P0841 on 2011-2023 Chrysler 300: Transmission Pressure Sensor Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2011-2023 Chrysler 300

The 2011-2023 Chrysler 300 was equipped with different transmissions, and the cause of P0841 varies significantly between them. Early V6 and V8 models (approx. 2011-2014) often used the Mercedes-designed NAG1 5-speed automatic, where the pressure sensors are integrated into a 'conductor plate' that is a very common failure point. Some V6 models may have a 62TE 6-speed transmission, where a standalone pressure transducer/solenoid pack can fail. Later models (approx. 2015-2023) use a more modern ZF 8-speed transmission, where the sensors are part of the complex and expensive mechatronic unit, making diagnosis and repair more involved.

Generation note: Yes, this vehicle range covers two generations of the Chrysler 300 and, more importantly, multiple automatic transmissions. * Approx. 2011-2014 (Second Gen, pre-refresh): Primarily used the Mercedes-based NAG1 (W5A580) 5-speed automatic, especially in V8 models. Some V6 models used the 62TE 6-speed. The NAG1 is known for conductor plate failure causing this code. The 62TE may have a faulty pressure transducer within the solenoid pack. * Approx. 2015-2023 (Second Gen, post-refresh): Primarily used the ZF 8-speed automatic transmission (e.g., 8HP45, 8HP70). For these models, P0841 is less common but points to an issue with the integrated sensors in the mechatronic unit.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Transmission getting stuck in one gear (limp mode, often 2nd gear).
• Harsh or erratic shifting.
• Delayed engagement when shifting from Park or Neutral.
• Check Engine Light or Transmission Warning Light is on.
• Slipping transmission between gears.
• Decreased fuel economy.
• Inability to use cruise control.

Most Likely Causes

1. Failed Conductor Plate (NAG1 5-Speed) 🔴 High Probability The plastic housing and integrated speed sensors on the original conductor plates are known to become brittle and fail from heat and age, causing sensor and communication faults. This is a very common issue on the NAG1 transmission.
   How to confirm: A professional scan tool can monitor transmission sensor data. Loss of input/output speed sensor signals often points to the conductor plate. The part is physically located on top of the valve body, requiring removal of the transmission pan to inspect. A visual inspection may reveal cracked plastic on the sensor housings.
   Typical fix: Replace the conductor plate, transmission filter, pan gasket, and the 13-pin electrical connector plug, which is a common source of fluid leaks that can damage the new plate. This is often done as a complete service kit.
   Est. part cost: $150-$350
2. Low or Dirty Transmission Fluid 🟡 Medium Probability Many of these transmissions do not have a factory-installed dipstick, discouraging regular fluid level checks. Leaks at the NAG1 13-pin connector are common, leading to a low fluid condition.
   How to confirm: Check the transmission fluid level and condition. The NAG1 and ZF transmissions require a special dipstick tool as they do not have one from the factory. The fluid should be at the correct level and not appear dark, burnt, or contain debris. Fluid types are specific: NAG1 uses ATF+4, Shell ATF 134, or equivalent. 62TE uses ATF+4. ZF 8-speed uses Mopar 8&9 Speed ATF or equivalent.
   Typical fix: Perform a transmission fluid and filter change using the correct specification fluid. If the fluid is low, the source of the leak must be identified and repaired.
   Est. part cost: $100-$250
3. Faulty Solenoid Pack / Pressure Transducer (62TE) 🟡 Medium Probability On the 62TE transmission, the pressure switches are integrated into the main solenoid pack. Failures within this pack are a known cause for pressure switch rationality codes like P0841.
   How to confirm: The solenoid pack is located inside the transmission, accessible after removing the pan. A scan tool can monitor the state of the L/R pressure switch. Diagnostic procedures involve checking the signal circuit for opens, shorts to ground, or shorts to voltage.
   Typical fix: Replace the entire solenoid/pressure switch assembly. This involves draining the fluid, dropping the pan, and replacing the pack on the valve body.
   Est. part cost: $150-$300
4. Faulty Mechatronic Unit (ZF 8-Speed) ⚪ Low Probability The ZF 8-speed is generally reliable, but the pressure sensors are integrated into the complex mechatronic unit (the transmission's control center). A failure here is less common but more complex.
   How to confirm: This requires advanced diagnostics with a high-level scan tool at a dealership or specialist shop to confirm a fault within the mechatronic assembly.
   Typical fix: Repair or replacement of the entire mechatronic unit. This is an expensive, professional-only repair that often requires programming to the vehicle.
   Est. part cost: $1500-$3000
5. Wiring or Connector Issues ⚪ Low Probability The main transmission electrical connector (especially the 13-pin plug on the NAG1) is a known weak point for fluid leaks. Fluid can wick up the wiring harness and contaminate the TCM, causing shorts or poor connections.
   How to confirm: Visually inspect the main transmission harness connector for fluid contamination, corrosion, or damaged pins. A user on chryslerforum.com found a wire had rubbed through on the inside of the connector housing, causing an open circuit. Trace the wiring back to the TCM for any visible damage.
   Typical fix: Replace the leaking connector plug (a common part of a NAG1 service). Clean any fluid out of the harness and TCM connectors with an electronics-safe cleaner. Repair any damaged wires.
   Est. part cost: $20-$100

Rare But Worth Checking

• Faulty Transmission Control Module (TCM): A rare cause. The TCM is the computer that controls the transmission. It should only be considered after all other possibilities (fluid, sensor, wiring, internal mechanics) have been exhaustively ruled out.
• Internal Hydraulic Leak / Sticking Valve Body: Debris in the fluid can cause valves in the valve body to stick, leading to pressure performance issues. This may be suspected if the fluid is very dirty or contains metal particles.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Check and verify the transmission fluid level and condition. Use the correct procedure and fluid type for your specific transmission (NAG1, ZF 8-speed, 62TE).
2. Use an OBD-II scanner to check for other related transmission codes, which can help pinpoint the specific transmission type and likely cause.
3. Inspect the main transmission electrical connector for any signs of fluid leaks, corrosion, or damage. On NAG1 transmissions, the 13-pin connector is a primary suspect for leaks.
4. If equipped with a NAG1, suspect the conductor plate. This requires removing the transmission pan and valve body for replacement. A DIY repair is documented in a YouTube video by user 'How to <b>Replace NAG1</b> 5 Spd Transmission <b>Conductor Plate</b>...'.
5. If equipped with a 62TE, the standalone solenoid pack/pressure transducer on the valve body is the likely culprit.
6. If equipped with a ZF 8-speed, advanced diagnostics are needed to test the mechatronic unit, which should be performed by a professional.
7. If no other cause is found, inspect the wiring harness between the transmission and the TCM for damage before considering a faulty TCM.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Transmission Conductor Plate Kit (for NAG1 5-Speed)

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P0700 — This is a general transmission fault code that simply indicates the TCM has stored a more specific code, like P0841. It's an alert to check the TCM for details.
• P0868 — This code means 'Transmission Fluid Pressure Low' and can appear alongside P0841 if the underlying cause is low fluid or a major hydraulic leak.
• P2767 — For NAG1 transmissions, this code for 'Input/Turbine Speed Sensor 'B' Circuit No Signal' is very commonly seen with P0841, as both sensors are on the conductor plate that fails.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• TSB 21-014-07: Supersedes TSB 21-010-06 and provides guidance on Automatic Transmission Fluid Usage, specifying ATF+4 (Type MS9602) for many Chrysler vehicles, which is critical for transmissions like the 62TE and NAG1.
• TSB 21-008-12: Involves flash reprogramming the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) for vehicles with the 3.6L engine and 6-speed 62TE transmission to address various driveability issues, which can sometimes be related to shifting complaints.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• A well-documented and extremely common issue on the NAG1 (W5A580) 5-speed transmission is fluid leaking from the 13-pin electrical connector. This fluid can travel up the wiring harness into the TCM, causing various transmission codes and erratic behavior. Replacing this connector is a mandatory step when servicing the conductor plate.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• NAG1 Solenoid Resistance (tested from TCM connector) — expected: Line Pressure Solenoid (Pins 38 to 36): ~5.5 Ohms. 2-3 Shift Solenoid (Pins 38 to 16): ~4.5 Ohms. 3-4 Shift Solenoid (Pins 38 to 15): ~4.5 Ohms. Lock Up Clutch Modulating Solenoid (Pins 38 to 17): ~2.7 Ohms.. Failure: Readings that are significantly higher (open circuit) or lower (short circuit) than these ballpark figures indicate a problem in the wiring or the solenoid itself.
• 62TE Pressure Switch Sense Circuit Resistance — expected: Resistance should not be below 5.0 Ohms when checking for a short to ground, and not above 5.0 Ohms when checking for an open circuit.. Failure: A reading below 5.0 Ohms when testing the circuit to ground indicates a short. A reading above 5.0 Ohms when testing the circuit end-to-end indicates an open or high resistance.
• General TFPS Sensor Voltage — expected: Typically 0.5V to 4.5V.. Failure: Voltage that is stuck, erratic, or does not change with engine RPM or gear selection.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• wiTECH (Chrysler Dealer Tool): TCM Output Actuation / Pressure Switch State Monitoring — For the 62TE transmission, a technician can use the scan tool to actuate the TCM output and monitor the state of the pressure switches (e.g., LC Pressure Switch) to see if they respond correctly, helping to isolate a wiring or PCM issue from a faulty solenoid pack.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• G300 / G301 — Located below the left (G300) and right (G301) 'B' pillars on earlier model Chrysler 300s.. These are major body ground points. While not directly for the transmission sensors, poor grounds here can introduce electrical noise and voltage issues that can affect various control modules, including the TCM, potentially causing erratic behavior and fault codes.
• (T81) LC Pressure Signal Circuit — This is the wiring circuit between the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) C4 connector and the Transmission Solenoid/TRS Assembly harness connector on a 62TE transmission.. This specific circuit carries the signal for the Low/Reverse Clutch (LC) pressure switch. An open, short to ground, or short to voltage in this wire will directly cause rationality codes like P0841.
• NAG1 TCM Connector (Pins 36, 38, 16, 15, 17) — The Transmission Control Module is located under the dash panel, below the steering wheel on applicable models.. These specific pins on the TCM connector allow a technician to test the resistance of the entire solenoid and conductor plate assembly remotely, without having to drop the transmission pan first. This can quickly confirm or deny a failure of the internal components.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 52108308AB → 52108308AC — Revision and update to the part by the manufacturer.
  Heads up: The newer part number (52108308AC) is the correct replacement for the older version and should be used for all repairs.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• 2011-2014: These earlier models are much more likely to be equipped with the NAG1 5-speed or 62TE 6-speed transmissions, where conductor plate and solenoid pack failures are the most common causes for P0841.
• 2015-2023: These later models predominantly use the ZF 8-speed transmission. While P0841 is possible, it is far less common and points toward a more complex and expensive failure within the integrated mechatronic unit. Diagnosis is more specialized.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Other Known Issues on This Vehicle

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

• Leaking Oil Filter Housing (3.6L Pentastar) 🔴 High — Extremely common, often occurring between 60,000 and 120,000 miles. The original plastic housing cracks or warps from heat cycles, causing significant oil and/or coolant leaks.
• MDS Lifter Failure (5.7L & 6.4L HEMI) 🔴 High — A notorious issue, often manifesting as a distinct 'Hemi tick' that is loudest when the engine is warm. Failure of the Multi-Displacement System (MDS) lifter's roller bearing destroys the camshaft, requiring extensive engine repair.
• Alternator Failure (3.6L Engine) 🔴 High — Sudden and complete alternator failure is common on 2011-2014 models with the 160-amp alternator, causing the vehicle to stall without warning. (Ref: Recall NHTSA 14V-634 (Chrysler recall P60) and T75 / NHTSA 17V-741 for certain 2014 models.)
• Rough Shifting / Shudder (All Transmissions) 🟠 Medium — Owners report rough shifting or shuddering that can sometimes be resolved with a software update to the TCM/PCM rather than a mechanical repair. (Ref: TSB 21-008-12 addresses reprogramming the PCM for certain 6-speed models.)
• Power Window Regulator/Motor Failure 🟡 Low — Common across many model years, resulting in a window that is stuck, slow, or makes noise.

Used vs. New Parts: Buying Guide for This Vehicle

When a used part is the smart pick: A used part may be a cost-effective choice for a complete transmission assembly if the original has suffered catastrophic mechanical failure. However, for the specific electronic components that cause P0841, used parts are generally not recommended due to their high failure rates and hidden nature.

Donor-vehicle mileage cap: roughly under 80000 miles for the part to have meaningful remaining life.

What to inspect on the donor part:

• For a complete transmission, verify the donor vehicle's mileage and history if possible.
• Check fluid color and smell from the donor unit; dark, burnt fluid is a major red flag.
• Inspect all external connectors for corrosion, cracks, or damage.

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

• Mechatronic Unit (ZF 8-Speed): Due to the need for precise programming and the complexity of the component, a new or professionally remanufactured OEM unit is strongly advised. Used units carry a very high risk of failure or incompatibility.
• Solenoid Pack (62TE): While aftermarket options exist, many forum users and mechanics report high failure rates with cheap, non-OEM packs. A genuine Mopar part or a high-quality remanufactured unit from a reputable specialist is recommended to avoid repeat repairs.

Aftermarket brands forum-validated for this vehicle:

• Sonnax: Known for producing problem-solver parts, such as the solenoid spacer kit for the 62TE, which addresses a design flaw the OEM part may still have.
• Dorman: Offers a widely available aftermarket conductor plate (917-678) for the NAG1 transmission, which is a common alternative to the OEM part.

Brands owners have reported issues with on this vehicle:

• Unbranded/White-Box Solenoid Packs: Many users on forums report that cheap, unbranded solenoid packs for the 62TE transmission from online marketplaces often fail quickly or are dead on arrival.

Real Owner Stories

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

Related OBD-II Codes

• P0700 — This is a generic Transmission Control System (TCS) fault code. The TCM sets this code to request the Check Engine Light when it detects a specific transmission fault, such as P0841. It almost always appears with other P-codes.
• P0717 — Input/Turbine Speed Sensor 'A' Circuit No Signal. On the NAG1 5-speed, the input and output speed sensors are integrated into the conductor plate. A failing conductor plate, the most common cause of P0841, will often trigger speed sensor codes as well.
• P0722 — Output Speed Sensor Circuit No Signal. Similar to P0717, this code points to a fault in a sensor housed within the NAG1 conductor plate. Its presence alongside P0841 strongly suggests the conductor plate has failed.
• P0871 — Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch 'C' Circuit Range/Performance. On the 62TE transmission, all pressure switches are part of the main solenoid pack. A failure in the pack can cause multiple pressure switch codes, including P0841 and P0871.
• U0101 — Lost Communication With TCM. This code can be triggered if transmission fluid leaks from the 13-pin connector (a common NAG1 issue) and wicks up the wiring harness, causing a short or poor connection at the Transmission Control Module.

Frequently Asked Questions