P27E1: Electric/Auxiliary Transmission Fluid Pump A Pressure Too Low
The auxiliary transmission fluid pump A produces less pressure than expected for the commanded duty. Pump aging, leakage, or fluid loss.
What P27E1 means
P27E1 is a generic OBD-II powertrain code in the transmission group.
- Check engine light
- Usually on
- Emissions-related
- No
- Limp mode possible
- Yes
- Drive cycle to clear
- Not required
Get it fixed
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Symptoms
- Check engine or transmission warning light on
- Harsh, delayed, or missing shifts
- Possible limp mode (locked in one gear)
- Slipping or shuddering during gear changes
Common causes
- 01Pump worn or leaking internallyMost likely
- 02Transmission fluid level lowPossible
Can I drive with P27E1?
Not recommended beyond getting it to a shop.
This fault can put the engine or transmission in limp mode with reduced power, which can make merging and passing unsafe. Have it diagnosed as soon as possible.
Why we rate it urgent
- Can put the vehicle in limp mode (reduced power)
- 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 P27E1
- 1
Confirm the code and save freeze-frame data
Read the codes with an OBD-II scan tool and note every code, not just P27E1. 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 P27E2. 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 aux transmission pump a and transmission fluid 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: Pump worn or leaking internally; transmission fluid level low. 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.
P27E1 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
- Aux transmission pump A
- Transmission fluid
- Valve body
P27E1 FAQ
What does P27E1 mean?
P27E1 means “Electric/Auxiliary Transmission Fluid Pump A Pressure Too Low”. The auxiliary transmission fluid pump A produces less pressure than expected for the commanded duty. Pump aging, leakage, or fluid loss.
Is P27E1 serious? Can I keep driving?
We rate P27E1 as urgent severity. Not recommended beyond getting it to a shop. This fault can put the engine or transmission in limp mode with reduced power, which can make merging and passing unsafe. Have it diagnosed as soon as possible.
What causes P27E1?
The most common causes, from most to least likely: Pump worn or leaking internally; Transmission fluid level low. Test before replacing parts, because several causes can set the same code.
How much does it cost to fix P27E1?
Typical labor is about $250–$875 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 P27E1 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 P27E1 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.