P273D: Gear Shift Control Module A Supply Voltage High

P273D is the over-voltage counterpart of P273C: the gear shift control module A, the electronic selector of a by-wire gear selection, registers a supply above its permitted maximum. No manufacturer documents P273D publicly or names the limit. Excess voltage typically comes from the charging side – a regulator that has failed, jump-starting with a 24 V source or a booster left on – and may also be misread if the module's own measurement drifts. Audi gives an example of the latter on 2019–21 A6/A7 models: the selector lever J587 judged its voltage too strictly, logged faults and blocked range selection until a software update. Modules usually protect themselves by ignoring inputs, so expect a selector warning and a gearbox that holds its current range.

Medium severity. Can I keep driving?It depends on the symptoms. If the car is running normally you can go to a repair shop; if it goes into limp mode, drive as little as possible.

Symptoms

Selector or gearbox warning in the cluster
Range selection blocked
Other over-voltage faults in several modules

Most likely causes

Alternator voltage regulator overcharging
Jump-start or charger delivering excessive voltage
Selector module misjudging its supply (software or hardware)

What to check, in order

Start with the simplest. You can tick off each step.

Check the battery and grounds
Check the sensor's ground and make sure the signal wire is not receiving voltage from another circuit.
Clear the code and see if it returns
If it is a reference voltage code, disconnect sensors one at a time and see if the voltage recovers
Check whether a software update is available
Do not replace the control module without a full diagnosis

Good to know

Repair difficulty: medium
It can trigger limp mode.

What each character of P273D means

P: Powertrain: engine and transmission
2: Generic code: same on every make
7: Transmission
3D: Specific fault in that system

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep driving with code P273D?

It depends on the symptoms. If the car is running normally you can go to a repair shop; if it goes into limp mode, drive as little as possible.

What causes code P273D?

The most common causes are: alternator voltage regulator overcharging; jump-start or charger delivering excessive voltage; selector module misjudging its supply (software or hardware).

Related codes

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.