What Does the Engine Code P0846 Mean?

If your car shows the P0846 engine code, a malfunction has been detected within your vehicle’s transmission fluid pressure sensor circuit.
Written by Mary Cahill
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
If your car shows the P0846 engine code, a malfunction has been detected within your vehicle’s transmission fluid pressure. This engine code should be addressed immediately to avoid major transmission problems. 
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) help you pinpoint a problem with your engine. Do not ignore your check engine light if it comes on. Instead, an OBD-II code reader can be used to determine what’s causing the problem and assist in finding the right solution.  
Car insurance
comparison and broker app
Jerry
has compiled a comprehensive guide to help you understand DTCs. In this article, we’ll discuss the P0846 engine code: what it means, how to fix it, and how much you can expect to pay for repairs. 
Jerry sends free alerts to keep your car up-to-date so you can avoid costly repairs
* checking your rate won’t affect your credit score
Get ahead of my car maintenance
* checking your rate won’t affect your credit score

What does the engine code P0846 mean?

Definition: Transmission fluid pressure sensor, switch B circuit range, or other performance problem
The
transmission fluid pressure sensor
lets the electronic control unit know how much hydraulic fluid pressure is available. Hydraulic pressure aids in your car's ability to shift gears and regulates torque converter lockup, a mechanism that helps keep your transmission cool as your car picks up speed. 
If your vehicle’s powertrain control module (PCM) detects an irregularity in the fluid pressure reading, this will trigger the P0846 engine code.

How much will it cost to fix?

It should take a mechanic an hour to properly diagnose the code. Mechanic labor costs vary by region, but you can anticipate a charge of $75 to $150 an hour. 
Replacement or repair costs will also vary depending on which part of the transmission needs to be fixed. For example, a torque converter clutch solenoid replacement will cost anywhere from $15 to $100, plus any labor charges. A replacement transmission pump will run between $110 and $350

What can cause the P0846 engine code?

A malfunction involving transmission fluid pressure could be caused by one or more of the following: 
  • Low transmission fluid in gearbox
  • Leaking transmission fluid
  • Dirty transmission fluid
  • Faulty torque converter
  • Damaged wiring
  • Malfunctioning transmission pump
  • Failing transmission fluid pressure sensor
  • Failing pressure control solenoid
  • Malfunctioning hydraulic pressure 
  • Valve body issues
  • Malfunctioning transmission control module

Common symptoms of the P0846 engine code

The
check engine light illuminating
on your dashboard is not the only warning that something is amiss with your transmission fluid pressure. Other symptoms of this DTC include:
  • Difficulty shifting
  • Erratic shifts 
  • Faulty torque converter clutch 
  • Total shifting failure
  • Reduced fuel efficiency 
  • Transmission overheating 
  • Failed emissions test 

How serious is the P0846 engine code?

Shifter difficulties and transmission-related symptoms accompanying your check engine light are too serious to ignore. If the issues causing the PCM to detect the P0846 engine code are not repaired as soon as possible, your car will become undrivable.

Can I fix the P0846 engine code myself?

The key to fixing the P0846 engine code yourself is diagnosing the issue correctly. You also want to rule out the possibility of there being numerous DTCs logged in the PCM of your vehicle.
The P0846 engine code may require the following fixes:
  • Repair any leaks
  • Repair or replace damaged wiring
  • Replace transmission fluid pressure sensor
  • Repair or replace valve body
  • Repair or replace torque converter
  • Replace transmission pump 
  • Replace pressure control solenoid
  • Replace pressure regulator
  • Reprogram or replace the TCM

Finding insurance for your vehicle

Regular
car maintenance
is an important part of responsible car ownership—so is finding an affordable insurance policy that suits your needs. 
Jerry
is a
trustworthy comparison shopping super app
that shops for low prices with over 55 different insurance companies for free. And you won’t have to fill out a single form or wait on hold with insurance agents. Jerry will even help you cancel your existing policy when you decide it’s time to switch.
The right coverage is just a few clicks away! On average, Jerry users save $887 a year! 
“Amazing service!
Jerry
helped me get insurance for the first time. Everything went smoothly without a hitch. I couldn’t ask for more!” —LaTasha F.
RECOMMENDED
Thousands of customers saved on average $887/year on their car insurance with Jerry
This app is great, but the customer service is even better! Not to mention convenient! My husband and I got the lowest rate (much lower than the rates I was finding online through my own searches), quickly, and pretty much all through text message! Thank you so much for a hassle free experience👍
avatar
Gabriella R.
Find insurance savings
rating primary
4.7/5 Rating on App Store
Estimate your repair costs for free with GarageGuard™
Simplify your car maintenance with Jerry.
Try GarageGuard™

Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance

√
No long forms
√
No spam or unwanted phone calls
√
Quotes from top insurance companies
Find insurance savings