P285A Clutch B pressure disengagement performance fault in the transmission (seen on Nissan CVTs)

P285A clutch B pressure disengagement

Severity not verified — if the car runs badly, have it inspected

Nissan bulletins link this code to hesitation and reduced power and owners report rollback and limp mode, but we found no source on how long it is safe to drive.

It gets more serious if:

  • Inspect soon: The car hesitates, loses power or rolls back on a hill.

Source: how we rate severity

P285A in short

P285A means the computer found a problem with clutch B pressure releasing in the transmission. Reports here are mostly Nissan CVTs, where it can come with hesitation and reduced power. A solenoid or valve fault is listed, and shops often call for a new transmission. We found no source on how long it is safe to drive.

The computer commands clutch pressure and watches whether the clutch releases when it should, for example when the car comes to a stop. If clutch B does not release properly, it stores P285A.

One reference lists a defective high clutch and reverse brake solenoid valve or a faulty control valve assembly as the causes. In the data we read, almost every owner report is on a Nissan CVT, where Nissan bulletins list P285A with other CVT pressure codes.

Those bulletins describe hesitation and reduced power. Owners report rolling back on hills, and one shop relayed that its P285A procedure ended in a transmission replacement.

Most likely causes

  1. Faulty high clutch and reverse brake solenoid valve

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    A parts reference lists this solenoid first.
    What would change this
    Rises if the solenoid fails an electrical or response test. Falls if it tests normal.

  2. Faulty control valve assembly

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    The same reference lists the control valve assembly as the second cause.
    What would change this
    Rises if the solenoid tests good and pressure stays wrong. Falls if the solenoid is at fault.

  3. Computer software update available (Nissan CVTs)

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Nissan bulletins in the NTB19-040 series list P285A among CVT codes with hesitation; only summaries were read.
    What would change this
    Rises if a dealer finds your VIN is covered. Falls if it is current or the bulletin does not apply.
    How to test the transmission control module (tcm)

  4. Internal transmission failure needing replacement

    Possible — needs testing
    Why it ranks here
    A shop reported replacement after its P285A procedure, but this is one owner-relayed report.
    What would change this
    Rises if the update does not help and the CVT slips or rolls back. Falls if a solenoid or software fix works.

What to test first

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

  1. Read all codes and note whether other CVT pressure codes such as P0744, P0746, P0776 or P2857 are stored with P285A.

    Low riskTool: OBD-II scan tool

    • IfSeveral CVT pressure codes are stored

      It meansThey point to the same pressure problem; ask about the Nissan bulletin.

      Go to step 2

    • IfOnly P285A is stored

      It meansAsk for a clutch B solenoid and valve check.

      Go to step 2

  2. Ask a dealer whether a computer update or CVT bulletin applies to your VIN, and have clutch B solenoid and valve pressure tested.

    Best left to a shop

    Warning:Pressure testing and valve work need the transmission opened or tested under load; leave it to a shop.

Symptoms

  • Check engine light on
  • Hesitation or reduced power Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
  • Rolling back on a hill Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.

Compare with: Check engine light with loss of power

How to fix

  1. Ask the dealer to check your VIN for a software update before approving a transmission replacement.

Parts and cost context

  • Transmission control module (TCM):Check for a software update before replacing hardware.

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

Compare used part prices on PartPriceGuide

On your vehicle

Nissan

  • 2018–2021 · Kicks

    Supported by vehicle data

    Bulletins NTB19-040E, NTB19-040F, NTB19-040G, NTB19-040H, NTB19-040b, NTB19-040c, NTB19-040d, NTB22-021 name P285A on the Nissan Kicks. Only the bulletin summary was read.

  • 2018–2021 · Versa

    Supported by vehicle data

    Bulletins NTB19-040E, NTB19-040F, NTB19-040G, NTB19-040H, NTB19-040b, NTB19-040c, NTB19-040d, NTB22-021 name P285A on the Nissan Versa. Only the bulletin summary was read.

  • 2013–2016 · Sentra

    Supported by vehicle data

    Owners of 2013 and 2016 Sentras report P285A with warning lights, hesitation and rollback.

  • 2017 · Versa Note

    Supported by vehicle data

    A shop report on a 2017 Versa Note ran the P285A diagnostic procedure and called for a transmission replacement.

  • NTB19-040HStatus unverified

    DTC P0741/4/6, P0776, P0841, P0875, P0965, P2857/8/9, P17F0/1/2/4 AND/OR P285A STORED IN THE TCM, AND MAY

    2018–2021kicks, versa · issued · NHTSA 10211994

    Lists P285A among CVT codes (with P0741, P0744, P0746, P0776, P0841, P0965, P2857 to P2859 and P17F0 to P17F4) that can come with hesitation or reduced power. Only the NHTSA flat-file summary was read, not the bulletin itself.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • NTB22-021Status unverified

    DTC P0746, P0776, P0841, P0965, P17F0 AND/OR P17F1 STORED IN THE TCM IF YOU CONFIRM One or more of the

    2018–2021kicks, versa · issued · NHTSA 10212012

    Lists P285A among CVT codes (with P0741, P0744, P0746, P0776, P0841, P0965, P2857 to P2859 and P17F0 to P17F4) that can come with hesitation or reduced power. Only the NHTSA flat-file summary was read, not the bulletin itself.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • NTB19-040GStatus unverified

    DTC P0741/4/6, P0776, P0841, P0875, P0965, P2857/8/9, P17F0/1/2/4 AND/OR P285A STORED IN THE TCM, AND MAY

    2018–2021kicks, versa · issued · NHTSA 10202245

    Lists P285A among CVT codes (with P0741, P0744, P0746, P0776, P0841, P0965, P2857 to P2859 and P17F0 to P17F4) that can come with hesitation or reduced power. Only the NHTSA flat-file summary was read, not the bulletin itself.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • NTB19-040FStatus unverified

    DTC P0741/4/6, P0776, P0841, P0875, P0965, P2857/8/9, P17F0/1/2/4 AND/OR P285A STORED, AND MAY HAVE

    2018–2021kicks, versa · issued · NHTSA 10199165

    Lists P285A among CVT codes (with P0741, P0744, P0746, P0776, P0841, P0965, P2857 to P2859 and P17F0 to P17F4) that can come with hesitation or reduced power. Only the NHTSA flat-file summary was read, not the bulletin itself.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • NTB19-040EStatus unverified

    DTC P0741/4/6, P0776, P0841, P0965, P2857/8/9, P17F0/1/2/4 AND/OR P285A STORED, AND MAY HAVE HESITATION

    2018–2021kicks, versa · issued · NHTSA 10190212

    Lists P285A among CVT codes (with P0741, P0744, P0746, P0776, P0841, P0965, P2857 to P2859 and P17F0 to P17F4) that can come with hesitation or reduced power. Only the NHTSA flat-file summary was read, not the bulletin itself.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • NTB19-040dStatus unverified

    DTC P0741/4/6, P0776, P0841, P0965, P2857/8/9, P17F0/1/2/4 AND/OR P285A STORED, AND MAY HAVE HESITATION

    2018–2020kicks, versa · issued · NHTSA 10179609

    Lists P285A among CVT codes (with P0741, P0744, P0746, P0776, P0841, P0965, P2857 to P2859 and P17F0 to P17F4) that can come with hesitation or reduced power. Only the NHTSA flat-file summary was read, not the bulletin itself.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • NTB19-040cStatus unverified

    MIL ON WITH DTC P0741, P0744, P0746, P0776, P0841, P0965, P2857, P2858, P2859, AND/OR P285A STORED, AND MAY

    2018–2020kicks, versa · issued · NHTSA 10174415

    Lists P285A among CVT codes (with P0741, P0744, P0746, P0776, P0841, P0965, P2857 to P2859 and P17F0 to P17F4) that can come with hesitation or reduced power. Only the NHTSA flat-file summary was read, not the bulletin itself.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • NTB19-040bStatus unverified

    MIL ON WITH DTC P0741, P0744, P0746, P0776, P0841, P0965, P2857, P2858, P2859, AND/OR P285A STORED, AND MAY

    2018–2020kicks, versa · issued · NHTSA 10168902

    Lists P285A among CVT codes (with P0741, P0744, P0746, P0776, P0841, P0965, P2857 to P2859 and P17F0 to P17F4) that can come with hesitation or reduced power. Only the NHTSA flat-file summary was read, not the bulletin itself.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • P17F4Auxiliary gearbox clutch judder flagged by the transmission computer in a Nissan CVT

    Same system Supported by vehicle data

    Nissan CVT bulletins in the NTB19-040 series list P285A with P17F4.

  • P0776Pressure control solenoid B not working as expected or stuck off

    Same system Supported by vehicle data

    Nissan CVT bulletins list P0776 with P285A.

  • P0744Torque converter clutch control signal dropping in and out

    Same system Supported by vehicle data

    A 2016 Sentra owner reports P0744 stored with P285A.

All Transmission codes

Sources and review

  1. Nissan NTB19-040 series: CVT DTCs with hesitation or reduced power — Nissan North America ,
  2. NHTSA complaint 1527768: 2014 Nissan Versa, P285A — NHTSA (owner complaint)
  3. NHTSA complaint 1720570: 2016 Nissan Sentra, P0744 P285A P0715 — NHTSA (owner complaint)
  4. P285A OBD-II trouble code: Clutch 'B' pressure disengagement performance — PartsAvatar
  5. NHTSA complaint 1871019: 2017 Nissan Versa Note, P285A — NHTSA (owner complaint)
  6. NHTSA complaint 1858311: 2013 Nissan Sentra, P285A — NHTSA (owner complaint)
  7. Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 13, § 1968.2 — Malfunction and Diagnostic System Requirements (OBD II) — California Air Resources Board (via Cornell LII)
Last reviewed
Written by
Saurabh K.
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