PCM (or TCM) can use to control shifts.
  2. Verifies that the PCM/TCM’s request for a transmission shift has occurred.

Circuit “A” Range/Performance

The TFPS converts the hydraulic pressure data into a voltage signal that the TCM/PCM can use to control the transmission.  P0841 occurs when this signal is out of the normal operating range for this signal.

P0841 Symptoms

Here are the most common symptoms associated with P0841:

  • Limp Mode– the vehicle will shift differently and won’t have access to all of its gears.
  • Check Engine Light– there will often be other codes that occur with P0841.  They will usually be related to voltage and power.
  • Erratic Shifting– the shifts may feel soft (RPM slowly drops during the shift), or they may feel too harsh (abrupt drop in RPM).

P0841 Causes + Diagnosis

P0841 Diagnosis

Diagnosing P0841 can be challenging, due to the location of the TFPS sensor and the wiring associated with it.

1. Check for Other Codes and TSB’s

The first thing you want to do is check for other diagnostic codes.  They can provide valuable clues to what’s going on inside your transmission.

TSB’s are technical service bulletins.  Manufacturers put them out to deal with common and well-known vehicular issues.  Check to see if there are any related to your problem.  You can get them from the NHTSA website.

2. Inspect the TFPS Wiring

The next thing you’re going to want to do is inspect the wiring going to the TFPS.  If it’s burnt or damaged, you’ll need to replace/repair it.

After that, clear the trouble codes and see if the code comes back.

Whether or not you’re going to be able to access the TFPS is going to determine whether most people can continue diagnosing P0841.  Sometimes the TFPS can be accessed from the outside of the transmission.  On some vehicles, you need to open the transmission.

Wiring issues are the most common cause of P0841.  Take your time and make sure that the harness is in good shape.

3. Other Causes

  • Bad TFPS Sensor
  • Internal transmission issue
  • Low transmission fluid
  • Bad TCM/PCM

While a bad TFPS sensor is highly likely, make sure that the voltage going to it is correct and doesn’t change when wiggling the harness before replacing it.

Conclusion

Diagnosing P0841 is pretty straightforward.  The real issue is getting to the wiring and TFPS.