What is the Transmission Oil Pressure Switch all about?

Transmission fluid serves the same purpose as engine oil – it lubricates moving parts and protects against friction damage. This fluid also serves another purpose. As you accelerate, the transmission fluid pump builds hydraulic pressure within the transmission. A transmission pressure oil switch reads the amount of pressure and then signals the computer. The computer takes that information and determines if the clutch should be engaged to shift. Your transmission will have several different transmission fluid pressure switches, but the exact number will depend on the year, make and model, as well as the type of transmission installed.

Pressure switches are subject to an enormous amount of wear and tear over time, particularly if you spend a lot of time in city driving situations where you don’t maintain a consistent speed for long periods. You may experience problems such as harsh shifts, a Check Engine light, or your transmission may be stuck in limp mode where you can’t accelerate out of second gear.

Keep in mind:

• Transmission oil pressure switches are not serviceable and must be replaced when they fail.
• Depending on the severity of the damage, you may need to replace the transmission control module as well.
• These switches are not inspected during any maintenance service though regular transmission fluid changes can prevent failure.

How it's done:

• The transmission oil pressure switch is verified to see if it needs to be replaced
• The defective transmission oil pressure switch is removed
• The new transmission oil pressure switch is installed
• The transmission oil pressure switch is tested for operation
• The transmission is tested to ensure proper operation of the transmission oil pressure switch

Our recommendation:

Most vehicles will never have a transmission pressure switch replaced in their lifetime. Regular transmission fluid changes can help prevent pressure switch failure most of the time. If you experience symptoms you believe may be a transmission oil pressure switch problem, have one of our expert mechanics diagnose it.

What common symptoms indicate you may need to replace the Transmission Oil Pressure Switch?

• Check Engine light is on
• The transmission shifts are harsh
• The transmission won’t shift up to higher gears
• The transmission is in limp mode

How important is this service?

With faulty transmission fluid pressure switches, your transmission will not shift correctly. The Check Engine light will illuminate, and you may not be able to shift into higher gears.