P272C: Park Pawl Motor Control Circuit

What it means

A general fault in the park pawl motor control circuit. The motor that engages or releases the park pawl does not respond correctly.

At a glance

• Usually lights the check-engine light

How it works

The park pawl motor operates the mechanism that engages or releases the transmission's park pawl. The control module sets P272C when it detects a general fault in the motor control circuit or the motor fails to respond as expected, without specifying a particular current condition.

Common causes

Most likely first.

1. Motor winding open or shorted
2. Open or shorted control wire

Symptoms

• Check-engine or transmission warning light on
• Park engagement or release may fail
• Transmission may not shift out of Park

How to diagnose it

1. Record freeze-frame data and any related transmission or park-system codes before trying repeated Park engagement or release.
2. With the vehicle on level ground and secured against rolling, check whether Park engages and releases and note any warning or mismatch in the indicated state.
3. Inspect the park pawl motor connector and wiring for breaks, shorts, loose terminals, corrosion, or water intrusion.
4. Test the motor winding and control wires for opens or shorts according to the manufacturer's procedure.
5. If the electrical circuit passes, check the park pawl mechanism for binding and confirm the motor can move it through its commanded travel.

Common fixes

• Repair an open or shorted park pawl motor control wire.
• Clean, secure, or repair corroded motor connector terminals.
• Replace the park pawl motor if its winding is open or shorted.
• Repair a binding park pawl mechanism if it prevents motor movement.

Can I keep driving?

Do not rely on Park to hold the vehicle until engagement is confirmed; use the parking brake and keep the vehicle on level ground. Do not drive if the pawl will not release or the transmission cannot select a safe range; arrange assistance.