P287A code meaning
Clutch B Stuck Engaged
Powertrain system Generic code P28xx codes Check engine light
What P287A means
P287A means clutch B stays closed, or keeps transmitting torque, at a moment when it should be open. Ford lists P287A as an MIL code in its 2014 code catalogue. In the DPS6 gearbox Ford describes for 2012, clutch B carries reverse together with 2nd, 4th and 6th and is pushed open by a return spring once its electric motor backs off; the older summary books that motor case as P07A5. Mitsubishi's 2023 Outlander PHEV flags the clutch A counterpart P2872 if a clutch meant to be open shows a slip of 8 rpm at most for 3.5 s while the front motor spins at 750 rpm or above. Applied to clutch B, the result is two clutches pulling at once: shudder, a strong pull in neutral or a stalled engine at a standstill. The TCM normally locks out the affected half of the gearbox.
P287A at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyWorkshop only
- Typical labor1 to 10 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P287A
- Shudder or binding, strong pull in neutral
- Engine stalls when the car stops
- MIL on, gears locked out
Common causes of P287A
- Most likelyClutch B actuator or return spring not opening the clutch
- PossibleClutch B plates seized or welded after overheating
- PossibleOn wet systems a valve held in the apply position by debris
- Less likelyControl unit or wiring commanding apply continuously
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Clutch bClutch actuator bValve body
What each part of P287A means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 2 | Generic code (second SAE range): it means the same on every make. |
| 8 | Area: transmission. |
| 7A | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P287A 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 P287A
What does P287A mean?
P287A means "Clutch B Stuck Engaged". P287A means clutch B stays closed, or keeps transmitting torque, at a moment when it should be open. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P287A?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P287A the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P287A fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P287A 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 P287A to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 1 to 10 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P287A clear itself after the repair?
After the repair the car has to complete a drive cycle (a mix of city and highway driving) before the test runs again. Until then the readiness monitor shows "not ready", which can fail an inspection.