P0868 fault code: what it means

P0868: Transmission line pressure too low. Stop driving: the gearbox can slip badly and be damaged.

Engine and gearbox (powertrain) · Safety risk

Usual causes, most likely first

worn valve body
internal leak or mechanical damage
low fluid level

P0868 by make

Ford

Transmission line pressure too low. Stop driving: the gearbox can slip badly and be damaged.

Usual causes: worn valve body; internal leak or mechanical damage; low fluid level

Hyundai

Transmission fluid pressure low. On the Smartstream IVT linked to early IVT failures.

Usual causes: internal IVT failure; low transmission fluid; TCU calibration (TSB 20-01-047H)

Jeep

Transmission fluid pressure low.

Usual causes: low transmission fluid; worn pump; blocked filter

Kia

Transmission fluid pressure low (IVT/CVT, or 8-speed wet DCT oil pump).

Usual causes: internal IVT/CVT fault; transmission oil pump fault (8-speed wet DCT, recall 22V760 on Sorento / K5); low transmission fluid

Mitsubishi

Transmission fluid pressure low. Check CVT fluid level and condition first.

Usual causes: low CVT fluid level (leak); worn or degraded fluid, blocked strainer; oil pump or valve body fault; faulty pressure sensor

Nissan

CVT secondary fluid pressure lower than the TCM target. Often with shudder, slip or limp mode on older CVTs (Murano, X-Trail, Tiida).

Usual causes: low or worn CVT fluid; CVT valve body / stuck flow control valve; internal CVT wear or oil pump wear; clogged CVT filter

Subaru

Transmission fluid pressure low. Check CVT/auto fluid level and condition first.

Usual causes: low CVT/auto fluid level; worn or degraded fluid; valve body or pump fault; faulty pressure sensor

What the repair usually costs

CVT valve body replacement (remanufactured, in car)NZ$1,280–NZ$2,420 · A$1,200–A$2,400
A/C compressor replace incl. drier and flush (European)NZ$1,560–NZ$3,200 · A$1,490–A$3,050
Automatic transmission fluid service, drain and refill (car)NZ$210–NZ$470 · A$210–A$450
Automatic transmission fluid service (SUV / ute / 4WD)NZ$300–NZ$680 · A$290–A$650

Not sure what P0868 means on your car? Ask Credov.

Before you clear it

Write the code down or photograph the scanner first. A code that comes straight back after clearing points to a fault that is still there. A car whose codes were cleared just before you arrived may be hiding one: the scanner's readiness monitors show "not ready" for a while after codes are cleared.

Researched by Credov from manufacturer and workshop sources. A fault code points to where a fault may be; a workshop confirms it with a diagnosis. Browse all fault codes.