P27F5 code meaning
Gear Shift Lock Solenoid/Actuator A Stuck Off
What P27F5 means
With P27F5 the control unit concludes that shift lock actuator A remains in its passive state although it was told to act. Depending on the design, that can leave the lever free to leave Park without the brake, which defeats the brake interlock, or permanently blocked. No maker publishes this code. FCA recall 16V-249 describes a badly crimped harness terminal on the interlock solenoid of 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee that cut solenoid function. Ford reports a shift lock actuator that misses its target position as P0929 and fixes it with a new module or software (SSM 51057). Typical culprits are a loose terminal, a weak coil or a broken return spring. P27F4 covers the actuator stuck in its active state; wiring faults are P0928 to P0931.
P27F5 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 P27F5
- Selector leaves Park without the brake pedal being pressed
- Lever stays blocked in Park or Neutral
- Shift system warning message
Common causes of P27F5
- Most likelyLoose or badly crimped terminal at the lock solenoid
- PossibleWeak solenoid coil that no longer moves the lock pin
- Less likelyBroken return spring or worn lock pin
- Less likelyShifter module software misjudging the actuator position
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 P27F5 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. |
| F5 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P27F5 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 P27F5
What does P27F5 mean?
P27F5 means "Gear Shift Lock Solenoid/Actuator A Stuck Off". With P27F5 the control unit concludes that shift lock actuator A remains in its passive state although it was told to act. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P27F5?
P27F5 does not normally turn on the check engine light by itself. Watch for the symptoms above and have it checked soon.
Will P27F5 fail an emissions test?
P27F5 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 P27F5 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 2.5 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P27F5 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.