P0842 on 2015-2016 Honda CR-V: CVT Pressure Switch 'A' Circuit Low Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2015-2016 Honda CR-V

The 2015-2016 CR-V uses a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), which differs from traditional geared automatics. For this code, Honda is very specific that the fault is electrical in nature—either the sensor, the wiring, or the connector—which is a crucial diagnostic note that prevents unnecessary and expensive transmission repairs. Owners will typically see the 'D' drive indicator on the dashboard flash, which is Honda's standard warning for an electronic transmission fault. 🎬 Watch: Why your Honda's 'D' light is flashing and how to fix it. The pressure switch 'A' is located externally on the transmission case, making it accessible for replacement without removing the transmission.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Flashing 'D' (Drive) indicator light on the instrument cluster.
• Check Engine Light is on.
• Harsh or erratic transmission shifting.
• Vehicle may enter 'limp mode', feeling stuck in a low gear with poor acceleration.
• Delayed engagement when shifting from Park to Drive or Reverse
• Minor lurching in low gears.

Most Likely Causes

1. Faulty Transmission Fluid Pressure Switch 'A' 🔴 High Probability → Shop Transmission Assembly Sensors are electronic components that can fail over time due to heat cycles and internal wear. This is the most common failure point for P0842. 🎬 Watch: How to diagnose and fix the P0842 pressure sensor.
   How to confirm: A technician can test the switch's circuit for proper voltage and continuity. With a diagnostic scan tool, they can observe the live data from the sensor to see if it's reporting a logical value (e.g., stuck 'ON' or 'OFF'). The switch can be removed and tested for continuity with a multimeter.
   Typical fix: Replace the faulty transmission fluid pressure switch and its sealing washer. The switch is located on the driver's side of the transmission, accessible by removing the plastic wheel well liner. It requires a 27mm wrench or socket for removal.
   Est. part cost: $70-$150
2. Wiring Harness or Connector Issue 🟡 Medium Probability The wiring harness leading to the transmission is exposed to heat and road debris, which can cause wires to break, chafe, or short to ground. The connector pins can also corrode. Honda ground wires are known to corrode, especially in salt-belt regions.
   How to confirm: Visually inspect the wiring harness for any signs of damage. Perform a continuity test on the signal wire between the sensor connector and the PCM connector to check for a short to ground. Wiggling the connector while observing live data can also reveal an intermittent connection.
   Typical fix: Repair the damaged section of the wiring harness or clean/replace the corroded connector. Pay special attention to the ground points on the transmission case and fender.
   Est. part cost: $5-$50
3. Low or Dirty CVT Fluid ⚪ Low Probability While the code is electrical, extremely low or degraded fluid can sometimes cause erratic pressure readings that the system may interpret as a fault. Honda CVTs are sensitive to fluid condition, and the recommended service interval is every 25,000-30,000 miles for severe conditions or up to 60,000 miles for normal use.
   How to confirm: Check the transmission fluid level and condition. The 2015-2016 CR-V does not have a traditional dipstick; the level is checked via a check bolt on the side of the transmission. The fluid should be clean and at the proper level.
   Typical fix: Perform a drain and fill using the correct Honda HCF-2 CVT fluid. A drain and fill for an AWD model requires approximately 4.5 quarts. 🎬 See this DIY walkthrough for a CVT fluid drain and fill.
   Est. part cost: $50-$75

Rare But Worth Checking

• Faulty Powertrain Control Module (PCM): → Shop Engine Control Module (ECM) This is very rare. The PCM should only be considered after all other possibilities, including the switch and wiring, have been exhaustively tested and ruled out.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Scan the vehicle for all stored DTCs. Note any other transmission or engine codes.
2. Check the level and condition of the CVT fluid. The correct fluid is Honda HCF-2. Note that this model does not have a dipstick and must be checked via a fill/check bolt.
3. Inspect the wiring harness and connector for the transmission fluid pressure switches. Look for visible damage, corrosion, or loose connections. The switches are located on the outside of the transmission case, accessible from the driver's side wheel well after removing a plastic cover.
4. Using a professional scan tool (like the Honda HDS), monitor the live data for the 'Transmission Fluid Pressure Switch A' (sometimes called '2nd clutch pressure switch'). The value should change logically as the vehicle is operated. A 'Circuit Low' code will typically show a reading at or near 0 volts.
5. If the data is stuck low, test the circuit. Disconnect the sensor and check for the reference voltage from the PCM at the connector. For the related P0843 code, the expected reference voltage is approximately 5V.
6. Check for continuity to ground on the signal wire with the sensor and PCM disconnected. If there is continuity, there is a short to ground in the harness that must be repaired.
7. If the wiring and reference voltage are good, the pressure switch itself is the most likely culprit. The switch can be removed with a 27mm wrench.
8. Replace the pressure switch and its sealing washer. Note that a new sealing washer may need to be purchased separately. Clear the codes and perform a test drive of several miles, ensuring you drive in both 2nd and 4th gear for at least two seconds each, to ensure the flashing 'D' light and the DTC do not return.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Transmission Fluid Pressure Switch 'A' (2nd Clutch) (OEM #28600-R9R-004) — This is the sensor that directly reports the pressure reading that triggers the P0842 code. It is the most common failure point for this specific fault. The part number for the corresponding 'high circuit' code P0843 is different (28660-R9L-003), so confirming the correct part for P0842 is crucial.
  Trusted brands: Genuine Honda, Dorman, Rostra, Standard Motor Products
  OEM price range: $100-$160
  Aftermarket price range: $60-$120
• Pressure Switch Sealing Washer / Gasket (OEM #90471-PW7-A00) — The sealing washer should be replaced whenever the pressure switch is removed to prevent leaks. It is often sold separately from the switch.
  Trusted brands: Genuine Honda
  OEM price range: $2-$5
• Honda Genuine CVT Fluid (HCF-2) (OEM #08200-HCF2) — This is the only specified fluid for the CVT in this vehicle. Using any other fluid can cause damage. A drain and fill is often recommended when performing transmission work.
  Trusted brands: Genuine Honda
  OEM price range: $12-$15 per quart

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P0843 — This code is for 'Transmission Fluid Pressure Switch 'A' Circuit High'. Seeing it with P0842 could indicate an intermittent wiring problem or a failing sensor that is fluctuating between an open and shorted state.
• P0872 — This code refers to 'Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch 'C' Circuit Low'. Having multiple pressure switch codes simultaneously often points towards a shared wiring or power supply issue, or a problem with the PCM.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• DIY Repair Experience: A YouTube video on the channel 'Codemansauto' shows a complete replacement for P0842 on a 2016 CR-V. The repair involves removing the driver's side wheel, pulling back the plastic fender liner, and using a 27mm wrench to access and replace the sensor. The video confirms the sensor is one of two located together and that a small amount of CVT fluid will leak out. The old sealing washer was reused, though replacing it is best practice. After replacement and clearing the code, a test drive confirmed the fix.
• Misdiagnosis by Transmission Shop: → Shop Transmission Assembly A Reddit user with a 2015 Honda Odyssey (which can share similar codes) reported a P0842 code and was quoted $4,700 for a transmission rebuild by one shop. Another commenter, referencing the service manual, correctly stated that Honda specifies this code is for an electrical issue, not an internal mechanical failure, and the fix is typically just the switch or wiring. This highlights the common misdiagnosis of unnecessarily replacing the entire transmission.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor 'A' Voltage (Live Data) — expected: A value between 0.5V and 4.5V that changes with gear selection.. Failure: A reading of 0.25V or less for 5 seconds or more. A scan tool will typically show a value at or near 0 volts that does not change.
• Reference Voltage at Sensor Connector (for related code P0843) — expected: ~5.0 Volts. Failure: Significantly lower than 5.0V, indicating an open or short in the VCC line from the PCM.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• Honda HDS (or equivalent professional scanner): Monitor live data for '2nd Pressure Switch' status (ON/OFF) or 'Oil Pressure Sensor 1 Voltage'. — This is the primary step to confirm if the PCM is seeing the fault. With the key on (engine off), the switch should read 'OFF'. If it's stuck 'ON' (or voltage is stuck low), it points to a shorted sensor or wiring.
• Honda HDS: Clear DTCs — Used after the repair is complete. A specific test drive procedure (driving in 2nd and 4th gear for at least 2 seconds each) is required to verify the fix and ensure the code does not return as 'FAILED' in the OBD status menu.
• Honda HDS: Jump SCS Line — This is a diagnostic step mentioned in service literature to help test for short circuits in the wiring harness after disconnecting the PCM.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• Transmission Ground — On the transmission case, under the airbox. It is a common point for corrosion, where a thin wire connects to the case.. A poor ground connection can cause floating voltages and erratic sensor readings, potentially triggering a 'Circuit Low' code even if the sensor and signal wire are good. This is a known weak point on Hondas.
• Fender Ground — On the driver's side fender in the engine bay.. This is another primary grounding point that can become corroded and cause various electrical issues, including sensor faults.
• PCM Connector B (49-Pin) — At the Powertrain Control Module (PCM).. This connector must be disconnected to perform a continuity test on the signal wire between the PCM and the sensor, which is necessary to rule out a short to ground in the wiring harness.
• Battery Ground Cable Assembly — The main negative cable from the battery to the chassis.. While less specific to this single code, the main ground cable (OEM P/N 32600-T1W-A00 for 2015-16 CR-V) is a foundational part of the electrical system. Degradation can cause widespread, hard-to-diagnose electrical gremlins.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• YouTube channel 'Codemansauto' (2016 Honda CR-V) — Flashing 'D' (drive) indicator light, P0842 code stored.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Checked transmission fluid level, which was found to be full.
  ✅ What actually fixed it Replaced the transmission fluid pressure switch 'A' (the one of two switches with a blue connector). The code was cleared and did not return after a multi-mile test drive.
• YouTube video (2015 Honda CR-V AWD, 132,000 KM) — Blinking 'D' light, slight vibration when stopped, jumpy idle, code P0843 (Circuit High) stored.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) The owner drove with the issue for 8,000 KM before repairing.
  ✅ What actually fixed it Replaced the transmission fluid pressure switch for the 'Circuit High' code (OEM P/N 28660-R9L-003) and the crush washer (P/N 90471-PWL-A00). The repair was done through the driver's side wheel well.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 28600-R90-003, 28600-R90-013 → 28600-R94-004 — Part revision/update by manufacturer. Note: This part number is for a different pressure switch (often green connector) but shows a typical Honda supersession pattern.
  Heads up: The P0842 switch (28600-R9R-004) and P0843 switch (28660-R9L-003) are not interchangeable. Using the wrong switch will not fix the code.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• 2015-2016: There are no significant mechanical differences between the 2015 and 2016 CR-V regarding the engine or CVT transmission that would affect the diagnosis of P0842. The only notable change was the introduction of a 'Special Edition' (SE) trim for 2016, which was cosmetic and did not alter the powertrain.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Other Known Issues on This Vehicle

Issues unrelated to this code that are worth knowing about as an owner of this generation:

• Engine and Cabin Vibration at Idle 🟠 Medium — Very common on the 2015 model year, less so on the 2016. Occurs when the vehicle is stopped and in gear (e.g., at a stoplight). (Ref: Honda TSB 15-046 describes three 'modes' of vibration and provides different fixes for each, including new mounts, software updates, and tailgate dampers.)
• VTC Actuator Rattle on Cold Start 🟡 Low — Common across many 4-cylinder Hondas of this era. A brief, loud grinding or rattling noise for 1-2 seconds immediately after a cold start. (Ref: Honda issued TSBs for earlier models (like 09-010 and 16-012) for the same issue on the K24 engine family.)
• Starter Motor Failure 🟠 Medium — A frequently reported cause for a no-start condition as the vehicles age, typically after 80,000 miles.
• Parasitic Battery Drain 🟡 Low — Some owners report the battery dying after the vehicle sits for a few days. A stuck A/C compressor clutch relay is a commonly cited cause.
• Failing Door Lock Actuators 🟡 Low — The power door locks, particularly the driver's door, may become weak or fail to operate. This is a common failure item on many Honda models.

Used vs. New Parts: Buying Guide for This Vehicle

When a used part is the smart pick: For this specific repair, buying a used pressure switch is generally not recommended. It is a relatively low-cost electronic part that is a common failure item. The labor to access it is the main effort, so installing a used part with an unknown lifespan carries a high risk of having to do the job again soon.

Donor-vehicle mileage cap: roughly under 40000 miles for the part to have meaningful remaining life.

What to inspect on the donor part:

• Ensure the connector pins are clean, straight, and free of corrosion.
• Verify the plastic housing is not cracked or showing signs of heat damage.
• If possible, test the resistance of the used switch with a multimeter before purchase, though specific values are not widely published.

OEM-only on this vehicle (don't cheap out):

• Honda Genuine CVT Fluid (HCF-2) is mandatory. Using any other type of transmission fluid can lead to poor performance and catastrophic CVT failure.

Aftermarket brands forum-validated for this vehicle:

• Standard Motor Products (SMP)
• Rostra
• Dorman (often a viable budget option, though OEM is preferred for transmission electronics)

Brands owners have reported issues with on this vehicle:

• No-name, unbranded sensors from online marketplaces should be avoided due to a high likelihood of premature failure or being out-of-spec from the factory.

Real Owner Stories

Aggregated from forums and TSBs cited above. Mileages and costs reflect what owners reported in those sources.

Related OBD-II Codes

• P0843 — This is the direct counterpart to P0842. While P0842 indicates 'Circuit Low' (often a short to ground), P0843 indicates 'Circuit High' for the exact same Transmission Fluid Pressure Switch 'A'. Both point to a fault in the same sensor or circuit.
• P0847 — This code is for the '4th Clutch' Transmission Fluid Pressure Switch 'B' Circuit Low. It is related because the diagnostic procedure for P0842 requires a test drive in 4th gear, implying the system checks both switches. A failure here would have the same root causes (faulty switch, wiring).
• P0848 — The 'Circuit High' counterpart to P0847. If the wiring harness is damaged or a ground point is corroded, it's possible for multiple pressure switch circuits to be affected simultaneously.
• P0700 — A generic Transmission Control System (TCS) Malfunction code. The Transmission Control Module (TCM) sets this code to request the main Engine Control Module (ECM) to turn on the Check Engine Light. It will almost always be present alongside a specific transmission code like P0842.

Frequently Asked Questions