P090C Clutch B actuator control circuit voltage low

Clutch B actuator circuit low

P090C in short

P090C means the transmission computer sees low voltage in the control circuit for the clutch B actuator in an automated or dual-clutch transmission. Most reports come from 2012–2016 Ford Focus DPS6 cars. A failed actuator motor, wiring or the transmission computer are common causes. Expect shudder, no reverse or limp mode; get it inspected soon.

Dual-clutch and automated manual transmissions use electric actuators instead of a driver to apply the clutches. P090C sets when the computer sees the control circuit for clutch B actuator reading lower than it should, usually an open, a short to ground or a failed motor.

On the Ford DPS6 used in the Focus each clutch has its own actuator motor with a built-in position sensor that is not sold separately. Technicians can swap the two motors to see whether a code follows the motor.

Owners describe shudder, hesitation, the car jumping gears, no reverse and stalling in traffic. Have the transmission computer read and check whether Ford coverage applies to the VIN.

Most likely causes

These are general causes for this code across vehicles. None is specific to one make or model.

  1. Failed clutch actuator motor

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    A code reference lists the clutch actuator first, and DPS6 guidance swaps the actuator motors to see if the code follows.
    What would change this
    Rises if the code changes to the other clutch after the motors are swapped.

  2. Actuator wiring, connector or ground fault

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    A low circuit reading points first to wiring, and DPS6 guidance says to inspect the harness from the transmission computer to the actuator motor.
    What would change this
    Rises if the harness is damaged or the code comes and goes with movement.

  3. Transmission computer fault

    Possible — needs testing
    Why it ranks here
    A code reference lists the computer as a rare cause; it drives the actuator circuit.
    What would change this
    Rises only after the motor and wiring test good.
    How to test the transmission control module (tcm)

  4. Worn or damaged clutch pack

    Possible — needs testing
    Why it ranks here
    Some Focus owners report P090C with clutch slip and burnt smell, but a worn clutch is a mechanical fault that would not by itself pull the circuit low.
    What would change this
    Rises if other clutch performance codes are stored with slip or burning smell.

What to test first

Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.

  1. Read codes from the engine and transmission modules with a scan tool that supports both, before anything is cleared.

    Low riskTool: scan tool that reads the transmission module

  2. Ask a Ford dealer whether the VIN has open coverage or bulletins for the clutch, actuators or transmission computer.

    Low risk

    • IfCoverage applies

      It meansThe dealer diagnoses and repairs under it.

      Go to step 3

    • IfNo coverage applies

      It meansA shop needs to test the actuator circuit.

      Go to step 3

  3. Have a shop inspect the actuator harness, then swap the two clutch actuator motors and recheck the codes.

    Best left to a shopTool: scan tool that reads the transmission module

    Warning:Shop test. Actuator replacement needs relearn procedures from the maker.

Symptoms

  • Check engine or transmission warning light
  • Shudder or hesitation pulling away
  • Car jumps gears or will not engage reverse Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
  • Stalling or loss of drive in traffic Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
  • Transmission stuck in one gear (limp-home mode) Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.

How to fix

  1. Do not clear the code before the transmission module has been read.

  2. Ask a Ford dealer whether clutch, actuator or transmission computer coverage applies to the VIN before paying for repairs.

Parts and cost context

  • Transmission control module (TCM):The clutch actuator motors and harness are tested before the transmission computer; actuator and clutch work needs a relearn.

Labor varies by vehicle and shop; get a quote before you approve a repair.

Compare used part prices on PartPriceGuide

On your vehicle

Ford

  • 2012–2016 · Focus

    Supported by vehicle data

    Nearly all NHTSA complaints mentioning P090C come from Focus owners with the DPS6 dual-clutch, describing shudder, no reverse, limp mode and stalling.

  • P0700Transmission module requests the check engine light

    Primary / secondary Possible — needs testing

    Likely primary: P090C. On cars with a separate transmission module, a basic code reader may show only P0700, which means the module has stored its own code. P090C can be that code, so fix P090C and P0700 goes with it.

All Transmission codes

Sources and review

  1. P090C OBD-II Trouble Code: Clutch B Actuator Control Circuit Low — Kelley Blue Book
  2. Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 13, § 1968.2 — Malfunction and Diagnostic System Requirements (OBD II) — California Air Resources Board (via Cornell LII)
  3. NHTSA complaint ODI 10744984: 2012 Ford Focus P090C — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
  4. NHTSA complaint ODI 11222373: 2015 Ford Focus P090C — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
  5. Diagnosing the DPS6: Knowing the Good Helps You Identify the Bad! — GEARS Magazine (Keith Clark) ,
  6. NHTSA complaint ODI 11703609: 2015 Ford Focus DPS6 failure with P090C — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
  7. DTC P0700 — Saab 9-5 (9650) 2010 Workshop Information System — SaabWISOnline (community rehost of Saab/GM service information)
Last reviewed
Written by
Saurabh K.
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