Quick Answer
P086C means: P086C indicates low transmission fluid pressure in your vehicle's transmission system.
Can I drive with P086C? Immediate attention is recommended to prevent serious transmission damage.
Common Questions
What does P086C mean and how does it affect my car?
The P086C code indicates that your car's transmission fluid pressure is low, which can lead to shifting problems and even transmission failure if not addressed. If you notice symptoms like delayed shifts or a check engine light, it's essential to investigate this issue promptly.
What are the most common causes of P086C and how much does it cost to fix?
Common causes of P086C include low transmission fluid levels, faulty pumps, and clogged filters. Repair costs can range between $150 for fluid replacement to $1200 for pump replacement, depending on the severity of the issue.
Can I drive my car with P086C or should I stop immediately?
It's not advisable to drive your vehicle with the P086C code. Continuing to drive may lead to more severe transmission damage, so it’s best to have your vehicle inspected as soon as possible.
How can I diagnose P086C myself using GeekOBD APP?
Using the GeekOBD APP, you can scan for codes, view live data, and check for transmission fluid levels. The app can help you identify if the low pressure is due to fluid levels or other components.
What vehicles are most commonly affected by P086C?
The P086C code is frequently found in vehicles like the 2015-2018 Chrysler 200 and 2016-2019 Jeep Cherokee. If you own these models, keep an eye out for related symptoms.
How can I prevent P086C from happening again?
Preventive measures include regular transmission fluid checks, timely fluid changes, and ensuring your vehicle's transmission system is inspected during routine maintenance.
What is P086C?
The diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P086C indicates a low transmission fluid pressure condition in your vehicle's automatic transmission system. This code is particularly common in models like the 2015-2018 Chrysler 200 and 2016-2019 Jeep Cherokee. When your vehicle's powertrain control module (PCM) detects that the transmission fluid pressure is below a specified threshold, it triggers this code. Low fluid pressure can lead to severe transmission issues, including slipping gears and delayed shifting, which can ultimately result in extensive and costly damage if not addressed promptly. Car owners may notice that their vehicle struggles to shift smoothly or experiences a delay when accelerating. Ignoring this code can lead to more significant problems down the line, such as complete transmission failure. Regular maintenance and checking of transmission fluid levels can help prevent this issue. If you see the P086C code, it’s crucial to address it as soon as possible to maintain the health of your vehicle's transmission and avoid costly repairs.
System: P - Powertrain (Engine, Transmission, Emissions)
Symptoms
Common symptoms when P086C is present:
- The check engine light is illuminated and stays on constantly, indicating a persistent issue.
- You may experience harsh or delayed shifts while driving, especially when accelerating from a stop.
- There could be a noticeable decrease in fuel economy by 10-20%, as the transmission struggles to operate efficiently.
- Transmission slipping during acceleration, where the engine revs but the vehicle does not respond as expected.
- Unusual noises from the transmission area, such as whining or grinding sounds, which can indicate mechanical failure.
Possible Causes
Most common causes of P086C (ordered by frequency):
- Low transmission fluid level (60% likelihood) - This is the most common cause of the P086C code. It can result from leaks in the system or infrequent maintenance checks.
- Faulty transmission pump (25% likelihood) - A malfunctioning pump can fail to maintain proper fluid pressure, leading to the P086C code. Regular monitoring and replacing the pump when needed can prevent this.
- Clogged transmission filter (10% likelihood) - A dirty filter can restrict fluid flow, causing low pressure. Routine transmission service, including fluid and filter changes, will help avoid this issue.
- Electrical issues or wiring problems (5% likelihood) - Damaged wiring or connectors can cause incorrect readings, which may falsely trigger the code.
- Rarely, a malfunctioning PCM can also trigger this code, though this is less common.
P086C Repair Costs
Cost Breakdown by Repair Type
Fluid Replacement
Changing the transmission fluid and filter to ensure proper operation.
- Total: $150 - $300
- Success rate: 85%
Transmission Pump Replacement
Replacing a faulty transmission pump to restore proper fluid pressure.
- Total: $600 - $1200
- Success rate: 90%
Money-Saving Tips for P086C
- Start with the most common and least expensive repairs first
- Use GeekOBD APP to confirm diagnosis before replacing expensive parts
- Consider preventive maintenance to avoid future occurrences
- Compare prices for OEM vs aftermarket parts based on your needs
- Address the issue promptly to prevent more expensive secondary damage
Diagnostic Steps
Professional P086C Diagnosis Process
Follow these systematic steps to accurately diagnose P086C. Each step builds on the previous one to ensure accurate diagnosis.
Step 1: Step 1: Initial visual inspection - Check for obvious signs like damaged wiring, loose connections, or corrosion (5-10 minutes)
Step 1: Initial visual inspection - Check for obvious signs like damaged wiring, loose connections, or corrosion (5-10 minutes).
Step 2: Step 2: OBD2 scan with GeekOBD APP - Retrieve all codes and freeze frame data to understand the fault context (10-15 minutes)
Step 2: OBD2 scan with GeekOBD APP - Retrieve all codes and freeze frame data to understand the fault context (10-15 minutes).
Step 3: Step 3: Check transmission fluid levels and condition - Ensure fluid is at the correct level and is clean without burning smell (5-10 minutes)
Step 3: Check transmission fluid levels and condition - Ensure fluid is at the correct level and is clean without burning smell (5-10 minutes).
Step 4: Step 4: Component testing - Use a multimeter to test the transmission pump and other components for proper voltage and operation (20-30 minutes)
Step 4: Component testing - Use a multimeter to test the transmission pump and other components for proper voltage and operation (20-30 minutes).
Step 5: Step 5: System function test - Verify proper operation after repairs and clear codes (10-15 minutes)
Step 5: System function test - Verify proper operation after repairs and clear codes (10-15 minutes).
Step 6: Step 6: Road test verification - Drive the vehicle under various conditions to confirm repair success (15-20 minutes)
Step 6: Road test verification - Drive the vehicle under various conditions to confirm repair success (15-20 minutes).
Important Notes
- Always verify the repair with GeekOBD APP after completing diagnostic steps
- Clear codes and test drive to ensure the problem is resolved
- Address underlying causes to prevent code recurrence
Real Repair Case Studies
Case Study 1: Fluid Level Replacement for 2016 Jeep Cherokee
Vehicle: 2016 Jeep Cherokee, 75,000 miles
Problem: Customer reported harsh shifting and check engine light on.
Diagnosis: OBD2 scan revealed P086C. Visual inspection showed low transmission fluid.
Solution: Replaced transmission fluid and filter, reset codes.
Cost: $180 (fluid and filter replacement)
Result: Customer reported smooth shifting and no recurrence of the check engine light.
Case Study 2: Transmission Pump Repair for 2015 Chrysler 200
Vehicle: 2015 Chrysler 200, 85,000 miles
Problem: Vehicle hesitated during acceleration and showed P086C.
Diagnosis: Tested transmission pump; confirmed it was malfunctioning.
Solution: Replaced transmission pump and fluid.
Cost: $950 (pump replacement and fluid change)
Result: Vehicle performance restored with no further issues.