P271D: Park Pawl Position Sensor B Circuit High
The redundant park pawl position sensor B reads above the upper diagnostic threshold. Wiring faults of this kind typically come from chafing, water ingress at connector seals, or pin push-back — a wiggle test on the harness while the code is active often confirms the location.
What P271D means
P271D is a generic OBD-II powertrain code in the transmission group. In plain English: the computer sees a voltage on that circuit that is higher than it should ever be — often an open ground, a short to power, or a failed sensor.
- Check engine light
- Usually on
- Emissions-related
- No
- Limp mode possible
- Not typical
- Drive cycle to clear
- Not required
Get it fixed
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Common causes
- 01Open sensor elementMost likely
- 02Signal wire shorted to the 5 V referencePossible
- 03Connector pins corroded - high contact resistanceLess likely
Can I drive with P271D?
Usually yes, for a short time.
The car will often drive normally, but get it diagnosed soon. If you notice rough running, warning lights flashing, overheating or a burning smell, stop driving.
Why we rate it moderate
- Turns on the check engine light
Severity is our rule-based rating from the code’s flags in OBDex and the system it affects, not an inspection of your car. If the check engine light is flashing, or you notice overheating, low oil pressure, or brake or steering problems, stop driving and get help.
How to diagnose P271D
- 1
Confirm the code and save freeze-frame data
Read the codes with an OBD-II scan tool and note every code, not just P271D. Save the freeze-frame data (speed, load, temperature when the fault set) before clearing anything; it tells you when the fault happens.
- 2
Check for related codes first
Look for P271B. Related codes often share a cause; a circuit or sensor code usually needs fixing before a performance code like this one.
- 3
Test the circuit
Inspect the wiring and connector at the park pawl position sensor b and wiring harness for damage, corrosion or chafing. With a multimeter, check supply voltage, ground and signal against the specifications in the service manual for your vehicle.
- 4
Test the likely causes in order
Start with the most likely cause and work down: Open sensor element; signal wire shorted to the 5 V reference; connector pins corroded - high contact resistance. Test before replacing parts.
- 5
Check for recalls and service bulletins
Look up recalls for your exact vehicle with its VIN, and ask a dealer about technical service bulletins (TSBs). Manufacturers sometimes issue software updates or extended warranties for known faults.
- 6
Clear the code and verify the repair
After the repair, clear the code and drive the car under the conditions in the freeze-frame data to confirm it does not return.
P271D repair cost estimate
Estimate, not a quote. Labor times are typical ranges for this code from OBDex, and $125/hr is an assumed rate. Shop rates and labor times vary by vehicle and region. Diagnosis time may be billed separately.
- DIY difficulty
- Hard
- Good DIY job?
- Usually a shop job
Involved testing or major parts. Most owners use a shop.
Parts and systems involved
- Park pawl position sensor B
- Wiring harness
P271D FAQ
What does P271D mean?
P271D means “Park Pawl Position Sensor B Circuit High”. The redundant park pawl position sensor B reads above the upper diagnostic threshold. Wiring faults of this kind typically come from chafing, water ingress at connector seals, or pin push-back — a wiggle test on the harness while the code is active often confirms the location.
Is P271D serious? Can I keep driving?
We rate P271D as moderate severity. Usually yes, for a short time. The car will often drive normally, but get it diagnosed soon. If you notice rough running, warning lights flashing, overheating or a burning smell, stop driving.
What causes P271D?
The most common causes, from most to least likely: Open sensor element; Signal wire shorted to the 5 V reference; Connector pins corroded - high contact resistance. Test before replacing parts, because several causes can set the same code.
How much does it cost to fix P271D?
Typical labor is about $190–$625 at an assumed $125/hour shop rate, plus parts. That is an estimate, not a quote: labor times and rates vary by vehicle and region, and diagnosis may be billed separately.
Can I fix P271D myself?
DIY difficulty is hard. Most owners leave this to a shop because it needs involved testing or specialist tools. Always confirm the cause before buying parts.
Will P271D clear itself?
If the fault was intermittent, the warning may go off once the computer stops seeing it, but the code stays in memory. Fix the cause; clearing the code alone doesn’t repair anything.