P287B Shift fork 'A' calibration not learned in a dual-clutch transmission (seen on Ford Focus PowerShift)

P287B shift fork A calibration not learned

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

Owners report no shifting, grinding and a car that will not exceed 30 mph with this code, but we found no source that sets a safe driving limit.

It gets more serious if:

  • Inspect soon: The transmission will not shift, grinds, or the car loses power or limits its speed.

Source: how we rate severity

P287B in short

P287B means the transmission computer has not learned the calibration for shift fork A. Every report we found is a 2012-2018 Ford Focus with the dual-clutch automatic, usually beside P2831 or P2832, with lost power and grinding. A relearn can fail to hold, so have a shop check the shift fork hardware soon.

A dual-clutch transmission moves its gears with shift forks, and the computer must learn where each fork sits. When the calibration for fork A is missing or fails to hold, it stores P287B.

The reference definition says only that the calibration was not learned. In Ford Focus owner reports the code comes with P2831, P2832 or P2837, and a relearn through the transmission computer sometimes works for days or weeks and then the codes return.

Some owners were told a mechanism was stuck or the transmission needed replacing; others were told the transmission computer was at fault. We found no bulletin for this code in our cache, so these are owner reports, not confirmed repairs.

Most likely causes

  1. Worn or failed shift fork or shift mechanism

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Several Focus owners with P287B and the shift fork position codes were told a mechanism was stuck or the transmission needed replacing.
    What would change this
    Rises if shift fork codes P2831 or P2832 stay stored and there is grinding. Falls if a relearn holds with no other codes.

  2. Adaptive relearn not completed or not holding

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    The code definition is a missing calibration, and owners report the codes returning days to weeks after a relearn.
    What would change this
    Rises if the relearn clears the code for a while. Falls if the relearn fails or the code returns at once.

  3. Transmission computer fault or old calibration

    Possible — needs testing
    Why it ranks here
    One owner was told the computer was the problem and another suspected old software; neither was confirmed.
    What would change this
    Rises if a dealer finds newer software or the computer fails tests. Falls if shift fork hardware is faulty.
    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 transmission codes and note whether P2831, P2832, P2833 or P2837 are stored with P287B.

    Low riskTool: OBD-II scan tool

    • IfShift fork position codes are stored with P287B

      It meansA hardware problem is likely; go to the shop inspection.

      Go to step 2

    • IfP287B is the only code and the car shifts normally

      It meansA relearn may be enough for now; watch for the code returning.

      Go to step 2

  2. Have a shop with Ford software run the transmission adaptive relearn, check for newer calibration and inspect the shift forks if the codes return.

    Best left to a shopTool: scan tool with transmission relearn

    Warning:The transmission can stop moving without warning; do not drive far if it grinds or will not shift.

Symptoms

  • Check engine light on
  • Transmission will not shift or limits speed Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
  • Grinding noise or loss of drive Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.

Compare with: Check engine light with loss of power

How to fix

  1. Do not clear the code before a shop has read it; the stored data helps find the shift fork fault.

Parts and cost context

  • Transmission control module (TCM):Owner reports on whether the computer or the shift hardware is at fault disagree, so get a diagnosis before buying parts.

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

    Every P287B report we found is a Focus with the dual-clutch automatic; owners report grinding, limited speed or no shifting, and codes returning after a relearn.

  • P2831Shift fork A position circuit

    Shares causes Supported by vehicle data

    P2831 shift fork A position circuit is stored with P287B in several Focus owner reports.

  • P2832Shift fork A position circuit range or performance

    Shares causes Supported by vehicle data

    P2832 shift fork A position range is stored with P287B in several Focus owner reports.

  • P2837Shift fork B position circuit range or performance

    Shares causes Supported by vehicle data

    P2837 is stored with P287B in Focus owner reports of gears not working.

All Transmission codes

Sources and review

  1. NHTSA complaint 1895478: 2013 Ford Focus, P2831, P2832, P287B — NHTSA (owner complaint)
  2. NHTSA complaint 1584900: 2012 Ford Focus, P2832 and P287B — NHTSA (owner complaint)
  3. NHTSA complaint 1187824: 2013 Ford Focus, P2862, P2837, P287B — NHTSA (owner complaint)
  4. NHTSA complaint 1386198: 2012 Ford Focus, P2831, P2832, P287B — NHTSA (owner complaint)
  5. NHTSA complaint 1893163: 2018 Ford Focus, P2837 and P287B — NHTSA (owner complaint)
  6. P287B Shift Fork 'A' Calibration Not Learned — Carly
  7. NHTSA complaint 1690189: 2013 Ford Focus, P2831, P2832, P287B — NHTSA (owner complaint)
  8. NHTSA complaint 1695578: 2013 Ford Focus, P2831, P2833, P287B — NHTSA (owner complaint)
  9. NHTSA complaint 1768329: 2012 Ford Focus, P287B, P2832, P2831 — NHTSA (owner complaint)
Last reviewed
Written by
Saurabh K.
Editorial review
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Technician review
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