Overview of the P0871 trouble code on 68RFE transmissions
The 68RFE transmission is commonly found in Dodge and Ram trucks, and one frequent issue associated with it is the P0871 trouble code, which refers to “OD Pressure Switch Rationality.” This code indicates that the transmission control module has detected an issue with the overdrive pressure sensor, often due to low pressure or sensor malfunction.
Symptoms of a P0871 code can include:
- Transmission slipping
- Harsh shifting
- Delayed engagement
Diagnosing and repairing a P0871 code involves:
- Inspecting the transmission fluid for contamination
- Checking for damaged wiring or connectors, and evaluating the functionality of the pressure sensor itself
- In some cases, the valve body or the entire transmission may need repairs or replacement
Watch as Troy from National Transmission Calgary South breaks down this common issue and shows a solution which prevents the need to replace the whole thing!
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Here at National Transmission, our team of experienced transmission specialists is well-versed in diagnosing and fixing issues like the P0871 trouble code.
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Video Transcript
Hey guys, Troy at National Transmission here – working on a 68RFE today. I had a trouble code of P0871 overdrive pressures switch rationality. Very common code on all RFE transmissions. Basically what happens is there’s wear in the solenoid switch valve here. It’s going to be really tough to see in there with the camera, but we’ll get some pictures taken and post those as well where, in the valve body itself, is basically these valves.
Okay, so you have your switch valve and then you have your switch valve plugs held in with a little plastic cap. So this is just the end plug, these switch valves basically move back and forth diverting oil through certain channels.
Now Sonnax has an updated kit for it. We basically ream the valve body out to save the valve body for the customer. Saves them money as well as we get to reuse the valve body then. So basically we ream it out
and we put a larger diameter valve in.
Nice thing about this kit is they actually have an end plug that has an o-ring on it, as well as inside this plug, it’s basically held together with a little pin. So it’s going to stop these from rocking back and forth – and that’s where most of the wear comes in.
Okay – So in order to do that we’re going to have to basically mount this onto our reamer set-up here. Basically going to put our jig together here.
We’re going to install our tool. This is going to slide into this line-up – the valve line up here. That’s going to ensure that we’re 100% straight on this when we go to ream it. Okay – lock her into place here.
Ensure that it is 100% perpendicular and up and down. And then as well as latch the valve body down to our jig. Now, we could pull this out.
Let me get a reamer set up happening, just going to lubricate it. Get lots of cutting oil on it. Stick it in. And then as we ream, you see it actually cutting.
Alright, so we got it all cleaned up now. And the test really is putting our new valve inside the fresh bore, and if it basically falls down like that, that’s a good sign. It shows that it’s nice and free.
And we’re good to go!
