P27E3 code meaning
Electric/Auxiliary Transmission Fluid Pump Control Valve Circuit/Open
Powertrain system Generic code P27xx codes Check engine light
What P27E3 means
The control valve named here decides where the oil from the electric auxiliary pump goes. Volkswagen's training book for the 0GC seven-speed DSG shows such a layout: pressure regulator N218 shifts a spring-loaded changeover piston that sends the flow of pump V475 either to the mechatronic unit or to clutch cooling. No maker publishes P27E3 itself. The code reports that the valve's drive circuit is broken or so resistive that the module measures no proper current: a cut wire, a lifted pin or an open coil. Without the valve the pump flow can end up in the wrong branch, so stop-start or cooling support may be dropped. P27E5 and P27E6 cover shorts, P27E4 a valve that responds wrongly.
P27E3 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyMedium
- Typical labor0.5 to 4 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P27E3
- Stop-start unavailable
- Warning light with stored open-circuit fault
Common causes of P27E3
- Most likelyBroken conductor in the valve control line
- PossiblePin backed out or corroded at the gearbox connector
- PossibleValve coil burnt open
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Aux transmission pump control valveWiring harnessTCM
What each part of P27E3 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. |
| E3 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P27E3 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 P27E3
What does P27E3 mean?
P27E3 means "Electric/Auxiliary Transmission Fluid Pump Control Valve Circuit/Open". The control valve named here decides where the oil from the electric auxiliary pump goes. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P27E3?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P27E3 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P27E3 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P27E3 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 P27E3 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 4 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P27E3 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.