P073C code meaning
Stuck in Gear 7
Powertrain system Generic code P07xx codes Check engine light
What P073C means
Ford's DPS6 dry dual-clutch transmission moves its gears with two electrically driven shift drums whose position is read by Hall sensors: drum A shifts 1st, 3rd and 5th, drum B reverse, 2nd, 4th and 6th. Ford's 2012 summary lists 'stuck in gear' codes for each drum: the module commands the drum out of a gear, but the gear stays engaged. It gives no thresholds or MIL rating. P073C would be the code for a seventh gear that cannot be disengaged, which only exists on transmissions with seven or more gears. No manufacturer document available to us uses it – the six-speed DPS6 has no seventh gear, GM's 9- and 10-speeds report clutch valve codes and Ford's 10R80 solenoid codes instead. Slip in seventh gear is P076F.
P073C at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyHard
- Typical labor1 to 10 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P073C
- Transmission stays in one gear, no further shifts
- Limp mode, transmission warning
- Clunking or blocking when shifting
Common causes of P073C
- PossibleShift fork or synchronizer for this gear sticking
- PossibleShift drum B motor, Hall position sensing or driver faulty
- Less likelyTransmission module
- Less likelyOn planetary automatics: clutch or brake not releasing (sticking valve)
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Shift drumShift forkShift drum motorTransmission control module
What each part of P073C means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 7 | Area: transmission. |
| 3C | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P073C and any other codes stored with it: several codes together often point to one cause.
- Check for loose connectors and damaged wiring around the parts the code names.
- Check open recalls for your car: some faults are fixed for free by the dealer. Enter your VIN.
- Clear the code only after the repair. If it comes back, the fault is still there.
Buying a used car? Scan it for stored codes before you pay. A recently cleared memory can hide a problem.
Questions about P073C
What does P073C mean?
P073C means "Stuck in Gear 7". Ford's DPS6 dry dual-clutch transmission moves its gears with two electrically driven shift drums whose position is read by Hall sensors: drum A shifts 1st, 3rd and 5th, drum B reverse, 2nd, 4th and 6th. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P073C?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P073C the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P073C fail an emissions test?
P073C is not an emissions code, so on its own it usually does not fail an emissions test. Other stored codes or a lit check engine light still can.
How hard is P073C to fix?
Difficulty: hard. A typical repair takes 1 to 10 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P073C clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.