P0894: A transmission component is slipping: rotating parts are turning slower than the computer expects
Transmission component slipping
Severity: Severity not verified — if the car runs badly, have it inspected
The sources define the code and list causes but do not say whether you can keep driving, so we do not rate it. Owner complaints and bulletins describe harsh shifts, jerking from a stop and transmission slipping.
P0894 in short
P0894 means the transmission computer sees an internal part turning slower than expected, which points to slipping. TroubleCodes.net lists low or dirty fluid, a blocked valve body, shift solenoids, internal wiring and mechanical wear. Check the fluid first. No source says how long it is safe to drive.
The transmission computer compares the speeds of rotating internal parts with what the commanded gear should give. When a part runs slower than expected, P0894 sets, and the fault is slip inside the transmission.
TroubleCodes.net starts with fluid level and condition, then the valve body, shift solenoids and internal wiring, and last a worn-out transmission. It lists harsh or erratic shifts, hesitation, overheating and noise as symptoms.
Bulletins show it on shift complaints: GM has a 2005-2006 bulletin for a harsh 1-2 shift with P0894, and Toyota and Lexus list it among the codes for slipping or harsh shifting on the Tundra, Sequoia, Land Cruiser and LX 570, with software and sometimes transmission replacement. A Chrysler 200 owner had it with a CAN bus code after a stall.
Most likely causes
Cause 1: Low, dirty or wrong transmission fluid
Common general cause- Why it ranks here
- TroubleCodes.net lists fluid first and tells you to check level and condition before anything else.
- What would change this
- Rises if the fluid is low, burnt or contaminated. Falls if the fluid is full and clean.
Cause 2: Blocked valve body or faulty shift solenoids
Common general cause- Why it ranks here
- TroubleCodes.net lists both after fluid, with a pressure test and pan inspection to separate them.
- What would change this
- Rises if pressure tests low or metal and friction debris are found in the pan. Falls if pressures are normal.
Cause 3: Worn or damaged clutch inside the transmission
Supported by vehicle data- Why it ranks here
- Toyota bulletin T-SB-0170-09 ties P0894 to slipping from C1 clutch damage on the Tundra and Sequoia, and TroubleCodes.net lists mechanical failure last.
- What would change this
- Rises if slip is felt in specific gears and fluid and pressure checks are normal. Falls if the fluid or valve body is at fault.
Cause 4: Engine or transmission computer software (some Toyota and Lexus models)
Supported by vehicle data- Why it ranks here
- Toyota's Land Cruiser and Lexus LX 570 bulletins say revised computer software was developed for this condition, and sometimes the transmission is replaced.
- What would change this
- Rises if a dealer finds your VIN covered. Falls if the software is current and the fault persists.
Cause 5: Internal wiring or electrical fault
Possible — needs testing- Why it ranks here
- TroubleCodes.net lists internal wiring. A Chrysler 200 owner reports P0894 with a CAN bus short code after a stall; the owner links it to a recall but the recall is not tied to this code here.
- What would change this
- Rises if network or power codes are stored with it. Falls if P0894 is alone and fluid is low.
What to test first
Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.
Step 1: Read all stored codes and note any other shift, solenoid or network codes stored with P0894.
IfNetwork or electrical codes are stored too
It meansLook at the wiring and power supply to the transmission.
IfOnly shift or slip codes are stored
It meansCheck the fluid.
Step 2: Check the transmission fluid level and condition by the procedure in the owner's manual.
Warning:Transmission fluid and the transmission case can be hot enough to burn, and some checks are done with the engine running. Many cars have no dipstick and need a shop.
IfFluid is low, dark, burnt or contaminated
It meansFluid is the likely cause.
IfFluid is full and clean
It meansHave the pressures and pan checked.
Step 3: Have a shop pressure-test the transmission at all test points and inspect the pan for metal or friction debris.
Warning:The test is done with the engine running and the car in gear on a lift or with it restrained; a mistake can move the car or spray hot fluid.
IfPressures are low or the pan holds debris
It meansThe valve body or internal wear is suspect.
IfPressures are normal
It meansAsk about software and check clutches.
Symptoms
- Check engine light
- Harsh or jerky shifts, especially 1-2
- Hesitation before a shift
- Engine revs rising without matching speed Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
- Whining or rumbling from the transmission
How to fix
Step 1: Check the transmission fluid level and condition first, and top up or service it only with the fluid type the manufacturer specifies.
Step 2: Ask a dealer whether your VIN has a software update or bulletin for P0894.
On your vehicle
ChevroletYour car
2005–2006 · Express
Supported by vehicle dataGM bulletin 3609A covers a harsh 1-2 shift with P0894 stored. A 2007 Express 3500 owner reported jerking from a stop with P0894 and found the GM bulletin on slip in 2nd, 3rd or 4th. Only the NHTSA summary was read, and whether the bulletin is current is not verified.
3609AStatus unverified
Harsh 1-2 shift, MIL on, P0894 stored in PCM
2005–2006express, silverado-1500 · NHTSA 10018537
Names a harsh 1-2 shift with the check engine light on and P0894 stored. The NHTSA summary does not describe the repair.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.
ToyotaYour car
2007–2009 · Tundra
Supported by vehicle dataToyota bulletin T-SB-0170-09 lists P0894 among codes set with slipping or harsh shifting from C1 clutch damage. Whether it is current is not verified.
2008–2011 · Land Cruiser
Supported by vehicle dataToyota bulletin T-SB-0084-08 Rev lists P0894 among shift performance codes and calls for revised computer software, sometimes with a transmission replacement. Whether it is current is not verified.
T-SB-0170-09Status unverified
Transmission slipping, MIL with shift DTCs including P0894
2007–2009tundra, sequoia · NHTSA 10032522
P0894 is one of several shift performance codes set with slipping or harsh shifting from damage to the C1 clutch assembly.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.
T-SB-0084-08 RevStatus unverified
MIL with transmission performance DTCs including P0894
2008–2011land-cruiser · NHTSA 10133791
Revised engine computer software logic developed for abnormal shifting with these codes; in some cases the automatic transmission may need replacing.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.
ChryslerYour car
2015 · 200
Possible — needs testingA 2015 Chrysler 200 owner reported P0894 and U0018 after a stall and shift to neutral. This is an owner report; the cause was not confirmed.
Related codes
No curated relationships for P0894 yet.
Sources and review
- P0894 - Transmission Component Slipping
- NHTSA complaint ODI 10392545: 2007 Chevrolet Express 3500 P0894
- Toyota 2007-2009 Tundra and Sequoia: transmission slipping, MIL with shift DTCs including P0894
- Toyota Land Cruiser 2008-2011: MIL with transmission performance DTCs including P0894
- Lexus LX 570 2008-2011: MIL with transmission performance DTCs including P0894
- NHTSA complaint ODI 11704811: 2015 Chrysler 200 scan readout
- GM 2005-2006 trucks and SUVs: harsh 1-2 shift, MIL on, P0894 stored in PCM
- Last reviewed
- Written by
- Saurabh K.
- Editorial review
- Pending
- Technician review
- Technician review pending
This page explains what a code usually means; it is not a substitute for a professional inspection. How we source and review · Report an error