Generic fault code
P07A3 — Transmission friction element A: stuck on
The control unit stores code P07A3 when it detects this fault: “Transmission friction element A: stuck on”.
Indicative severity: MediumTransmission
Reviewed by Daniel Morales, founder of Reprorace SL, on
What does code P07A3 mean?
The gearbox, especially automatic ones: its sensors, solenoids and torque converter. A fault may lock it in one gear (limp-home mode) or cause harsh shifts.
- System
- P · Powertrain
- Area
- Transmission · Car system: Transmission
- Type
- Generic (SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6): the same meaning on every make
- Indicative severity
- Medium. Diagnose soon: it may raise emissions or consumption, or trigger limp-home mode.
What usually causes code P07A3?
- Component stuck or fouled (carbon deposits)
- Mechanical wear or failure, loose or misplaced mounting
The most likely causes come first. Only a check on the car confirms which one is yours.
What are the symptoms of code P07A3?
- Harsh, late or slipping shifts
- The gearbox stays in one gear (limp-home mode)
- A flashing gear indicator or the transmission light on
These are the usual symptoms of this kind of fault: not all of them always appear, and sometimes you notice nothing.
Can I keep driving with code P07A3?
With care, and not for long. You can take the car to a workshop, ideally without long trips or heavy loads, and without putting it off: fuel use or emissions may rise and the car may go into limp-home mode (less power). If the light flashes, a red warning light comes on, the temperature rises or you notice a loss of power, noises or smoke, stop as soon as it is safe.
This is guidance only: only someone who checks the car can say whether it is safe to drive.
An indicative description of the code's generic meaning. Each manufacturer may give it a different meaning, conditions or tests: always follow its service information and your workshop's advice.
What you can do yourself
For this kind of fault
Avoid towing and heavy loads until it is checked. If your car has a transmission dipstick and the owner's manual explains how to use it, check the level; otherwise leave it to the workshop.
Read the code and keep the report: with an ECO-LITE in the OBD socket you see it on your phone or computer, with the data captured when the fault happened.
Look for anything obvious: a loose connector, a disconnected hose, a fuel cap not closed properly or a low fluid level. Do not take apart anything you do not know.
Clear the code only after writing it down or after the repair. Clearing turns the light off, but it also deletes the freeze-frame data and the readiness monitors used at the inspection.
Drive normally for a few days and read the codes again. If the code comes back, the fault is still there: book the workshop and bring the report.
Read your car's fault codes on your phone
With an ECO-LITE in the OBD socket you see the codes in your account, with the data captured when the fault happened, and your workshop can check them remotely, always with your permission.
Related codes
- P079DTransmission friction element D: slip detected
- P079ETransmission friction element E: slip detected
- P07A2Transmission friction element A: performance or stuck off
- P07A4Transmission friction element B: performance or stuck off
- P07A5Transmission friction element B: stuck on
- P07A6Transmission friction element C: performance or stuck off
In the glossary
Read more: Remote OBD diagnostics: what it is, how it works and what it can't do