P0841 Transmission fluid pressure sensor or switch reading does not make sense

Transmission fluid pressure sensor/switch A range/performance

P0841 in short

P0841 means the transmission fluid pressure sensor or switch is giving a reading that does not fit what the computer expects. It is common on CVTs, where bulletins point to valve body issues, contaminated solenoids, aerated fluid and software. Have it inspected soon and check for a bulletin first.

A pressure sensor or switch tells the transmission computer how much hydraulic pressure is in a circuit. P0841 means that reading is plausible electrically but does not match what the computer commanded or expects.

Nissan lists P0841 in several CVT bulletins for the Altima, Rogue, Kicks and Versa. Subaru has a new flow chart, a new valve body to stop false readings from aerated fluid, and software for solenoid contamination. GM found a mis-machined valve body passage on the 2023–2024 CT4 and chafed wiring on some older Chevrolets.

Because so many makers have bulletins, check by VIN before paying for a transmission.

Most likely causes

  1. CVT pressure control fault (Nissan)

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Nissan bulletins cover P0841 with other CVT pressure codes on 2013–2020 Altima, 2014–2017 Rogue and 2018–2021 Kicks and Versa.
    What would change this
    Rises on a covered Nissan with P0776, P17F0 or P17F1 also stored.

  2. Valve body problem (Subaru CVT, Cadillac CT4)

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Subaru has a new valve body to prevent false P0841 from aerated fluid, and GM found an incorrectly machined fluid passage in the CT4 valve body.
    What would change this
    Rises on a covered Subaru with the AT Temp light, or a covered CT4.

  3. Contamination in a pressure solenoid (2018 Subaru TR580)

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Subaru reprograms the transmission computer so the solenoid can clear contamination that causes P0841.
    What would change this
    Rises on a covered 2018 Subaru that has not had the update.
    How to test the transmission control module (tcm)

  4. Chafed wiring (2006–2010 Chevrolet)

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    GM identified three chafe points that cause an engine power reduced message with P0841 on the Impala, Monte Carlo and HHR.
    What would change this
    Rises on a covered Chevrolet with several unrelated sensor codes at once.

  5. Low, leaking or dirty transmission fluid

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    General references list low or contaminated fluid among the first causes for transmission pressure and solenoid codes.
    What would change this
    Rises if there is a leak or the fluid is low, dark or smells burnt.

What to test first

Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.

  1. Read codes from the engine and transmission modules with a scan tool that supports both, before anything is cleared. Note every code, not just this one.

    Low riskTool: scan tool that reads the transmission module

  2. Check the transmission fluid level and look for leaks, following the owner's manual. If there is no dipstick, have a shop check the level.

    Use caution

    Warning:The engine often has to be running and the transmission hot for a correct reading. Keep hands clear of moving parts and hot exhaust. Many newer transmissions have no dipstick and need a shop.

  3. Check for a P0841 bulletin or software update for your VIN at a dealer or on the NHTSA site.

    Low risk

  4. Have a shop compare the pressure sensor reading with a mechanical gauge and check its wiring.

    Best left to a shopTool: scan tool with transmission data and output controls

    Warning:Shop test. It is done while driving or on a lift, often with pressure gauges, and needs the maker's procedure.

Symptoms

  • Check engine light
  • AT Temp light on some Subarus
  • Engine power reduced message on some Chevrolets Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
  • Slipping or harsh shifts Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.

Compare with: Check engine light with loss of power

How to fix

  1. Do not clear the code before the transmission module has been read.

  2. Ask a dealer whether your VIN has an open P0841 bulletin or software update. Nissan, Subaru and GM have issued them.

Parts and cost context

  • Transmission control module (TCM):Do not replace the module for P0841 unless a test points to it. Subaru's fix for the TR580 is software on the existing module.

Labor varies by vehicle and shop; get a quote before you approve a repair.

Compare used part prices on PartPriceGuide

On your vehicle

Nissan

  • 2013–2020 · Altima

    Supported by vehicle data

    Nissan NTB16-110Q (2013–2017) and NTB21-083 (2019–2020) cover P0841 with other CVT pressure codes. The bulletins are on NHTSA, but whether they are still current is not verified, so it is labelled vehicle data rather than confirmed.

    Where it is:Inside the CVT

  • 2014–2017 · Rogue

    Supported by vehicle data

    Nissan NTB16-110Q covers P0841 with other CVT pressure codes on the 4-cylinder. The bulletin is on NHTSA, but whether it is still current is not verified, so it is labelled vehicle data rather than confirmed.

    Where it is:Inside the CVT

  • 2018–2021 · Kicks

    Supported by vehicle data

    Nissan NTB22-021 covers P0841 with P0746 and other CVT codes. The 2020–2021 Versa is also covered. The bulletin is on NHTSA, but whether it is still current is not verified, so it is labelled vehicle data rather than confirmed.

  • NTB16-110QStatus unverified

    4-cylinder with P17F0, P17F1, P0776, P2813, P1715 and/or P0841

    2013–2017altima, rogue · issued · NHTSA 10206371

    Covers 2013–2017 Altima and 2014–2017 Rogue with the 4-cylinder CVT. Only the NHTSA flat-file summary was reviewed, not the bulletin itself.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • NTB21-083Status unverified

    P17F0, P17F1, P0776, P2813 and/or P0841 stored

    2019–2020altima · issued · NHTSA 10202266

    Applies only when the listed codes are the ones stored. Only the NHTSA flat-file summary was reviewed, not the bulletin itself.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • NTB22-021Status unverified

    P0746, P0776, P0841, P0965, P17F0 and/or P17F1 stored

    2018–2021kicks, versa · issued · NHTSA 10212012

    Kicks 2018–2021 and Versa 2020–2021. Only the NHTSA flat-file summary was reviewed, not the bulletin itself.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

Subaru

  • 2010–2019 · Outback

    Supported by vehicle data

    Subaru 16-102-16R adds a P0841 flow chart, 16-119-19 offers a revised valve body to stop false P0841 and the AT Temp light, and 16-111-18R updates 2018 TR580 software. Other Subaru CVT models are also covered. The bulletins are on NHTSA, but whether they are still current is not verified, so it is labelled vehicle data rather than confirmed.

    Where it is:Inside the CVT, on the valve body

  • 16-102-16RStatus unverified

    New flow chart for P0841 secondary oil pressure sensor performance

    2010–2021crosstrek, forester, legacy, outback, wrx · issued · NHTSA 10202828

    Adds a flow chart and diagnostic tools for P0841 on CVT models. Only the NHTSA flat-file summary was reviewed, not the bulletin itself.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • 16-119-19Status unverified

    New control valve body to prevent false P0841 and AT Temp light

    2010–2017crosstrek, forester, impreza, legacy, outback, wrx · issued · NHTSA 10154423

    Aerated fluid can reach certain pressure passages in limited cases; a revised valve body prevents the false reading. Only the NHTSA flat-file summary was reviewed, not the bulletin itself.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • 16-111-18RStatus unverified

    TR580 CVT software for P0841

    2018crosstrek, forester, impreza, legacy, outback · issued · NHTSA 10155222

    Contamination in a fluid pressure solenoid can cause P0841; new software lets the solenoid clear it. Only the NHTSA flat-file summary was reviewed, not the bulletin itself.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

Cadillac

  • 2023–2024 · CT4

    Supported by vehicle data

    GM PIP6018 checks for a mis-machined valve body passage causing P0841. The bulletin is on NHTSA, but whether it is still current is not verified, so it is labelled vehicle data rather than confirmed.

  • PIP6018Status unverified

    Incorrectly machined valve body passage causing P0841

    2023–2024ct4 · issued · NHTSA 11011454

    Inspection for a mis-machined fluid passage in the valve body. Only the NHTSA flat-file summary was reviewed, not the bulletin itself.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

Chevrolet

  • 2006–2010 · Impala

    Supported by vehicle data

    GM PIC-4610A ties an engine power reduced message with P0841 to chafed wiring. The Monte Carlo and HHR are also covered. The bulletin is on NHTSA, but whether it is still current is not verified, so it is labelled vehicle data rather than confirmed.

  • PIC-4610AStatus unverified

    Engine power reduced message with P0841, wire chafing

    2006–2010impala, monte-carlo, hhr · issued · NHTSA 10032431

    May be intermittent; other codes can set at the same time. Three chafe points were identified. Only the NHTSA flat-file summary was reviewed, not the bulletin itself.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • P0700Transmission module requests the check engine light

    Primary / secondary Possible — needs testing

    Likely primary: P0841. On cars with a separate transmission module, a basic code reader may show only P0700, which means the module has stored its own code. P0841 can be that code, so fix P0841 and P0700 goes with it.

  • P0746Pressure control solenoid A is not working or stuck off

    Shares causes Supported by vehicle data

    Nissan lists both codes in the same CVT bulletins for the Kicks and Versa.

  • P0744Torque converter clutch control signal dropping in and out

    Shares causes Supported by vehicle data

    Nissan lists both codes in the same CVT bulletin for the Kicks and Versa.

  • P0868Transmission computer sees fluid pressure lower than it should be

    Same system Possible — needs testing

    Both come from transmission fluid pressure sensing: P0841 is about the sensor or switch reading, P0868 about pressure being low.

  • P0776Pressure control solenoid B not working as expected or stuck off

    Shares causes Supported by vehicle data

    Nissan CVT bulletins list P0841 with P0776, P17F0 and P17F1 on covered models.

All Transmission codes

P0841 questions

Is P0841 the sensor or the transmission?

It can be either. Some bulletins fix the reading with software or a revised valve body, and GM fixed some cars with a wiring repair, so testing comes before parts.

Is it safe to drive with P0841?

Have it inspected soon. Toyota tells owners to get the car checked right away when the light is on for the transmission. If power is reduced or it slips, get it checked before relying on it.

Why do CVTs get P0841 so often?

CVTs rely on tightly controlled pressure, and several makers, including Nissan and Subaru, have bulletins for P0841 on their CVTs.

Sources and review

  1. Toyota Camry Owner's Manual (OM06291U) — Toyota
  2. Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 13, § 1968.2 — Malfunction and Diagnostic System Requirements (OBD II) — California Air Resources Board (via Cornell LII)
  3. Nissan NTB16-110Q: 4-cylinder with P17F0, P17F1, P0776, P2813, P1715 and/or P0841 — Nissan North America / NHTSA ,
  4. Nissan NTB21-083: P17F0, P17F1, P0776, P2813 and/or P0841 stored in the TCM — Nissan North America / NHTSA ,
  5. Nissan NTB22-021: P0746, P0776, P0841, P0965, P17F0 and/or P17F1 stored in the TCM — Nissan North America / NHTSA ,
  6. Subaru 16-119-19: New control valve body to prevent false P0841 and AT Temp light — Subaru of America / NHTSA ,
  7. GM PIP6018: Incorrectly machined valve body fluid passage causing P0841 — General Motors / NHTSA ,
  8. Subaru 16-111-18R: TCM reprogramming for TR580 CVT, P0841 — Subaru of America / NHTSA ,
  9. GM PIC4610A: Engine power reduced message and check engine lamp with P0841, wire chafing — General Motors / NHTSA ,
  10. P0841 Code: Definition and Details — Kelley Blue Book
  11. DTC P0700 — Saab 9-5 (9650) 2010 Workshop Information System — SaabWISOnline (community rehost of Saab/GM service information)
  12. Subaru 16-102-16R: New flow chart for P0841 secondary oil pressure sensor performance — Subaru of America / NHTSA ,
  13. Nissan NTB19-040c: MIL on with P0741, P0744, P0746, P0776, P0841 and others, may hesitate or lack power — Nissan North America / NHTSA ,
  14. P0868 Code: Definition and Details — Kelley Blue Book
Last reviewed
Written by
Saurabh K.
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