Watches the drive circuit of the actuator that opens and closes clutch A in an automated or dual-clutch transmission. The code sets when the module detects an open circuit, so it cannot energise the actuator. Ford documents it for the DPS6 PowerShift gearbox in the Fiesta and Focus, where each dry clutch is moved by a three-phase electric motor with hall sensors; P0900 is the open-circuit check of the clutch A motor, alongside P0902 (short to ground) and P0903 (short to power). Ford program 20B23 for some 2016-2017 Focus cars lists P0900 with a lit check engine light and erratic shifts caused by failed clutch actuator motors. P090A is the same fault on clutch B.
Medium severity. Can I keep driving?Drive gently to a repair shop. If it slips, you hear clunks, or it loses its gears, do not keep driving.
Symptoms
- Check engine light on
- Erratic or missed shifts, vibration on take-off
- Transmission in limp mode, possibly no drive
Most likely causes
- Failed clutch A actuator motor (open winding or internal fault)
- Loose connector or broken wire between TCM and actuator
- Faulty motor driver inside the TCM
What to check, in order
Start with the simplest. You can tick off each step.
Good to know
- Repair difficulty: medium
- It can trigger limp mode.
- It affects emissions.
What each character of P0900 means
- P: Powertrain: engine and transmission
- 0: Generic code: same on every make
- 9: Transmission
- 00: Specific fault in that system
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep driving with code P0900?
Drive gently to a repair shop. If it slips, you hear clunks, or it loses its gears, do not keep driving.
What causes code P0900?
The most common causes are: failed clutch A actuator motor (open winding or internal fault); loose connector or broken wire between TCM and actuator; faulty motor driver inside the TCM.
Related codes
- P0901Clutch A Actuator Control Circuit Range/Performance
- P0902Clutch A Actuator Control Circuit Low
- P0903Clutch A Actuator Control Circuit High
- P090AClutch B Actuator Control Circuit/Open
- P0805Clutch Position Sensor A Circuit
- P0806Clutch Position Sensor A Circuit Range/Performance
Sources
- newtonnet.co.uk: fordobd2012
- static.nhtsa.gov: MC 10178055 0001
- gearsmagazine.com: diagnosing the dps6 knowing the good helps you ide
- law.cornell.edu: 13 CCR 1968.2
Values and procedures vary by manufacturer. If it affects brakes, steering, fuel or high voltage, see a professional. Updated: 2026-11-04. How we build these pages.