P270C code meaning
Transmission Friction Element C Temperature Too High
What P270C means
With P270C the controller reports that clutch or brake C has run hotter than its permitted limit. Typical triggers are long slip phases: creeping in heavy traffic, holding the car on a slope with the throttle, or a trailer launch. If the situation keeps recurring under normal driving, the element itself may be slipping because apply pressure is low or its linings are worn, and the fluid should be checked for level, smell and debris. There is no public maker documentation for P270C; which element carries letter C must be taken from the gearbox's own clutch chart. Audi documents the same protective idea under its own codes for the S tronic of the S4/S5 (2010-2012), where a fault in the clutch cooling oil valve can appear together with the clutch temperature entries. Sibling codes P270A to P270F differ only in the element.
P270C at a glance
- Check engine lightUsually not
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyHard
- Typical labor0.5 to 10 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P270C
- Warning in the cluster with reduced power
- Gear using element C avoided or held only briefly
- Hot, darkened fluid
Common causes of P270C
- Most likelyCreeping or holding on a grade with the throttle instead of the brake
- PossibleElement C slipping from low apply pressure or worn plates
- PossibleFaulty clutch cooling oil valve or restricted cooler (where fitted)
- Less likelyLow fluid level
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Friction element cTransmission fluidCooler
What each part of P270C means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 2 | Generic code (second SAE range): it means the same on every make. |
| 7 | Area: transmission. |
| 0C | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P270C 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 P270C
What does P270C mean?
P270C means "Transmission Friction Element C Temperature Too High". With P270C the controller reports that clutch or brake C has run hotter than its permitted limit. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P270C?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P270C the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P270C fail an emissions test?
P270C 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 P270C to fix?
Difficulty: hard. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 10 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P270C clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.