P273C code meaning
Gear Shift Control Module A Supply Voltage Low
Powertrain system Generic code P27xx codes Check engine light
What P273C means
Gear shift control module A is the electronic selector used where the gearbox is shifted by wire – lever, rotary knob or push buttons – which turns the driver's choice into a message for the transmission control module. P273C means the supply voltage that this module sees, or reports, has fallen below its lower limit. No manufacturer documents P273C or its threshold publicly. A weak supply matters because a selector that resets or browns out can no longer confirm P, R, N or D; the gearbox then keeps its range or refuses to leave Park. Stellantis shows how sensitive these modules are: for a rotary selector stuck in Park, its 2022 case advised pulling and refitting fuse F94 to restart the module. Check battery, fuse, feed and ground first.
P273C at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyMedium
- Typical labor0.5 to 3 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P273C
- Selector warning, range cannot be changed
- Vehicle will not shift out of Park
- Gear indicator flickers or goes blank
Common causes of P273C
- Most likelyWeak or discharged 12 V battery, voltage dips at start
- PossibleCorroded fuse contact, feed wire or ground of the selector module
- PossibleAlternator or DC/DC converter not supplying enough voltage
- Less likelyInternal fault in the gear shift module
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Gear shift module aCharging systemBattery
What each part of P273C 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. |
| 3C | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P273C 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 P273C
What does P273C mean?
P273C means "Gear Shift Control Module A Supply Voltage Low". Gear shift control module A is the electronic selector used where the gearbox is shifted by wire – lever, rotary knob or push buttons – which turns the driver's choice into a message for the transmission control module. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P273C?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P273C the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P273C fail an emissions test?
P273C 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 P273C to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 3 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P273C clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.