P0871 on 2016-2019 Chevrolet Spark: Transmission Pressure Switch Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2016-2019 Chevrolet SPARK

The 2016-2019 Chevrolet Spark uses a Continuously Variable Transmission, specifically the Jatco CVT7 (model JF015E), which is shared with vehicles from Nissan, Mitsubishi, and Suzuki. While this transmission is known for pressure-related issues across brands, the Spark's situation is unique because General Motors issued a specific Technical Service Bulletin (TSB 19-NA-053) for this exact problem. The bulletin states that the fluid pressure switch can become contaminated by debris from the transmission's valve body, leading to the fault. This makes the diagnosis more direct than on other vehicles, where the cause could be anything from low fluid to a bad computer.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Tap your situation to follow the diagnostic path that matches what you're seeing on this vehicle.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Check Engine Light is on
• Poor acceleration or lack of performance
• Jerking or shuddering during driving
• Transmission may feel like it's slipping or flaring
• Harsh or delayed gear engagement
• Vehicle may enter a reduced power 'limp mode'

Most Likely Causes

1. Contaminated or Failed Transmission Fluid Pressure Switch 🔴 High Probability → Shop Transmission Assembly A GM Technical Service Bulletin (19-NA-053) explicitly states this is a known issue, where debris from the valve body contaminates the switch. This is the most common and well-documented cause for this specific code on the Spark.
   How to confirm: A technician will use a scan tool to monitor the pressure switch data. If the code returns immediately after being cleared and test-driven, the TSB recommends replacing the switch. A mechanic on 2CarPros confirmed the switch is located under the transmission filter inside the pan.
   Typical fix: Replace the transmission fluid pressure switch. This involves draining the transmission fluid, removing the oil pan and transmission filter, and replacing the switch on the valve body.
   Est. part cost: $100-$150 for the OEM part.
2. Low or Dirty Transmission Fluid 🟡 Medium Probability → Shop Transmission Assembly While not the primary cause cited in the TSB, low or degraded fluid can cause a wide range of pressure-related issues in any CVT, including this one.
   How to confirm: Check the transmission fluid level and condition according to the manufacturer's procedure. The Spark CVT does not have a traditional dipstick, so this must be done by a professional on a lift.
   Typical fix: Perform a transmission fluid drain and fill with the correct specification CVT fluid. 🎬 Watch: Step-by-step CVT fluid flush and filter change guide. If the fluid is very dirty or contains metal, further diagnosis is needed as this may indicate a more serious internal problem.
   Est. part cost: $100-$200 for fluid
3. Wiring or Connector Issue ⚪ Low Probability
   How to confirm: Visually inspect the wiring harness going to the transmission for any signs of damage, corrosion, or loose connections. Test the circuit for proper voltage and continuity.
   Typical fix: Repair or replace the damaged section of the wiring harness or clean/replace the connector.
   Est. part cost: $10-$500 depending on the extent of damage

Rare But Worth Checking

• Failing Transmission Valve Body or Oil Pump: → Shop Transmission Valve Body The TSB mentions that debris from the valve body is what contaminates the switch. In-depth articles on the Jatco CVT7 note that a common root cause for this debris is a worn flow control valve in the oil pump, which can cause pressure regulation issues and shed metal particles. In severe cases, the valve body itself may be worn or damaged, requiring replacement.
🎬 Watch: Essential tips for rebuilding the Jatco CVT7 transmission.
• Faulty Transmission Control Module (TCM): → Shop Transmission Assembly This is very rare. The TCM should only be considered as the cause after all other possibilities, especially the pressure switch and wiring, have been thoroughly ruled out.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Connect a professional OBD-II scan tool to verify the P0871 code is present and check for any other related codes, like P2714.
2. Clear the diagnostic trouble codes.
3. Perform a road test to see if the code returns.
4. If the code returns, the next step is to inspect the transmission fluid. This requires the vehicle to be on a lift and should be done by a professional as there is no dipstick.
5. If the fluid level and condition are acceptable, follow the guidance of TSB 19-NA-053 and plan to replace the transmission fluid pressure switch.
6. To replace the switch, drain the CVT fluid, remove the transmission pan, and remove the transmission filter to access the switch on the valve body.
7. Replace the transmission fluid pressure switch (Part No. 25205266, which supersedes 25202299).
8. Reinstall the transmission pan with a new gasket, and refill with the correct specification CVT fluid.
9. A 'clutch point relearn' procedure, which is a specific, scripted test drive, may be required for the TCM to properly learn the characteristics of the new components.
🎬 See how to perform the CVT transmission fast learn procedure.
10. Clear any codes and perform another road test to confirm the repair.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Transmission Fluid Pressure Switch (OEM #25205266 (supersedes 25202299)) — This is the component identified as the primary cause of P0871 in GM's own Technical Service Bulletin (19-NA-053). The original part number was 25202299, but it has been replaced by 25205266.
  Trusted brands: GM Genuine Parts, ACDelco
  OEM price range: $115-$150
  Aftermarket price range: $50-$90
• CVT Fluid (OEM #ACDelco CVT Fluid (Part #19352974 or equivalent)) — The transmission must be drained to access the pressure switch, so a fluid replacement is a mandatory part of the job.
  Trusted brands: ACDelco
  OEM price range: $25-$40 per quart
  Aftermarket price range: $15-$25 per quart
• Transmission Pan Gasket — The pan gasket should always be replaced when the transmission pan is removed to prevent leaks.
  Trusted brands: ACDelco, Fel-Pro
  OEM price range: $20-$40
  Aftermarket price range: $15-$30

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P2714 — This code for 'Pressure Control Solenoid 'D' Performance/Stuck Off' is mentioned in the same TSB (19-NA-053) as P0871 and can be caused by the same issue of a contaminated pressure switch.
• P0700 — This is a general Transmission Control System Malfunction code. It is often set alongside more specific transmission codes like P0871 to indicate that the TCM has requested the Check Engine Light to be turned on. A user on Reddit reported seeing this code along with other transmission faults.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• 19-NA-053: Addresses P0871 and P2714, identifying the cause as a contaminated transmission fluid pressure switch and providing the replacement procedure and part number. It was updated several times, including in February and May 2020 to expand the model years and regions covered.
• PIP5521B: A preliminary bulletin that points to 19-NA-053 for the definitive repair information.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• TSB #PIP5521B was a preliminary bulletin (Mar 2019) that directed technicians to a newer document, TSB 19-NA-053, for fixing codes P0871 or P2714.
• TSB #19-NA-053, first issued in March 2019 and updated through May 2020, specifically identifies that debris from the valve body can contaminate the transmission fluid pressure switch, causing this code on 2014-2020 Sparks with the CVT7 transmission (RPO M4M, MR8).

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Secondary Pulley Pressure Sensor Voltage — expected: Approximately 0.88 - 0.94 V at idle in Neutral. The voltage should increase with pressure, typically ranging from 0.5V to 4.5V during operation.. Failure: A fixed voltage reading, or a reading that is stuck high or low and does not change with engine RPM and load, indicates a faulty sensor or circuit.
• CVT Fluid Temperature Sensor Resistance — expected: Approximately 6.5 kΩ at 20°C (68°F), 2.2 kΩ at 50°C (122°F), and 0.87 kΩ at 80°C (176°F).. Failure: Readings that are significantly different from these values or an open/short circuit (OL/0 ohms) indicate a failed sensor. Since the pressure switch is often integrated or related to the temperature sensor circuit, this can be a related check.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• GDS2 (GM) or compatible high-level scanner (e.g., Autel): Clutch Point Learn / Auxiliary Gear Box Clutch Point Learn Procedure — This procedure is required after replacing the valve body or internal transmission components like the pressure switch. It allows the TCM to learn the engagement points of the clutches in the auxiliary gearset of the CVT7. Failure to perform this can result in harsh shifting or persistent codes.
• GDS2 (GM) or compatible high-level scanner: Clear All Stored Trouble Codes / Clear TCM Self-Learning Data — Before initiating the clutch point learn procedure, all fault codes and learned values must be erased from the TCM. This ensures the relearn process starts from a clean baseline.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 25202299 → 25205266 — GM regularly updates service parts to integrate new materials and technologies for improved reliability. This is the specific part called for in TSB 19-NA-053 to fix the P0871/P2714 issue.