Code P1870

Hi, ya'll
I'm new to this site, but I'm hoping you can help me. I have a 97 Grand Am, with 133000 mi, which has been driving pretty good. I was driving down the highway earlier today and I noticed my "check engine" light had come on. I stopped at the local AutoZone to have them read it. There were two codes, both of them were "p1870". He suggested I talk to a local dealer, but they wont tell me anything with out seeing the car, and since I don't want to shell out a couple hundred just for them to look at it, I googled the code. In everything I've read about the p1870 code, the person has been noticing slippage or other problems with the tranny. I haven't had any noticable problem. Is there any other cause for this to happen?
Thanks,
Buteo

Welcome to AF, yes this relates to the pcm seeing slippage errors at certain speeds/loads, as a result the pcm boosts internal pressure to compensate. You should have this scanned and road tested by a trans tech for trans slippage errors, many conditions can cause this ,the most common cause is a valve body problem.

Thanks for the input. Is this something that needs to be addressed right away, or can it wait a week? I realize that the longer I put it off, more damage can result, which in end will cost more. What I'm worried about is if my transmission is going to go out on me before I have a chance to get my car in the shop. Being as it's my only vehicle, and public transportation is not available, is it still safe to drive to work and back?

If you do not feel any slippage or unusual shift patterns, 1 week won't change anything.

Thanks, I'll keep this thread updated on what I find out.