P2887

Code

Generic P — Powertrain

Park Lock/Pawl Actuator Circuit

Brand: Generic

Type: P — Powertrain

Views: UK: 24 EN: 54 RU: 20

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Page language: EN

Causes

Open or shorted wiring in the actuator circuit
Poor connector connection (corrosion, bent pins, water ingress)
Failed park lock / pawl actuator (internal short or coil open)
Blown fuse, faulty relay, or power supply issue to the circuit
Faulty transmission control module (rare) or internal driver fault
Mechanical binding of the park pawl or transmission linkage

Symptoms

MIL/Check Engine or Transmission warning light illuminated
Vehicle may not shift into or out of Park reliably
Starter may be inhibited (no crank) if vehicle uses shift interlock
Transmission may report Park/neutral safety faults or incorrect PRNDL
Diagnostic trouble code P2887 stored in TCM/PCM

What to check

Read and record trouble codes and freeze-frame data with a capable scan tool (TCM/PCM data)
Visually inspect connectors and wiring for damage, corrosion, or loose pins at the transmission and actuator
Check relevant fuses and relays for continuity and proper operation
With ignition on, backprobe actuator connector to verify power and ground presence
Measure actuator coil resistance with connector disconnected (compare to spec or generic expected range)
Perform voltage drop test on power and ground circuits while actuating

Signal parameters

Supply voltage to actuator with ignition ON: ~11–14 V (battery voltage)
Actuator coil resistance (generic): typically between 5 and 50 ohms — consult vehicle spec
Expected command signal: switched battery voltage or PWM from TCM (0–12 V range)
Ground continuity: near 0 ohms to chassis ground
Current draw while actuating (generic): 0.5–3 A; significantly higher suggests short, lower or open suggests open coil

Diagnostic algorithm

Retrieve codes and live data from TCM/PCM. Note any related codes (PRNDL, park switch, communication errors).
Visually inspect harness and connectors at the transmission and actuator for damage, corrosion, or moisture. Repair as needed.
Verify fuses and relays feeding the actuator circuit; replace any blown or suspect items.
With connector connected and ignition ON, backprobe the power terminal at the actuator connector. Verify battery voltage present when the actuator should be powered.
Backprobe the ground/driver terminal while commanding the actuator with a scan tool. Verify switching to ground or appropriate PWM signal from the TCM.
If no voltage/command is present from the TCM, check continuity between the TCM connector and the actuator connector. Repair any opens/shorts.
With ignition OFF, remove connector and measure actuator coil resistance to ground and between terminals. Compare to spec or generic range. An open or very high resistance indicates a failed coil; near zero indicates short.
If coil resistance is within range, perform a voltage drop/current draw test while commanding the actuator. Excessive voltage drop or current may indicate internal short or mechanical binding.
If safe and practical, bench-test the actuator by briefly applying battery voltage to verify movement. Secure actuator and linkage before testing to avoid injury or damage.
Inspect pawl mechanical engagement and linkage for binding, debris, or wear. Free or repair mechanical faults.
After repairs, clear codes, perform self-tests and road/park cycle tests while monitoring live data to confirm normal operation and no return of P2887.
If wiring and actuator test good but the TCM never commands the actuator, verify TCM outputs, grounds, and update/replace TCM per manufacturer guidance.