P272D code meaning
Park Pawl Motor Control Circuit Current Too High
Powertrain system Generic code P27xx codes Check engine light
What P272D means
P272D reports overcurrent in the park pawl motor circuit, the counterpart of P272B for the second winding. Mitsubishi's 2022 Outlander CVT service data sets it with ignition on when one of two phases of motor B that ought to carry current sits at the idle voltage level instead of near 0 V, the pattern of a line shorted to supply. As with P272B, the causes list shorts to power on both coil A and coil B plus the shift module, so the code number alone does not isolate the winding. The response is immediate: shifting is locked out and the powertrain is held in neutral, the MIL lights and, depending on speed, the shift warning lamp as well. A motor that draws too much current may also leave the pawl unable to reach its end position.
P272D 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 P272D
- Shifting locked out, vehicle held in neutral
- MIL and shift warning lamp on
- Park may not engage fully
Common causes of P272D
- Most likelyMotor coil B or A phase shorted to power
- PossibleChafed harness at 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
Park pawl motorPark pawl mechanism
What each part of P272D 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. |
| 2D | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P272D 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 P272D
What does P272D mean?
P272D means "Park Pawl Motor Control Circuit Current Too High". P272D reports overcurrent in the park pawl motor circuit, the counterpart of P272B for the second winding. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P272D?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P272D the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P272D fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P272D 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 P272D to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 1 to 4 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P272D clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.