P07AB code meaning
Transmission Friction Element E Stuck On
Powertrain system Generic code P07xx codes Check engine light
What P07AB means
Each friction element (clutch or brake) has three functional codes: slip while commanded locked (P079A ff), performance/stuck off – it does not apply or applies too weakly – and stuck on – it does not release. GM's hybrid transmissions use only the stuck-on codes: when a clutch should release, the module expects slip to build and flags it if slip stays near zero – here only the Cadillac CT6 plug-in, whose transmission has a fifth clutch: it compares actual slip with the target release profile or detects missing slip while releasing, 2 s, after one trip. No other manufacturer document available to us uses it.
P07AB at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyHard
- Typical labor1 to 12 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P07AB
- Check engine light or 'service hybrid system' message
- Jolt or tie-up on mode or gear changes
- Engine stalls or drags when stopping
- Limp mode with reduced power
Common causes of P07AB
- Most likelyClutch E stuck, welded or piston hanging
- PossibleValve or spool sticking in the applied position
- PossibleContaminated fluid (debris)
- Less likelyModule software
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Transmission clutchesTransmission valve bodyHybrid control module
What each part of P07AB 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. |
| AB | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P07AB 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 P07AB
What does P07AB mean?
P07AB means "Transmission Friction Element E Stuck On". Each friction element (clutch or brake) has three functional codes: slip while commanded locked (P079A ff), performance/stuck off – it does not apply or applies too weakly – and stuck on – it does not release. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P07AB?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P07AB the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P07AB fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P07AB is emissions-related, so most inspection programs fail a car while it is stored or while the check engine light is on.
How hard is P07AB to fix?
Difficulty: hard. A typical repair takes 1 to 12 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P07AB clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.