P0877 on 2007-2010 Saturn Outlook: Transmission Pressure Switch 'D' Circuit Low Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2007-2010 Saturn Outlook

The 2007-2009 Saturn Outlook and its GM Lambda platform-mates are notorious for two major internal transmission failures that directly lead to code P0877. The first is the failure of the pressure switch diaphragms within the TEHCM, which can delaminate, crack, and fail on their own. The second, and more catastrophic, issue is the fracturing of the 3-5-R clutch wave plate. When this plate breaks, it sends metal fragments throughout the transmission, which can clog the valve body and destroy the delicate pressure switches on the TEHCM, triggering codes like P0877. This wave plate failure was so common that GM issued Special Coverage Adjustment 14404.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Check Engine Light is on
• Transmission stuck in one gear (limp mode)
• Harsh, erratic, or delayed shifting
• Inability to shift into certain gears
• Loss of Reverse, 3rd, and 5th gears (if caused by wave plate failure)
• Slipping during acceleration
• Shuttering or struggling to find a gear during city driving

Most Likely Causes

1. Failed Transmission Electro-Hydraulic Control Module (TEHCM) 🔴 High Probability → Shop Transmission Assembly The laminated diaphragms on the pressure switches integrated into the TEHCM are a known weak point on the 6T70/6T75 transmission. They are known to delaminate, crack, tear, or get pushed out of their bores, causing a circuit low fault.
   How to confirm: After removing the transmission side cover, the TEHCM can be visually inspected. Damaged, brittle, or dislodged orange diaphragms on the pressure switches confirm the failure. A scan tool can also monitor the switch state to see if it's stuck 'low'.
   Typical fix: 1. Replace the entire TEHCM assembly and program the new module to the vehicle. 2. A more cost-effective option is to rebuild the pressure switch portion of the existing TEHCM using a specialized repair kit, which includes new laminate discs and seals.
   Est. part cost: $400-$800 for a remanufactured TEHCM, or $35-$100 for a pressure switch rebuild kit.
2. Broken 3-5-R Clutch Wave Plate 🔴 High Probability The original 3-5-R wave plate in 2007-2009 models was made of improperly treated metal and was prone to fracturing. GM issued Special Coverage Adjustment 14404 extending the warranty to 10 years/120,000 miles for this specific failure due to its high frequency.
   How to confirm: The primary symptom is a sudden loss of Reverse, 3rd, and 5th gears. Checking the transmission fluid will often reveal significant metallic debris. Definitive confirmation requires a complete transmission teardown to find the broken plate pieces.
   Typical fix: A complete transmission rebuild is required. This involves replacing the broken wave plate with an updated design (P/N 24254103), thoroughly cleaning all metal debris from every component, and often replacing the TEHCM, torque converter, and other parts damaged by the debris.
   Est. part cost: $1500-$2500 for a full rebuild kit including a new TEHCM and other damaged components.
3. Low or Contaminated Transmission Fluid ⚪ Low Probability → Shop Transmission Assembly
   How to confirm: Check the transmission fluid level and condition via the dipstick/check plug. Fluid should be at the correct level and red/pink in color. Dark, burnt, or metallic fluid indicates a severe internal problem (like a broken wave plate).
   Typical fix: Top off or replace the fluid. However, if the fluid is contaminated, this is a symptom of a larger failure, not the root cause of the P0877 code. A fluid change will not fix a broken wave plate or a failed TEHCM.
   Est. part cost: $50-$150 for fluid

Rare But Worth Checking

• Wiring Harness Damage: While possible, an external wiring issue (short to ground) is much less common than the well-documented internal failures of the TEHCM and wave plate on this specific vehicle.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Scan for all diagnostic trouble codes. Note any other transmission codes like P0700, P0989, P0752, or P0776, as they provide critical context. P0877 and P0989 together strongly point to TEHCM failure.
🎬 Watch: How to fix P0877 and P0989 fault codes.
2. Check the transmission fluid level and condition. Look for a low level or fluid that is dark, burnt, or contains shiny metallic particles. Metallic debris strongly suggests a wave plate failure.
3. Check for any open Special Coverage programs or recalls for your VIN, specifically #14404 for the wave plate, even if you believe it has expired.
4. If the fluid is clean and the level is correct, the next step is to suspect a primary failure of the TEHCM. This requires removing the transmission side cover for access.
5. Visually inspect the pressure switch diaphragms on the TEHCM. Look for any orange laminated discs that are cracked, torn, delaminated, or pushed out of place. This is a definitive sign of failure.
6. If the TEHCM appears visually intact, test the wiring harness for shorts or opens between the main transmission connector and the TEHCM. Pay special attention to grounds G113 and G103.
7. If significant metal debris was found in Step 2, a full transmission teardown is necessary to confirm and replace the broken 3-5-R wave plate and any other parts it has damaged.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Transmission Electro-Hydraulic Control Module (TEHCM) (OEM #24275869 (supersedes 24261875, 24264378, 24267182, 24251411)) — This is the most direct cause of the code, as the failing pressure switch 'D' is part of this module. It often fails due to delaminating pressure switch diaphragms.
  Trusted brands: ACDelco (OEM)
  OEM price range: $700-$1200
  Aftermarket price range: $400-$800
• TEHCM Pressure Switch Rebuild Kit — A cost-effective alternative to replacing the entire TEHCM. This kit provides new laminate discs and seals to repair the failed pressure switches on the original module.
  Trusted brands: Sonnax (P/N: 124740-30K), TransGo (P/N: PSR-5)
  OEM price range: N/A
  Aftermarket price range: $35-$100
• 3-5-R Clutch Wave Plate (OEM #24254103) — This is the updated wave plate required during a transmission rebuild if the original, failure-prone plate has fractured.
  Trusted brands: ACDelco (OEM)
  OEM price range: $20-$40
  Aftermarket price range: $15-$30
• Transmission Overhaul Kit — If the wave plate has failed, a complete rebuild is necessary. This kit includes all required gaskets, seals, and clutches for the job.
  Trusted brands: ACDelco, Transtar, Raybestos, Transtec
  OEM price range: $400-$600
  Aftermarket price range: $250-$450

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P0700 — This is a generic code indicating the Transmission Control Module (TCM) has stored a fault and requested the main engine computer to turn on the Check Engine Light.
• P0989 — This code is for 'Transmission Fluid Pressure Switch 'E' Circuit Low'. Since the pressure switches are all part of the same TEHCM assembly, it is extremely common for multiple switches to fail or report errors simultaneously. Many forum and video reports show P0877 and P0989 together.
• P0752 — This code means 'Shift Solenoid 'A' Stuck On'. Debris from a wave plate failure can cause solenoids to stick, leading to this code alongside the pressure switch codes.
• P0776 — This code for 'Pressure Control Solenoid 'B' Stuck Off' is another code that can be triggered by the debris from a broken 3-5-R wave plate.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• GM Special Coverage #14404: Titled 'Special Coverage Adjustment – Transmission Clutch Wave Plate', this document details the 10-year/120,000-mile warranty extension for the broken 3-5-R wave plate on 2007-2009 Outlooks and other GM models. It outlines the condition (loss of 3rd, 5th, and Reverse) and the required repair procedure.
• GM TSB #09-07-30-012F: This technical service bulletin provides diagnostic information for the wave plate failure. It notes that debris must be cleaned from the entire transmission and specific filters must be replaced to prevent repeat failures. It also lists the updated wave plate part number (24254103).

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• Special Coverage 14404 / 14404A / 14404B: GM acknowledged the high failure rate of the 3-5-R wave plate and issued this special program. It covered the cost of a transmission rebuild for this specific failure for 10 years or 120,000 miles from the vehicle's in-service date. While this coverage has expired for all 2007-2010 models, its existence confirms the high probability of this failure.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• TFP Switch 4 (D) State — expected: The switch is a normally-closed Hall effect sensor. Its voltage state should change from High (On) to Low (Off) or vice-versa as clutches are applied and released. The expected state depends on the commanded gear.. Failure: P0877 sets when the TCM detects the TFP switch 4 signal voltage remains LOW (near 0V) after the 1-2-3-4 clutch transitions from a high-pressure state to a low-pressure state. The TCM counts these failed state changes, and the DTC is set after 5-12 incidents.
• DTC Set Conditions — expected: The code will only be evaluated if other specific DTCs are not present, ignition voltage is > 9.0V, and the transmission fluid temp (TFT) is between 19°F and 230°F.. Failure: These conditions confirm the module is actively testing the pressure switch circuit.

Hidden / Shadow Codes Worth Checking

• Failure Event Counter: The TEHCM does not set code P0877 on the first detected fault. It accumulates a count of incidents where the pressure switch state is incorrect. The DTC is triggered only after the counter reaches a threshold (e.g., 5, 12, or 18 events depending on the specific fault logic). (see via This counter may be visible in the failure records or freeze frame data on a dealer-level scan tool like a GM Tech2 or GDS2.)

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• GM GDS2/Tech2 with SPS: Service Programming System (SPS) — This is mandatory when replacing the TEHCM. The new module must be programmed with the vehicle's VIN and the latest GM calibrations via the TIS2Web online portal. Failure to program the new module will result in a no-start or immediate limp-mode condition.
• GM GDS2/Tech2 or equivalent professional scan tool: Service Fast Learn Adapts — After replacing or repairing and reinstalling the TEHCM, this procedure must be run to allow the TCM to quickly learn the hydraulic characteristics and clutch fill volumes. This must be done with the transmission fluid at operating temperature (158°F–230°F).
• Scan Tool Live Data: Monitor TFP Switch State (1, 3, 4, 5) — During diagnosis, observing the live state (On/Off or High/Low) of the pressure switches while an assistant shifts through gears can help confirm if a switch is stuck in one state, corroborating the 'Circuit Low' fault.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• G113 — On the left side of the engine, at the engine-to-transmission stud.. This is a primary ground point for the engine and transmission assembly. A poor connection here can cause floating grounds and erratic voltage signals for various sensors, including those within the TEHCM.
• G103 — On the left inner fender panel in the engine compartment.. This is a major body/chassis ground point in the engine bay. While less direct than G113, poor grounding here can contribute to overall electrical noise and issues.
• J153 — A harness splice/junction located in the engine harness, near the TEHCM connector.. Corrosion or a break in this junction could interrupt power or signal wires running to the TEHCM, potentially causing a low voltage condition.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• NHTSA ODI #10543119 — An owner reported that their vehicle was unable to find appropriate gears. A dealership inspection confirmed that codes P0989, P0877, P0752, and P0700 were set, identifying the issue as Transmission Control Module failure.
• Chevy Talk forum user 'gchemist' (2008 GMC Acadia (Lambda Platform sibling)) — Codes P0877 and P0989 were present.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The owner removed the TEHCM and found three of the pressure switch laminate discs were cracked and broken. One was almost completely pushed out. The issue was resolved by installing a $35 aftermarket rebuild kit with new discs and seals.
• YouTube channel 'A&Z Auto Repair' (2010 Chevy Traverse (Lambda Platform sibling)) — Codes P0877 and P0989.
  ✅ What actually fixed it Upon removing the TEHCM, the video shows two of the pressure switch seals were visibly busted. The fix was to replace the damaged seals/discs.
• YouTube channel 'Just Rob' (2014 Chevy Impala (different platform, same 6T70 transmission and failure mode)) — Codes P0877 and P0989, transmission binding up, traction and ABS lights flashing.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The TEHCM was removed and inspected. One pressure switch seal was completely blown out and another was half missing. The problem was solved by installing a Sonnax pressure switch rebuild kit.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 24256861 → 19431596 — This TEHCM part number for Gen 1 transmissions was on national backorder for an extended period (reportedly 18 months). GM eventually released an updated/replacement part number.
  Heads up: Using a TEHCM from a different year range or hardware generation (e.g., a Gen 2 TEHCM in a Gen 1 vehicle) will cause communication errors, limp mode, or a no-start condition. The Tag ID on the module must be correct for the vehicle year.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• 2007-2012: These models use the 'Gen 1' version of the 6T70/6T75 transmission. Repair parts like TEHCMs, rebuild kits, and shift correction kits are often specific to this generation and are not interchangeable with 'Gen 2' units found in 2013 and newer vehicles.
• 2007-2009: Models from these years were equipped with the original, improperly treated 3-5-R clutch wave plate that was highly prone to fracturing. 2010 models received an updated, more durable wave plate from the factory.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Other Known Issues on This Vehicle

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

• Premature Timing Chain Stretch 🔴 High — Very common, typically between 70,000 and 120,000 miles. Triggers codes like P0008, P0016, P0017, P0019. (Ref: Special Coverage Program #11340C extended the warranty for this issue.)
• Power Steering Failure 🔴 High — Common failure of the power steering pump and/or steering gear, leading to loss of power assist at low speeds. (Ref: Special Coverage Program #14329 covered some vehicles for this issue.)
• Water Leaks from Sunroof Drains 🟠 Medium — Clogged or detached sunroof drain tubes cause water to leak into the cabin, often onto the fuse block, causing various electrical problems. (Ref: TSB #10-08-67-001 addresses sunroof seal replacement.)
• Failing Liftgate Struts 🟡 Low — The gas struts for the power liftgate can wear prematurely, causing the liftgate to fall unexpectedly. (Ref: Recall #15V415000 (GM #15240) was issued to address this.)

Used vs. New Parts: Buying Guide for This Vehicle

When a used part is the smart pick: A complete, low-mileage used transmission assembly can be a viable option if a catastrophic failure like a broken wave plate occurred and a full rebuild is not cost-effective. A used TEHCM is only a sensible option if you use a specialized service to 'clone' the data from your original failed module to the used replacement; otherwise, it will not work in the vehicle.

Donor-vehicle mileage cap: roughly under 100000 miles for the part to have meaningful remaining life.

What to inspect on the donor part:

• Verify the donor vehicle's mileage is under 100k.
• Check the transmission fluid from the donor unit. It must be pink or red and should not smell burnt.
• Wipe the dipstick on a clean paper towel and check for shiny metallic particles, which indicate internal damage.
• If possible, get the VIN of the donor vehicle to check its service history for prior transmission work.

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

• Complete TEHCM Assembly: Due to the critical need for correct software and VIN programming via GM's official system, a new or remanufactured ACDelco (OEM) TEHCM is the most reliable choice for a full module replacement.

Aftermarket brands forum-validated for this vehicle:

• Sonnax: Widely regarded as the top choice for TEHCM pressure switch rebuild kits (P/N 124740-30K) and other internal valve body components.
• TransGo: A reputable brand for shift kits and pressure switch repair kits (P/N PSR-5).
• Transtec: Known for providing high-quality, comprehensive gasket and seal kits for transmission overhauls.

Brands owners have reported issues with on this vehicle:

• Unbranded/No-Name TEHCMs: Be cautious of cheap, complete TEHCM assemblies from unknown brands, as they may have programming incompatibilities or use low-quality internal electronics that lead to premature failure.

Real Owner Stories

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

Related OBD-II Codes

• P0989 — Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch 'E' Circuit Low. This code frequently appears with P0877. The combination strongly indicates the failure of multiple pressure switch diaphragms on the single TEHCM unit, a very common fault on the 6T70/6T75 transmission.
• P0700 — Transmission Control System (TCS) Malfunction. This is a generic code set by the ECM to indicate the TEHCM has detected a fault and requested the Check Engine Light. It serves as a general flag that a more specific transmission code, like P0877, is stored.
• P0752 — Shift Solenoid 'A' Stuck On. This code can appear alongside P0877 if the root cause is a catastrophic failure like a broken 3-5-R wave plate. Metal debris from the broken plate can circulate and cause solenoids to jam or malfunction.
• P0776 — Pressure Control Solenoid 'B' Performance or Stuck Off. Similar to P0752, this code can be triggered when metallic debris from a fractured wave plate contaminates the valve body, causing pressure control solenoids to fail. This internal damage is a common source of P0877 on these vehicles.

Frequently Asked Questions