P287A Clutch B stuck engaged (dual clutch transmission)

Clutch B stuck engaged

P287A in short

P287A means the transmission computer commanded clutch B to release in a dual clutch transmission, but the clutch stayed engaged. On the Ford Focus DPS6, owners report no reverse, harsh shifts and no-start. It is a transmission fault that needs a shop check soon, not a quick fix.

A dual clutch transmission uses two clutches, A and B, that take turns driving the gears. The control module commands a clutch to release and checks shaft speeds and pressure to confirm it did. If clutch B stays engaged after the release command, it sets P287A.

Every complaint we read for this code is a Ford Focus with the DPS6 dual clutch automatic (2012 to 2018). Owners report the car refusing reverse, shifting badly or not starting, and codes such as P087A, P087B or P07A3 appear alongside.

The code only says clutch B did not release. A dealer in one complaint blamed the transmission control module and another reported a B-clutch failure, so the cause needs confirming on the car.

Most likely causes

  1. Clutch B or its actuator not releasing

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    A dealer in one 2018 Focus complaint reported a B-clutch failure with P287A and P087B, and Ford confirmed a DPS6 transmission in another. The code definition itself is a clutch that stays engaged.
    What would change this
    Rises if clutch position codes (P087A, P087B) are stored too and the car will not select reverse. Falls if the clutch tests normal and a module fault is found.

  2. Transmission control module fault

    Possible — needs testing
    Why it ranks here
    One 2012 Focus complaint says the dealer diagnosed that the TCM needed to be replaced with P087A-00 and P287A-00 stored. This is one dealer report, so it ranks below the clutch fault.
    What would change this
    Rises if software or module faults are found and clutch hardware tests normal. Falls if clutch release is mechanically restricted.
    How to test the transmission control module (tcm)

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 freeze-frame data and note whether clutch position codes (P087A, P087B, P087E), P07A3 or P286F are stored with P287A.

    Low riskTool: scan tool that reads the transmission module

    • IfP287A is stored with clutch position or clutch A codes

      It meansThe clutch system itself is the focus.

      Go to step 2

    • IfP287A is the only code

      It meansStill have the clutch checked; owners report the car getting stuck.

      Go to step 2

  2. Have a Ford dealer or transmission shop road-test, check clutch actuator and position data and the TCM software, and ask about open warranty or extended-coverage programs for the DPS6 by VIN.

    Best left to a shopTool: scan tool with transmission data

    Warning:A stuck clutch can leave the car unable to move or restart, so it should be moved only to a safe place and diagnosed with the vehicle secured; transmission work needs a lift.

Symptoms

  • Car will not go into reverse
  • Harsh, jerky shifts or shudder
  • Car will not start, or starts only sometimes
  • Transmission temperature warning Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
  • Loss of drive on the road Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.

Compare with: Check engine light with loss of power

How to fix

  1. Ask a Ford dealer to check your VIN for open recalls, extended warranty coverage or software updates for the DPS6 transmission before paying for repairs.

Parts and cost context

  • Transmission control module (TCM):Replaced in at least one reported case, but the cause is often the clutch; get a written diagnosis first.

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

Compare used part prices on PartPriceGuide

On your vehicle

Ford

  • 2012–2018 · Focus

    Supported by vehicle data

    Complaints for 2012 to 2018 Focus with the DPS6 dual clutch automatic report P287A with no reverse, harsh shifting and no-start. A 2017 owner was told by Ford customer service that the extended warranty for this issue had expired.

    Where it is:Dual clutch transmission clutch pack and TCM

All Transmission codes

P287A questions

Is P287A the same as P087A?

No. P287A means clutch B stayed engaged. P087A is a different code about the clutch position sensor, though owners often see them together on the Focus.

Sources and review

  1. NHTSA owner and dealer readouts quoting P287A on Ford Focus (ODI 1893955, 2102182, 1885928, 2092678, 1939873) — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
  2. TaT scan-data code view: P287A Clutch B Stuck Engaged — TaT (tat.net.au)
Last reviewed
Written by
Saurabh K.
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