What Does P07AC Mean?
Transmission friction element "F" is not engaging properly or is stuck in the released position. The TCM has determined that this clutch pack or band cannot generate sufficient clamping force to achieve the commanded gear ratio. This results in the transmission slipping during specific gear engagements that require element F. Symptoms include RPM flare on upshifts or downshifts, delayed engagement, or the transmission defaulting to a failsafe gear.
Safety Warning
Driving is not recommended. A slipping friction element provides unpredictable power delivery and can fail completely at any time, causing loss of drive. Continued operation will accelerate internal damage. Have the vehicle towed.
Common Causes
35%
Worn friction element F clutch plates with insufficient friction material for torque holding capacity
25%
Reduced hydraulic pressure to element F apply servo from valve body wear or restricted passages
20%
Malfunctioning control solenoid for element F application circuit
12%
Leaking servo piston seals reducing effective apply pressure at element F
8%
Degraded or contaminated transmission fluid affecting friction coefficient and pressure
Diagnostic Steps
1
Check transmission fluid level and condition — dark, burnt, or contaminated fluid compromises clutch engagement performance.
2
Monitor real-time gear ratio data to identify exactly which shift transitions exhibit slipping when element F should be applied.
3
Perform line pressure testing at the element F circuit test port under various engine load and RPM conditions.
4
Run solenoid functional tests via scan tool to verify the element F control solenoid responds correctly and has proper resistance values.
5
Remove transmission pan and inspect for friction material accumulation, metallic particles, or other signs of internal clutch wear.
Estimated Repair Cost
$1,800 - $4,500
Parts + labor, varies by vehicle and location
Transmission friction element "F" is not engaging properly or is stuck in the released position. The TCM has determined that this clutch pack or band cannot generate sufficient clamping force to achieve the commanded gear ratio. This results in the transmission slipping during specific gear engageme...
The most common cause of P07AC (Transmission Friction Element "F" Performance/Stuck Off) is: Worn friction element F clutch plates with insufficient friction material for torque holding capacity
Typical repair costs for P07AC range from $1,800 to $4,500, depending on the vehicle, location, and whether you do it yourself or go to a shop.
Driving is not recommended. A slipping friction element provides unpredictable power delivery and can fail completely at any time, causing loss of drive. Continued operation will accelerate internal damage. Have the vehicle towed.
Start by connecting an OBD2 scanner to read the code and any freeze frame data. Then follow the diagnostic steps specific to P07AC to identify the root cause.
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Quick Info
Category
Powertrain
System
Automatic Transmission
Difficulty
Type
Generic (SAE)
Recommended Tools
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