P271C code meaning
Park Pawl Position Sensor B Circuit Low
What P271C means
P271C covers the second park pawl position sensor, B, whose signal has fallen below the valid range. Park-by-wire designs often fit two position signals so that a single faulty reading cannot release or engage the pawl by itself; sensor B is the backup or comparison channel to sensor A. A low reading points to a short to ground, a missing reference voltage or a sensor that has failed low. No manufacturer documents P271C publicly; the only published field case in this family is Ford's recall 26V688, which concerns sensor A in the park module of the HF55 hybrid gearbox. With one channel lost the controller usually still knows the pawl state from the other, but it will warn the driver and may limit shifting into or out of Park.
P271C at a glance
- Check engine lightUsually not
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyWorkshop only
- Typical labor1 to 4 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P271C
- Shift system warning, vehicle usually still drivable
- Delayed or refused Park engagement
Common causes of P271C
- Most likelySensor B signal wire shorted to ground
- PossibleReference voltage to sensor B missing or low
- PossibleCorrosion inside the park actuator module
- Less likelyFailed position sensor B
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Park pawl position sensor bWiring harness
What each part of P271C 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. |
| 1C | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P271C 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 P271C
What does P271C mean?
P271C means "Park Pawl Position Sensor B Circuit Low". P271C covers the second park pawl position sensor, B, whose signal has fallen below the valid range. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P271C?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P271C the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P271C fail an emissions test?
P271C 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 P271C to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 1 to 4 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P271C clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.