What P07A3 means
Each friction element (clutch or brake) has three functional codes: slip while commanded locked (P079A ff), performance/stuck off – it does not apply or applies too weakly – and stuck on – it does not release.
How the engine computer detects it
GM's hybrid transmissions use only the stuck-on codes: when a clutch should release, the module expects slip to build and flags it if slip stays near zero – the Two-Mode SUVs (2008–13) at 80 rpm or less for 4.5 s with more than 320–350 Nm (236–258 lb-ft) on the clutch, after two trips; the Volt Gen 1 and ELR when clutch 1 shows no slip while released ('applied or welded'), three attempts, after one trip; Volt Gen 2, Malibu Hybrid and CT6 plug-in by comparing actual slip with the target release profile, after one trip. Ford's DPS6 uses P07A3 for clutch A 'functionally stuck on'.
Written from public technical sources and not yet checked by a mechanic. How we write these pages
Symptoms
- Check engine light or 'service hybrid system' message
- Jolt or tie-up on mode or gear changes
- Engine stalls or drags when stopping
- Limp mode with reduced power
Common causes
- Clutch A stuck, welded or piston hanging Most likely
- Valve or spool sticking in the applied position Possible
- Contaminated fluid (debris) Possible
- Module software Less likely
How to diagnose P07A3
- Read every stored code with an OBD-II scanner. If misfire or fuel trim codes are there too, fix those first: they often cause this one.
- Inspect the parts involved: transmission clutches, transmission valve body, hybrid control module.
- Work through the causes above from most to least likely, cheapest checks first.
- Clear the code and drive a full drive cycle to confirm the repair held.
Vehicles that report P07A3 most
| Vehicle | Years | Reports | Share | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ford Focus | 2012–2018 | 21 | 116k |
Counts of owner complaints to the NHTSA that mention P07A3 (21 in total), not failure rates: popular models get more complaints simply because more of them are on the road. Models with fewer than 3 complaints are left out.
Reading the code
- P
- Powertrain
- 0
- Generic (SAE) code
- 7
- Transmission
- A3
- Specific fault
Questions drivers ask
Can I drive with code P07A3?
If the car shifts normally, drive gently to a shop. If it's stuck in one gear, slips, shifts harshly or won't move out of Park, don't drive it: have it towed.
Will my car pass an emissions inspection with P07A3?
Probably not in states that test vehicles with an OBD-II scan: an emissions-related code that keeps the check engine light on is usually an automatic fail. Rules differ by state and county, so check yours.
Often reported together
Codes that owners mention in the same NHTSA complaints as P07A3. They can point to a shared cause, so it's worth checking them together.
This page is general information, not a substitute for a professional diagnosis. Repair costs are rough estimates for parts and labor and vary by vehicle and region.