Fault code P081E is called “Excessive Clutch “B” Slippage” but in different programs it may be called differently. This fault designation applies to all vehicles equipped with OBD-II.
Technical description and explained code P081E
If your OBD-II equipped vehicle has stored code P081E. This means that the transmission control module (PCM) has detected an excessive “B” clutch slip. This code applies only to vehicles equipped with a manual transmission.
The PCM controls certain manual transmission functions. Shifter position and clutch pedal position are among these functions. In some models, turbo input and output speeds are also monitored to determine the degree of clutch slippage.
The clutch is the mechanical clutch that connects the engine to the transmission. When the clutch master cylinder is depressed, hydraulic fluid is pushed into the slave cylinder. The slave cylinder actuates the clutch pressure plate. Allowing you to engage and disengage the engine from the transmission as needed.
The main function of the clutch switch is to act as a safety feature to prevent the engine from starting when the transmission is inadvertently engaged. The PCM and other controllers also use input from the clutch switch for various engine control calculations. These include automatic braking functions, as well as for implementing hill hold.
Diagnostic code DTC P081E is set when the PCM or TCM detects a degree of clutch slippage that exceeds the maximum allowable parameters. The engine warning lamp or transmission warning lamp will also illuminate.
Symptoms of vehicle malfunctions
The main signal that an error P081E has occurred is the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) is also known as the CheckEngine Light.
It can also be warning signs such as:
- Check engine control lamp on the control panel will light up (the code will be recorded in the memory as a fault).
- The clutch is slipping.
- Hard engagement of gears.
- Engagement of the clutch is in the upper part.
- Strong smell of burnt friction material.
Stored code P081E may cause failure of various vehicle control, safety and traction functions. For this reason, this error should be considered serious.
Factors that can cause this error code
The error code P081E can mean that one or more of the following problems have occurred:
- The clutch disc is worn.
- Clutch plate has considerable wear.
- Faulty input or output speed sensor.
- Shorted, broken wiring or connectors in input or output speed sensor circuit.
- Poor electrical connection in circuit.
- Fuse or fusible link blown.
- Faulty PCM or other control module, also possible programming error.
How to fix or reset OBD-2 code P081E
Some suggested steps for troubleshooting and fix the error code P081E:
- Inspect the wiring for damage, abrasions, breaks, and shorts. If wiring is damaged, repair or replace it.
- Remove any diagnostic trouble codes from the PCM, and perform a test drive to see if diagnostic trouble code P081E returns.
- Check the input and output speed sensors.
- Check the fuse or fusible link.
- If the release plate or clutch fails, replace the defective parts.
- If all is good, the PCM may need to be replaced and reprogrammed.
Diagnose and repair of problems
To rule out all variants of error P081E, visually inspect the wiring to the input and output speed sensors. Check all system fuses and replace blown ones if necessary. Also check the battery under load, cable connections, and alternator power.
Locate the diagnostic connector, plug in the scanner and get all the stored codes and data. Write this information down, as it may help you in further diagnosis. Delete the codes and test drive the vehicle to see if the P081E code appears again after resetting.
Check voltage
Check the voltage on the speed sensor input circuit. If there is voltage in the input circuit, there is nothing wrong with the circuit. If there is no voltage in the output circuit, the sensor may be defective.
If voltage is present on both sides of the sensor, check the input circuit on the PCM. If the input signal to the PCM is present, there may be a faulty PCM or programming error.
If no sensor input signal is present at the PCM connector, disconnect all associated controllers. Use a multimeter to check the resistance for all circuits in the system. If necessary, repair or replace closed or open circuits.
It is a good idea to check the system’s fuses when the P081E error occurs. Fuses that may appear normal when first tested may fail when the circuit is under load.
Most transmission slip codes are caused by excessive wear on internal clutch components.
On which vehicles does this problem occur most frequently
Fault code P081E can occur on different vehicles but there are statistics on which brands this occurs most often. Here is a list of some of them:
- Acura
- Audi
- Chery
- Honda
- Porsche
- Volkswagen
Fault code P081E can sometimes be found with other errors. The most common are the following: P0833, P0834, P0835.
