Code
P277A
Generic
P — Powertrain
Electric/Auxiliary Transmission Fluid Pump B Hydraulic Leakage
AI status
Completed
Completed
100%
Causes
- Internal hydraulic leak inside Pump B (worn/failed vanes, seals, or housing)
- External fluid leak in pump housing, lines, or fittings
- Blocked or restricted return/charge passages in transmission or cooler
- Low transmission fluid level or heavily contaminated fluid
- Faulty pump motor (electrical failure) or excessive wear
- Damaged wiring, poor connector connection, or short to ground/open circuit to pump
Symptoms
- Transmission slip, delayed or harsh shifting
- Low or fluctuating transmission line/charge pressure
- Transmission control/limp mode or MIL illumination
- Audible pump noise (whine/rattle) or no pump noise when commanded
- Visible fluid leak under vehicle near transmission or auxiliary pump
- Elevated transmission temperature or degraded performance
What to check
- Scan for DTCs and view freeze-frame/livedata for pump command, pressure, and related codes
- Visual inspection for external fluid leaks at pump, lines, fittings, cooler and transmission case
- Check transmission fluid level and condition (contamination, metal particles)
- Inspect wiring harness and connector for damage, corrosion, loose pins, or water intrusion
- Measure pump supply voltage at connector while pump is commanded ON
- Measure pump motor current draw (compare to factory spec) to detect internal mechanical drag or short
Signal parameters
- Command duty cycle or request status: 0–100% (varies by vehicle)
- Battery voltage at pump connector: ~11–14.5 V when engine on
- Pump motor current draw: typically small tens of mA to several A (manufacturer spec required)
- Target hydraulic/line pressure when pump commanded: should rise above baseline (typical transmission line pressures ~50–200 psi; consult service data)
- Pressure sensor voltage range: typically 0.5–4.5 V proportional to pressure (check OEM curve)
- TCM fault counters/timeout intervals (stored in module data/freeze-frame)
Diagnostic algorithm
- Retrieve all stored codes and freeze-frame data; note drive conditions when code set.
- Visually inspect pump B, mounting, hoses, lines, fittings and transmission area for external leaks; repair any obvious leaks.
- Check fluid level and condition; top or replace fluid if low or contaminated and re-test.
- Inspect electrical connector and wiring for damage, corrosion or water ingress; secure and repair as needed.
- With a scan tool, command Pump B on and observe pump command, duty cycle, pressure sensor, and related parameters in real time.
- Measure voltage at pump power and ground while commanded; verify good supply and ground continuity back to fuse/TCM.
- Measure pump motor current while commanded; compare to specification to detect mechanical failure or internal short.
- Attach a calibrated hydraulic pressure gauge to the appropriate test port; command the pump and verify pressure rise and hold for expected value.
- If pressure does not reach specification but electrical supply and current are normal, suspect internal hydraulic leakage or internal pump failure — consider pump removal and bench test or replacement.
- If pressure and electrical checks OK but TCM reports leakage, verify pressure sensor operation (bench or substitute known-good sensor) and inspect internal transmission passages/valves for leakage.
- Repair or replace faulty components (pump, lines, sensors, wiring, TCM software update) per OEM procedures. Clear codes and perform road test with re-scan to confirm repair.
- If intermittent or unclear, consult OEM service information for special tests, pressure test procedures, and recommended replacement items.
Likely causes
- Worn internal pump components causing inability to build/hold pressure
- Damaged pump housing or loose/failed hydraulic line/fitting causing external leakage
- Contaminated fluid or clogged filter/strainer restricting flow to/from pump
- Connector corrosion or broken wiring causing reduced voltage/current to pump
- Faulty pressure sensor or incorrect sensor signal interpreted as leakage
Fault status
Status
P277A — Electric/Auxiliary Transmission Fluid Pump B hydraulic leakage detected. Pump commanded but hydraulic pressure/flow below expected threshold; TCM may limit operation and set MIL/limp mode.
Repair difficulty: Hard
Diagnostic time: 2-6 hours
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