P272B code meaning
Transmission Range Select Motor Control Circuit Current Too High
Powertrain system Generic code P27xx codes Check engine light
What P272B means
P272B flags excessive current in the circuit of the range select motor, normally caused by a winding or wire shorted to supply. On the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander with CVT, Mitsubishi checks this with ignition on: when one of the two phases that should be energised shows the non-energised voltage level (9-16 V instead of about 0 V), the code is set. The service text lists short circuits to power on either the A or the B winding, the connectors or the electric shift module as causes, so the code does not prove which winding is at fault. Unlike the open-circuit code P272A, the fail-safe is drastic: shifting is prohibited and the powertrain goes to neutral. The MIL comes on, and the yellow shift warning depends on road speed.
P272B 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 P272B
- Vehicle stays in neutral, no gear can be selected
- MIL and shift system warning
Common causes of P272B
- Most likelyMotor coil A or B phase shorted to power
- PossibleDamaged harness between shift module and 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 motorShift mechanism
What each part of P272B 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. |
| 2B | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P272B 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 P272B
What does P272B mean?
P272B means "Transmission Range Select Motor Control Circuit Current Too High". P272B flags excessive current in the circuit of the range select motor, normally caused by a winding or wire shorted to supply. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P272B?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P272B the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P272B fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P272B 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 P272B to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 1 to 4 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P272B clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.