What P07AE 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
No manufacturer document available to us uses this code: the documented hybrids have at most five monitored clutches. The description follows the family. A clutch that does not apply means a missing gear or slip, typically from worn plates, low pressure or a sticking valve.
Written from public technical sources and not yet checked by a mechanic. How we write these pages
Symptoms
- Check engine light or transmission warning
- Gear missing or slipping, weak acceleration
- Limp mode
Common causes
- Clutch G plates worn or piston seal leaking Most likely
- Too little apply pressure (fluid, pump, valve) Possible
- Clutch actuator or valve sticking (DCT: electric actuator) Possible
- Module software or lost adaption Less likely
How to diagnose P07AE
- 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 P07AE most
| Vehicle | Years | Reports | Share | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ford Fusion | 2010–2012 | 10 | 114k | |
| Ford Explorer | 2011–2016 | 4 | — |
Counts of owner complaints to the NHTSA that mention P07AE (16 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
- AE
- Specific fault
Questions drivers ask
Can I drive with code P07AE?
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 P07AE?
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.