P272A code meaning
Transmission Range Select Motor Control Circuit
Powertrain system Generic code P27xx codes Check engine light
What P272A means
P272A refers to the control circuit of the electric motor that moves the gearbox into the selected range in shift-by-wire designs. Mitsubishi documents it for the 2022 Outlander with CVT: the shift actuator has two three-phase windings fed through separate relays, and motor A is the one reported as range select motor. With ignition on and the actuator at rest, a phase that reads low although no phase is energised sets the code; a second test after ignition off turns relays A and B off in turn and briefly rotates the motor. Listed causes are an open relay A circuit, an open phase wire, a relay stuck off, the coil or the electric shift module. If only one winding fails nothing changes for the driver; with both lost shifting is blocked and the drivetrain goes to neutral.
P272A at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyWorkshop only
- Typical labor1 to 4 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P272A
- MIL and shift warning, often no change in driving
- Gear selection refused, vehicle in neutral (second fault)
Common causes of P272A
- Most likelyShift actuator relay A open or stuck off
- PossibleOpen U, V or W phase wire to motor A
- PossibleFaulty motor coil A in the shift actuator
- Less likelyElectric shift control module fault
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Range select motorControl moduleWiring harness
What each part of P272A 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. |
| 2A | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P272A 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 P272A
What does P272A mean?
P272A means "Transmission Range Select Motor Control Circuit". P272A refers to the control circuit of the electric motor that moves the gearbox into the selected range in shift-by-wire designs. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P272A?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P272A the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P272A fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P272A 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 P272A to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 1 to 4 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P272A clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.