What P07A5 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 at 50 rpm or less for 3.2 s with high clutch torque, after two trips; Volt Gen 1 and ELR when clutch 2 shows no slip while released, after one trip; Volt Gen 2 and CT6 by comparison with the release profile, after one trip; the 2016 Malibu Hybrid without MIL, from 2018 with. Ford's DPS6 uses P07A5 for clutch B '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 B 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 P07A5
- 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 P07A5 most
| Vehicle | Years | Reports | Share | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ford Focus | 2013–2018 | 11 | — |
Counts of owner complaints to the NHTSA that mention P07A5 (11 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
- A5
- Specific fault
Questions drivers ask
Can I drive with code P07A5?
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 P07A5?
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.
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.