Powertrain, generic (extended)

P270F Transmission Friction Element F Temperature Too High

Check engine lightUsually off

EmissionsNot relevant

Drive cycleNot required

Limp modePossible

P270F closes the A-to-F series and signals that element F has exceeded its temperature limit. Only gearboxes with at least six shift elements carry a letter F, so the code belongs to modern multi-speed automatics, but no maker publishes its use or thresholds. It should be kept apart from P2787, which reports a hot clutch in general (for example a dual-clutch or launch clutch) without a letter, and from P0218, which concerns overall fluid over-temperature. P2705 is the apply-time test for the same element F. CARB lists transmission controls among the powertrain parts the OBD system must check. VW's 0AM dual-clutch material describes the typical reaction to overheating, a cut in engine torque. If the code repeats under ordinary driving, slip of F or a cooling fault should be checked.

Likely causes

Element F slipping due to low pressure or wear

Severe duty such as towing, mountain driving or repeated launches

Low fluid or restricted cooler

Symptoms

Torque reduction and warning message
Gears using element F temporarily unavailable
Harsh or slipping shifts

Repair estimate

DifficultyHardWorkshop job

Parts and labour€100–4,000

Time0–10 h

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

Parts involved

friction element ftransmission fluidcooler

References: law.cornell.edu, static.nhtsa.gov.