Powertrain, generic (extended)

P271C Park Pawl Position Sensor B Circuit Low

Check engine lightUsually off
EmissionsNot relevant
Drive cycleNot required
Limp modePossible

P271C covers the second park pawl position sensor, B, whose signal has fallen below the valid range. Park-by-wire designs often fit two position signals so that a single faulty reading cannot release or engage the pawl by itself; sensor B is the backup or comparison channel to sensor A. A low reading points to a short to ground, a missing reference voltage or a sensor that has failed low. No manufacturer documents P271C publicly; the only published field case in this family is Ford's recall 26V688, which concerns sensor A in the park module of the HF55 hybrid gearbox. With one channel lost the controller usually still knows the pawl state from the other, but it will warn the driver and may limit shifting into or out of Park.

Likely causes

Sensor B signal wire shorted to ground
Reference voltage to sensor B missing or low
Corrosion inside the park actuator module
Failed position sensor B

Symptoms

  • Shift system warning, vehicle usually still drivable
  • Delayed or refused Park engagement

Repair estimate

DifficultyShop_onlyWorkshop job
Parts and labour€100–1,500
Time1–4 h

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

Parts involved

park pawl position sensor bwiring harness

Related codes

P271DP271AP271BP272C

References: law.cornell.edu, en.wikipedia.org, static.nhtsa.gov.