What P0886 means
Some transmissions draw their power through a relay, such as the transmission control relay in Chrysler's fuse box that feeds the solenoids.
How the engine computer detects it
P0885 to P0887 cover the coil control of that relay, P0888 to P0892 its sense line, which reads back the switched output and compares it with the command. A dead relay leaves all solenoids without power, so the transmission drops into its hydraulic emergency gear. P0886 means the coil control line is shorted to ground or the driver reports a short, so the relay pulls in unintentionally or the driver shuts down. No maker documents the code; its neighbours P0885 and P0887 are documented by Ford and FCA.
Written from public technical sources and not yet checked by a mechanic. How we write these pages
Symptoms
- MIL on
- Limp mode possible
- Relay does not click or stays pulled in
Common causes
- Control wire chafed to ground Most likely
- Relay coil shorted Possible
- Module driver faulty Less likely
How to diagnose P0886
- Read every stored code with an OBD-II scanner. If misfire or fuel trim codes are there too, fix those first: they often cause this one.
- Inspect the parts involved: transmission relay, relay wiring, fuse, transmission control module.
- Work through the causes above from most to least likely, cheapest checks first.
- Clear the code and drive a full drive cycle to confirm the repair held.
Reading the code
- P
- Powertrain
- 0
- Generic (SAE) code
- 8
- Transmission
- 86
- Specific fault
Questions drivers ask
Can I drive with code P0886?
Drive gently and only as far as you need to. The engine computer may limit power to protect the engine, so avoid highways and heavy traffic until it's fixed. If the check engine light starts flashing, pull over.
Will my car pass an emissions inspection with P0886?
Probably not in states that test vehicles with an OBD-II scan: an emissions-related code that keeps the check engine light on is usually an automatic fail. Rules differ by state and county, so check yours.
Can I fix P0886 myself?
Often yes, with an OBD-II scanner and basic tools. Difficulty: medium. Start with the cheapest checks before replacing expensive parts.
This page is general information, not a substitute for a professional diagnosis. Repair costs are rough estimates for parts and labor and vary by vehicle and region.