COde: P1870 [Transmission Component Slipping].. Help!

2 weeks ago, my service engine lamp lit up and aftrer runnning the code, it reads " P1870 [Transmission Component Slipping]".
My mechnaic told me that something is wrong with the transmission based on the code, but needed to bring my car to a tranny expert (so he said) to have it diagnosed. Upon my request, he erased the code then.

Just yesaterday, this problem surfaced again... Any input on this problem will be appreciated.

Just hate to imagine the fact that I had to replace my tranny (may as well scrap it!)....

your torque converter is going. the sensor is telling you that when the lockup clutch in the converter is supposed to have engaged, its still allowing slippage. meaning its worn out and needs replacement.

Torque converter going? Is that a serious issue if prolonged? How much am i looking at to replace it?
$$$$$$...

not that much, i bought my converter on ebay for around 145 bucks, but for a new one from say B&M or something it might run you close to 300, maybe a bit more. to install it however requires removing the trans, which can be a few hours labor.

if you choose to let it slide, you will learn to live with your check engine light, higher trans temps, which may lead to premature trans failures, and reduced highway gas mileage. which will add up with current gas prices.

Hey, thanks for the advice!

Just to confirm.. I am looking at ebay for a torque converter now and its ending couple of days later. ARe you certain that its definitely the converter torque that cause this problem?
The reason I am asking this is that based on the code, my usual mechanic told me to bring it to a tranny specialist to have further diagnosis as my mechanic does not deal much with tranny issues. To save time, I will just get it off ebay and bring it to the tranny specialist to fix it..Thanks.

well of course, this is an internet diagnosis, so only trust it so long as it makes sense, if you go and buy something i certainly dont guarantee it.

that being said, i am a chevrolet tech, specializing in corvettes electronics, and driveability problems. i am the tech assistant to the shop forman, and therefore act as an assistant shop forman helping all the other techs diagnose and correct their problems, i do not personally work on transmisions, however i do diagnose them. so my advice is baised off of training, experience, and knowledge of the onboard diagnostic equipment responceable for giving you that code. i am 90% sure that you have a slipping converter, however there is a possiblity that for whatever reason i am wrong, so take my advice with a grain of salt.

Cheers, 89IROC&RS!

Your words does make sense.. Anyway, I am just gonna pop down to the tranny guy and we see how..

Thanks for everything again!

so take my advice with a grain of salt.
Best advice you've given Yet,

J.k.

Lmao!!!!!

well of course, this is an internet diagnosis, so only trust it so long as it makes sense, if you go and buy something i certainly dont guarantee it.

that being said, i am a chevrolet tech, specializing in corvettes electronics, and driveability problems. i am the tech assistant to the shop forman, and therefore act as an assistant shop forman helping all the other techs diagnose and correct their problems, i do not personally work on transmisions, however i do diagnose them. so my advice is baised off of training, experience, and knowledge of the onboard diagnostic equipment responceable for giving you that code. i am 90% sure that you have a slipping converter, however there is a possiblity that for whatever reason i am wrong, so take my advice with a grain of salt.

Hello 89IROC&RS,

I'm having a a transmission problem of some sort with the P1870 error code. I have a 97 Suburban an posted on the chevy.Suburban forum. Brief description of probelm is after driving highway speeds and then comming to a stop, I get a very hard shift from 1 to 2, and 2 to third. If I shut the engine off (ie.e waiting for the light to turn green) the probelm goes away and does not return until highway speed driving aagain.

Any sugguestions?

I could be wrong, but seeing as its the same code as 96camaro is having, it's probably about the same advice (torque converter). Just a guess tho.

the new trannies can send the modulation times to the PCM and if the modulaton times are off (IE a clutch pack slipping) it will set that code as well. What I am trying to say is that I think this code covers everything from the torque converter to the clutch packs

I am back!!

Got my camy to the tranny expert and had the valve body replaced with a brand new one. Got new gaskets/plates, and transmission oil as well.. Pretty reasonable.. Cost me about $270 (I think so).. Heard that it was about 350 & up for others.

And yeah, it all started with SES light on.. 1870 code diagnosed..Cleared it.. Popped up again... Cleared it... Popped up again after highway miles.. so far..its been a month... so far so good... Glad I did not take for a tranny rebuilt as some advised..

I just brought mine into the show also, it's a huge one downtown chicago, they had 34 bays and they all had cars on them, and the lot was full of cars to be worked on, he said he was gonna 'test drive' mine today and see what's wrong, but they won't even be able to look at anythign else till tomorrow, he said he wants 450 for the job, and that they make a kit for that specific problem. Does this sound about right?

450? Kinda of pricy though.. Its probably that price range if you bring it to a middleman tech.. meaning he will bring it to a tranny expert instead, and pocket some.. This is pretty common. I went to a "backscene" tranny shop, which does not entertain walk-in customers.. they only do "referred" cars..

I bought it straight to the shop where i say them pulling one out of a 350 chevy work truck to do whatever, in this case there was no middleman!

I just called and there's only an hour to an hour and a half till i get my baby back!@#@$@!%$#@%#@^

man... you probably can use one from ebay..

had the same problem with ny 96 ses light came on 3 separate times. 3rd time they tore the tran apart and replaced the valve no problems since then.:smile:

I am back!!

Got my camy to the tranny expert and had the valve body replaced with a brand new one. Got new gaskets/plates, and transmission oil as well.. Pretty reasonable.. Cost me about $270 (I think so).. Heard that it was about 350 & up for others.

And yeah, it all started with SES light on.. 1870 code diagnosed..Cleared it.. Popped up again... Cleared it... Popped up again after highway miles.. so far..its been a month... so far so good... Glad I did not take for a tranny rebuilt as some advised..


That is one of the most common causes of the P1870 along with the plunger for the TCC solenoid. Replacing the valve body is one solution and if it is the plunger bore they have a kit to slightly overbore it and put a new plunger in. Either way $ 270.00 is cheap.