Fault code P286F is called “Clutch “A” Disengagement Time Performance Too Slow” but in different programs it may be called differently. This fault designation applies to all vehicles equipped with OBD-II.
Technical description and explained code P286F
OBD-II fault code P286F is a generic code defined as “Too slow off clutch “A” time”. It is set when the Transmission Control Module (TCM) detects that the “A” fork is slow to respond to commands given.
The clutch normally functions in positions between fully engaged (clutch closed) and fully disengaged (clutch open). In this case, the TCM checks to see if the clutch is stuck in a position that is closer to the closed position than the requested position.
This is caused by either a mechanical clutch failure or a blocked clutch solenoid valve. This causes the fluid pressure to be too low and the clutch is jammed.
The clutch solenoid valve has the characteristic shown in the figure below. When the solenoid valve current is high, the valve opens and the fluid pressure disengages the odd clutch.
When the TCM detects the “A” clutch release time is too slow, it sets code P286F and then the warning light illuminates. The code appears when the control module detects a jammed clutch fork which requires replacement.
This can occur for many reasons, but most often the error is due to mechanical causes, such as mechanical wear of the shift fork.
Symptoms of vehicle malfunctions
The main signal that an error P286F has occurred is the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) is also known as the CheckEngine Light.
It can also be warning signs such as:
- Check engine control lamp on the control panel will light up (the code will be recorded in the memory as a malfunction).
- Poor transmission operation.
- Jerking when moving off.
- Jerking when shifting gears (especially 1st to 2nd gear).
- The vehicle may shift to failsafe or emergency mode.
The severity of fault code P286F is high, and normal transmission operation may be disrupted. Gearshift problems may occur, creating a safety hazard.
Factors that can cause this error code
The error code P286F can mean that one or more of the following problems have occurred:
- Shift forks sticking.
- Clutch fraying.
- Mechanical failure of transmission.
How to fix or reset OBD-2 code P286F
Some suggested steps for troubleshooting and fix the error code P286F:
- Connect an OBD-II scanner to the vehicle’s diagnostic connector and read all stored data and error codes.
- Clear the error codes from the computer memory and test-drive the vehicle to see if code P286F appears again.
- If the code appears again, you will most likely need to remove the transmission, to troubleshoot internal faults.
- After removing the transmission, the clutch disc and shift forks need to be replaced. When this error occurs, it is these parts that fail.
- After replacing the repair kit and reinstalling the transmission, an adaptation must be performed.
Diagnose and repair of problems
In all likelihood, when error P286F occurs, we can speak of a mechanical malfunction in the transmission. If you have no special skills in disassembling and troubleshooting transmissions, it is better to contact a service to perform repairs.
If you have sufficient skills and special equipment for troubleshooting. It is necessary to remove the gearbox to disassemble it in order to replace the clutch disc and shift forks.
Usually when replacing the clutch, a repair kit is used, which in addition to the clutch itself and the forks includes the clutch release plate and oil seals. All of these are also recommended to be changed at the time of replacement to avoid future problems.
To completely eliminate error P286F, after you have replaced the failed parts, you need to perform an adaptation or training.
On which vehicles does this problem occur most frequently
Fault code P286F can occur on different vehicles but there are statistics on which brands this occurs most often. Here is a list of some of them:
- Ford (EcoSport, Fiesta, Focus)
Fault code P286F can sometimes be found with other errors. The most common are the following: P2872, P2877, P287A.
