P0903 code meaning
Clutch A Actuator Control Circuit High
Powertrain system Generic code P09xx codes Check engine light
What P0903 means
Set when the control circuit of the clutch A actuator shows a high state, meaning a motor or control line is shorted to battery voltage. Ford names P0903 as the short-to-power test of the clutch A motor in the DPS6 PowerShift gearbox of the Fiesta and Focus, part of a set with P0900 for an open circuit and P0902 for a short to ground. Ford's OBD summary gives no thresholds for these motor checks. Because both DPS6 clutch motors are identical, swapping them shows whether the motor or the harness and TCM side is at fault. CARB requires such circuit checks on transmission output components. P090D is the same fault on clutch B. The clutch is released and the vehicle may not drive normally.
P0903 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyMedium
- Typical labor1 to 3 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P0903
- Check engine light on
- Limp mode, gears missing or no drive
- Harsh or delayed engagement
Common causes of P0903
- Most likelyMotor or control wire shorted to a supply line
- PossibleInternal fault in the clutch A actuator motor
- Less likelyFaulty motor driver in the TCM
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 P0903 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. |
| 03 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0903 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 P0903
What does P0903 mean?
P0903 means "Clutch A Actuator Control Circuit High". Set when the control circuit of the clutch A actuator shows a high state, meaning a motor or control line is shorted to battery voltage. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0903?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0903 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0903 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0903 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 P0903 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 1 to 3 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0903 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.