Powertrain, generic (extended)

P287B Shift Fork A Calibration Not Learned

Check engine lightOn
EmissionsRelevant
Drive cycleNot required
Limp modePossible

P287B says that the control unit has no valid learned reference positions for shift fork A and therefore cannot place it accurately in neutral or in its gears. On electrically shifted dual-clutch boxes such as Ford's DPS6, drum A moves the forks for 1st, 3rd and 5th; the TCM knows each detent only as an angle, roughly 10, 90 and 190 degrees, derived from hall sensors on a motor that turns 61.44 times per drum revolution. Ford's 2014 list carries P287B, then worded simply as shift fork calibration not learned, as an MIL code. GM's 2023 Corvette TCM shows the comparable logic under P287C, which checks stored synchronizer rod positions at start-up. Typical triggers are a new or reflashed TCM, an interrupted learn routine, or a fork position fault that makes the learn fail.

Likely causes

TCM replaced or reprogrammed without running the fork learn
Learn routine aborted by low voltage or other fault codes
Fork A position or drum fault preventing a valid learn
Worn fork, drum groove or detent

Symptoms

  • Odd gears engage late, roughly or not at all
  • MIL or transmission warning
  • Learn procedure with scan tool does not complete

Repair estimate

DifficultyMediumWorkshop job
Parts and labour€80–800
Time0.5–3 h

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

Parts involved

shift fork ashift fork actuator atcm

Related codes

P288DP287CP2831P2832P285B

References: performanceparts.ford.com, newtonnet.co.uk, gsi.ext.gm.com.