P27F4 code meaning
Gear Shift Lock Solenoid/Actuator A Performance/Stuck On
What P27F4 means
P27F4 concerns the mechanical result of the shift lock, not its wiring: actuator A was commanded but stays in its active state or does not reach the requested position. Whether active means locked or released depends on the design. No manufacturer documents P27F4 publicly. Ford reports the same kind of fault as P0929 from its shifter module: bulletin 25-2045 for 2021-2024 F-150 lists a shifter that will not leave Park or will not stow, with the wrench lamp rather than the MIL. FCA recall 16V-249 explains the risk of a failed interlock solenoid on 2016 Grand Cherokee: the lever could stay trapped in Park or Neutral. Check for binding in the shifter, then supply and ground of the actuator. P27F5 is the opposite stuck state.
P27F4 at a glance
- Check engine lightUsually not
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyMedium
- Typical labor0.5 to 2.5 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P27F4
- Selector cannot be moved out of Park despite pressing the brake
- Shift system warning or wrench lamp in the cluster
- Clicking from the shifter with no release
Common causes of P27F4
- Most likelyLock pin or actuator binding in the shifter mechanism
- PossibleFaulty gear shift module or its software
- Less likelyImplausible brake pedal signal keeping the lock commanded
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Shift lock solenoid aShift lock actuator aTCM
What each part of P27F4 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. |
| F4 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P27F4 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 P27F4
What does P27F4 mean?
P27F4 means "Gear Shift Lock Solenoid/Actuator A Performance/Stuck On". P27F4 concerns the mechanical result of the shift lock, not its wiring: actuator A was commanded but stays in its active state or does not reach the requested position. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P27F4?
P27F4 does not normally turn on the check engine light by itself. Watch for the symptoms above and have it checked soon.
Will P27F4 fail an emissions test?
P27F4 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 P27F4 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 2.5 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P27F4 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.