P270E reports an over-temperature of the shift element labelled E. Because the value is normally calculated rather than measured inside the clutch, a wrong input can also trigger it: an implausible fluid temperature signal or incorrect slip data from the speed sensors would distort the estimate. Before suspecting the clutch, check for stored sensor codes such as P0711 or speed sensor faults, and confirm the fluid level. If those are fine, real slip of element E under load is the likely reason. No vehicle maker documents P270E publicly; Audi's S tronic bulletin for the 2010-2012 S4/S5 shows a related case under maker codes, where poor contact on the mechatronic circuit board produced clutch temperature and torque limitation entries. The car usually stays drivable with reduced performance.
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
- Gearbox warning with reduced performance
- Additional sensor codes stored
- Slipping or delayed shifts through element E
Most likely causes
- Faulty fluid temperature or speed sensor signal distorting the calculated temperature
- Real slip of element E under load
- Poor internal contact in the transmission control electronics
- Low fluid level
What to check, in order
Start with the simplest. You can tick off each step.
Good to know
- Repair difficulty: hard
- It can trigger limp mode.
What each character of P270E means
- P: Powertrain: engine and transmission
- 2: Generic code: same on every make
- 7: Transmission
- 0E: Specific fault in that system
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep driving with code P270E?
Drive gently to a repair shop. If it slips, you hear clunks, or it loses its gears, do not keep driving.
What causes code P270E?
The most common causes are: faulty fluid temperature or speed sensor signal distorting the calculated temperature; real slip of element E under load; poor internal contact in the transmission control electronics.
Related codes
- P270ATransmission Friction Element A Temperature Too High
- P270BTransmission Friction Element B Temperature Too High
- P270CTransmission Friction Element C Temperature Too High
- P270DTransmission Friction Element D Temperature Too High
- P270FTransmission Friction Element F Temperature Too High
- P2704Transmission Friction Element E Apply Time Range/Performance
- P0711Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor A Circuit Range/Performance
Sources
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.