Powertrain, generic · Transmission

P0902 Clutch A Actuator Control Circuit Low

Check engine lightOn
EmissionsRelevant
Drive cycleNot required
Limp modePossible

Set when the control circuit of the clutch A actuator shows a low state, in practice a short to ground on a motor or control line. Ford defines it exactly this way for the DPS6 PowerShift transmission: the TCM tests the three-phase clutch A motor for open circuit (P0900), short to ground (P0902) and short to power (P0903), next to hall sensor and sequence checks. Ford's TCM program 14M02 for 2011-2015 Fiesta and Focus also lists P0902 among the codes for which a failed TCM can be the cause, so the module itself is a real suspect besides the motor and harness. P090C is the same fault on clutch B. With the clutch no longer controllable, the gearbox goes into a fallback mode.

Likely causes

Clutch A actuator motor with internal short to ground
Failed TCM output stage (Ford program 14M02 lists this code)
Chafed motor wire touching ground

Symptoms

  • Check engine light on
  • No drive or only some gears available
  • Jerky take-off and shift faults

Repair estimate

DifficultyMediumWorkshop job
Parts and labour€150–1,200
Time1–3 h

Typical range across vehicles; the real cost depends on what the testing finds.

Parts involved

clutch a actuatorwiring harnesstcm

Related codes

P0900P0901P0903P090C

References: newtonnet.co.uk, static.nhtsa.gov, law.cornell.edu.