P273A carries the apply-time test of P2700 to P2705 on to a seventh shift element, G. The controller measures how long element G needs from command to full engagement and stores the code if this time is implausibly long or short. Only gearboxes with more than six clutches and brakes need a letter G, and no manufacturer documents P273A publicly. Ford shows how the series is used: its 10R80 bulletins (from 21-2315 onward) list apply-time codes up to P2705 for element F and none beyond, and Ford's 2012 summary explains that a ratio check cannot tell a valve fault apart from other faults in that clutch circuit. CARB requires monitoring of automatic transmission controls. A slow G apply can mean worn plates, leaking piston seals or low pressure; the driver feels flare or harsh shifts.
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
- Engine flare or harsh shift into gears using element G
- MIL lit, possibly with ratio codes
- Fail-safe gear operation
Most likely causes
- Leaking piston seals in the apply circuit of element G
- Pressure control or shift solenoid feeding element G sticking
- Worn plates or wrong clearance of element G
- Adaptive shift values out of range after repair or software update
What to check, in order
Start with the simplest. You can tick off each step.
Good to know
- It can trigger limp mode.
- It affects emissions.
What each character of P273A means
- P: Powertrain: engine and transmission
- 2: Generic code: same on every make
- 7: Transmission
- 3A: Specific fault in that system
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep driving with code P273A?
Drive gently to a repair shop. If it slips, you hear clunks, or it loses its gears, do not keep driving.
What causes code P273A?
The most common causes are: leaking piston seals in the apply circuit of element G; pressure control or shift solenoid feeding element G sticking; worn plates or wrong clearance of element G.
Related codes
- P273BTransmission Friction Element H Apply Time Range/Performance
- P2700Transmission Friction Element A Apply Time Range/Performance
- P2701Transmission Friction Element B Apply Time Range/Performance
- P2702Transmission Friction Element C Apply Time Range/Performance
- P2703Transmission Friction Element D Apply Time Range/Performance
- P2704Transmission Friction Element E Apply Time Range/Performance
- P2705Transmission Friction Element F Apply Time 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.