P271D code meaning
Park Pawl Position Sensor B Circuit High
What P271D means
P271D is logged when the signal of park pawl position sensor B sits above its upper limit. Electrically this is the mirror image of P271C: an interrupted sensor ground, an open signal line pulled up inside the controller, or contact with a supply wire. No manufacturer documents P271D publicly, so neither thresholds nor debounce times are known; Ford's recall 26V688 for the park module of the HF55 hybrid transmission is the only published case in this sensor family and involves sensor A. Because the pawl decides whether the car can roll away, controllers treat any doubt about its position conservatively. Expect a shift system warning and checks of wiring and connector at the actuator before the module itself is replaced.
P271D 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 P271D
- Shift system warning on the display
- Park function restricted
Common causes of P271D
- Most likelyOpen ground or signal wire of sensor B
- PossibleSignal shorted to a voltage source
- PossibleMoisture or corrosion in the actuator connector
- 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 P271D 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. |
| 1D | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P271D 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 P271D
What does P271D mean?
P271D means "Park Pawl Position Sensor B Circuit High". P271D is logged when the signal of park pawl position sensor B sits above its upper limit. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P271D?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P271D the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P271D fail an emissions test?
P271D 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 P271D to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 1 to 4 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P271D clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.