The P0841 Trouble Code: What Does it Mean?

Something’s not quite right with your automatic transmission. It’s not changing gears smoothly, and your car may be overheating. There’s a good chance you have a problem with your transmission fluid pressure sensor (TFPS)—a P0841 code--and that could mean real trouble.

Maintaining the Right Fluid Pressure

Your transmission fluid is what lets your vehicle switch between gears. The amount of fluid pressure changes with shifting, speed, and torque. When that fluid doesn’t flow properly, the gears will jerk or slip, you may get stuck in park, and you’ll probably notice a decrease in fuel economy, too. Your “check engine” light might come on before you start noticing these problems, so it’s important to get your vehicle checked out soon as possible.

What Does a TFPS Do?

The TFPS is the electronic device inside the transmission that monitors the amount of fluid that provides the lubrication needed to switch gears. Because the pressure level is constantly adjusting to accommodate your driving, it’s got to be able to adjust freely to the changes in gears. Several things can keep the sensor from functioning properly, such as:

• Low or dirty transmission fluid, which can clog the sensor
• A short somewhere in the electrical components, like a faulty switch
• Problems with the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) or Transmission Control Module (TCM)
• A stuck or damaged valve
• A defective sensor
• Catastrophic transmission failure, which means the TFPS is the least of your problems.

Finding the Right Solution

If a P0841 code shows up, fixing it may be as simple as flushing and replacing the transmission fluid and putting in a clean filter. If an electrical part is malfunctioning, it will simply need to be replaced. Most of these “minor” problems aren’t terribly expensive and shouldn’t require much repair time. If there’s something more serious, such as a problem with the transmission itself, then the cost and time factors go up. As a rule, the sooner you identify the problem, the easier and less expensive it is to repair.

Help is Just a Click Away

A P0841 code doesn’t necessarily signal disaster. Getting the best quality replacement parts is half the battle. Sun Transmissions is the go-to for all your automatic transmission and power steering needs, wether you require an automatic transmission sensor, valves, universal transmission cooler, transmission Overhaul kits, or more. We carry only the best lines of automotive equipment and we’re eager to help you. We’re located in sunny Miami, but we gladly ship anywhere in the United States. Let us hear from you today!