P272C code meaning
Park Pawl Motor Control Circuit
Powertrain system Generic code P27xx codes Check engine light
What P272C means
P272C concerns the control circuit of the motor that engages and releases the park pawl. In the shift actuator of the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander with CVT this is winding B, powered through its own relay B, while winding A is reported under P272A. The detection mirrors that code: with ignition on and the actuator idle, any phase of B reading low without being energised triggers it, and an after-run test with ignition off switches the relays off one at a time and turns the motor a little. Causes named are an open relay B circuit, an open phase line, relay B stuck off, coil B or the shift module. Because the other winding can still drive the actuator, a single fault has no effect on driving; only when both circuits fail are shifts blocked and the car placed in neutral.
P272C 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 P272C
- MIL on, Park still works normally
- Shifting blocked if the other circuit also fails
Common causes of P272C
- Most likelyShift actuator relay B open or stuck off
- PossibleOpen phase wire to motor coil B
- PossibleFaulty motor coil B in the 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
Park pawl motorControl moduleWiring harness
What each part of P272C 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. |
| 2C | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P272C 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 P272C
What does P272C mean?
P272C means "Park Pawl Motor Control Circuit". P272C concerns the control circuit of the motor that engages and releases the park pawl. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P272C?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P272C the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P272C fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P272C 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 P272C to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 1 to 4 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P272C clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.