P0901 code meaning
Clutch A Actuator Control Circuit Range/Performance
Powertrain system Generic code P09xx codes Check engine light
What P0901 means
Set when the clutch A actuator circuit is electrically present but does not behave as expected, for instance when the measured current or response deviates too far from the target. Usage differs by maker. Ford lists P0901 among the DPS6 PowerShift codes, and trade guidance recommends swapping the two identical clutch motors: if the fault moves to clutch B, the motor is bad. Honda added P0901 on the 2015 TLX V6 nine-speed automatic for abnormal resistance in the clutch pressure control solenoid circuits, with failsafe gear hold and MIL. FCA recall 16V529 on 9-speed models also uses it to decide on a harness replacement. P0900, P0902 and P0903 are the pure circuit faults; P090B is the clutch B counterpart.
P0901 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyMedium
- Typical labor1 to 4 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P0901
- Check engine light on
- Shudder, harsh engagement or missed shifts
- Failsafe mode with a held gear
Common causes of P0901
- Most likelyWeak or worn clutch A actuator motor (dual-clutch units)
- PossibleHigh resistance in the transmission harness or sub-harness
- Less likelyTCM fault or outdated TCM software
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Clutch a actuatorWiring harnessTCM
What each part of P0901 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 9 | Area: transmission. |
| 01 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0901 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 P0901
What does P0901 mean?
P0901 means "Clutch A Actuator Control Circuit Range/Performance". Set when the clutch A actuator circuit is electrically present but does not behave as expected, for instance when the measured current or response deviates too far from the target. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0901?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0901 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0901 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0901 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 P0901 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 1 to 4 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0901 clear itself after the repair?
After the repair the car has to complete a drive cycle (a mix of city and highway driving) before the test runs again. Until then the readiness monitor shows "not ready", which can fail an inspection.