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P27C3 code meaning

Pressure Control Solenoid P Electrical

Powertrain system Generic code P27xx codes Check engine light

What P27C3 means

P27C3 is the general electrical fault code for pressure control solenoid P. No manufacturer documents it publicly. Where solenoid P is known to exist, on GM's Corvette dual-clutch box (23OBDG07, shift solenoid 3) and Ford's TR9070 (SPV3), electrical faults are reported in finer detail: P27C5 for an open load, P27C7 for a shorted switch and P27C8 for a shorted load or excessive current error. A controller with simpler output diagnostics might summarize any of these as P27C3. CARB 13 CCR 1968.2 requires monitoring of transmission output circuits. Measure coil resistance at the transmission connector, then check terminals and the lead to the control unit.

P27C3 at a glance

  • Check engine lightYes, usually on
  • Emissions testCan fail
  • Limp modePossible
  • Repair difficultyMedium
  • Typical labor1 to 4 hours
  • Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner

Symptoms of P27C3

  • MIL on
  • Gears on the affected shift rods unavailable
  • Transmission in emergency mode

Common causes of P27C3

  • Most likelySolenoid P winding open or shorted
  • PossibleDamaged or corroded pin in the transmission connector
  • PossibleChafed or broken lead between solenoid and TCM
  • Less likelyFaulty output stage in the TCM

Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.

Parts involved

Pressure control solenoid pWiring harness

What each part of P27C3 means

PPowertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission.
2Generic code (second SAE range): it means the same on every make.
7Area: transmission.
C3The exact fault in that area.

What to do next

  • Note P27C3 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 P27C3

What does P27C3 mean?

P27C3 means "Pressure Control Solenoid P Electrical". P27C3 is the general electrical fault code for pressure control solenoid P. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.

Is it safe to drive with P27C3?

Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P27C3 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.

Will P27C3 fail an emissions test?

Yes, it can. P27C3 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 P27C3 to fix?

Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 1 to 4 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.

Will P27C3 clear itself after the repair?

Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.

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Technical content: OBDex open OBD-II database (public domain, CC0), checked 4 Nov 2026, edited for US drivers by the VinGear team.
Technical sources for P27C3