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P0868: Transmission fluid pressure low

The gearbox detects less fluid pressure than it needs for the clutches to grip properly. Check the fluid level and look for leaks first.

Code P0868 at a glance
CodeP0868
SystemEngine and transmission
GroupP08xx, Transmission
TypeGeneric: it means the same on every make
Can you keep driving?Better not

What P0868 means

Automatic gearboxes, and many dual-clutch ones, need a minimum fluid pressure to apply the clutches and change gear. Below that minimum the clutches can slip and burn. Sometimes a misreading sensor is to blame, but a real problem must be ruled out first.

Most common causes

  • Low gearbox fluid from a leak (seals, sump, cooler lines)
  • Blocked transmission filter
  • Degraded or incorrect type of gearbox fluid
  • Gearbox pressure sensor misreading
  • Worn gearbox oil pump or valve body

Symptoms

  • Engine or gearbox warning light on
  • Gearbox slips or is slow to engage D or R
  • Limp mode
  • Reddish or brown fluid spots under the car

Can you drive with P0868?

Better not With low pressure the gearbox clutches can burn out quickly. Avoid driving beyond what is strictly necessary until the level and leaks are checked.

How to check it

Look for drips under the car and check the gearbox fluid level using the manufacturer’s method. If the level is fine and your scanner shows pressure, compare it at idle in P and in D.

How to read and clear P0868 with Final OBD

Plug an OBD2 scanner in under the steering wheel, switch the ignition on and open Final OBD. Under Faults you’ll see P0868 with this same explanation and whether it’s confirmed, pending or permanent.

This code is usually stored by the gearbox control unit. With Free you read it for nothing with its short description, because Free reads every control unit; with Pro you also get the full explanation, how the car was running when it was logged and clearing.

Clearing the code only turns the light off: if the cause is still there, it comes back. Clear it once it’s fixed, and not right before the ITV. It’s all in how to read and clear fault codes and in the ITV and OBD.

Similar codes

P0868 is a generic code, so it means the same on any make, for example on Alfa Romeo, Dacia, Kia, Opel / Vauxhall, Toyota, Škoda. See what Final OBD does on your car in makes and models.

What does code P0868 mean?

Automatic gearboxes, and many dual-clutch ones, need a minimum fluid pressure to apply the clutches and change gear. Below that minimum the clutches can slip and burn. Sometimes a misreading sensor is to blame, but a real problem must be ruled out first.

Can you drive with P0868?

With low pressure the gearbox clutches can burn out quickly. Avoid driving beyond what is strictly necessary until the level and leaks are checked.

How do you clear P0868?

With an OBD2 scanner and an app like Final OBD, which clears it for free if it’s stored by the engine control unit. But clearing it only turns the light off: if the cause isn’t fixed, P0868 comes back.