P273B

Code

Generic P — Powertrain

Transmission Friction Element H Apply Time Range/Performance

Brand: Generic

Type: P — Powertrain

Views: UK: 46 EN: 51 RU: 35

AI status

Completed

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Page language: EN

Causes

Low or contaminated transmission fluid
Incorrect fluid type or degraded fluid
Faulty shift/pressure control solenoid or stuck valve
Internal valve body contamination or sticking valves
Worn or burnt clutch friction plates or apply components
Hydraulic leakage (seal, piston, or bore wear)

Symptoms

Harsh, delayed or soft shifts in one or more gears
Slipping or failure to hold a gear under load
Transmission enters limp mode or reduced performance
Check Engine / MIL illuminated
Abnormal transmission noise or shudder during shifts

What to check

Retrieve freeze-frame and live data from scan tool; note gear, speed, temp and commanded vs actual apply time
Confirm transmission fluid level, condition and correct specification
Visually inspect wiring and connectors at solenoids, pressure sensors and TCM for damage or corrosion
Check transmission fluid for metal particles or burnt smell (pan/strainer inspection)
Monitor solenoid command duty cycle and voltage, and measure solenoid resistance
Measure line/apply pressure with a calibrated gauge while commanding apply

Signal parameters

Commanded clutch apply time (ms) or commanded duty cycle (%)
Actual clutch apply time or clutch pressure (kPa/psi)
Shift/pressure control solenoid duty cycle and voltage
Transmission line pressure at idle and during apply
Transmission fluid temperature (°C/°F)
Vehicle speed and transmission gear commanded/actual

Diagnostic algorithm

Read and record all stored codes, freeze-frame and live data; clear codes and attempt to reproduce the fault under similar conditions.
Check fluid level and condition; if low or contaminated, correct level and replace fluid/filter, then retest.
Inspect electrical connectors and wiring for the related solenoids and pressure sensors; repair any damage and verify good ground and battery supply.
Using a scan tool, command the affected clutch/solenoid while monitoring commanded vs actual apply time, solenoid duty, and line pressure.
Measure solenoid resistance and bench-test solenoid operation where possible; replace if out of spec or intermittent.
Check hydraulic pressure and apply pressure with a calibrated gauge to identify internal leakage or weak pressure.
If hydraulic/solenoid checks are normal but apply time is still out of range, inspect valve body and accumulator circuits for sticking valves or worn bores; clean or replace as required.
If mechanical wear is suspected (worn clutch plates, burnt friction material or broken springs), perform transmission removal and disassembly for internal inspection and repair.
After repairs, reassemble, refill with correct fluid, perform relearns/adaptations as required by the manufacturer, and road test to verify the fault is resolved.

Likely causes

Contaminated or low fluid causing slow apply and leaking pressure
Sticking or failed control/shift solenoid preventing commanded pressure
Internal hydraulic leak (worn piston or bore) reducing apply speed
Worn clutch pack or burnt friction material lengthening apply time
Connector corrosion or intermittent wiring causing solenoid or sensor errors

Fault status

⚠️ Status

TCM detected Friction Element H apply time/performance outside allowable range — actual apply time or pressure did not meet commanded value. Fault stored.

🟡 Repair difficulty: Medium

⏱️ Diagnostic time: 2.0 - 4.0 hours