P07E6
Stuck in Park.
- Generic
- Powertrain
- Generic code
- High severity
How this code is built
- P
- SystemPowertrain
- 0
- Defined bySAE, the same on every car
- 7
- AreaTransmission
- E6
- FaultThe specific fault in that area
What it means
P07E6 is the generic code for 'Stuck in Park'. The transmission control unit has requested a move out of Park, or has seen a drive range selected, but feedback from the park mechanism or transmission position sensing shows it is still engaged. How this is detected and what hardware is involved (mechanical linkage, park lock actuator or shift-by-wire system) depends on the model and transmission.
Symptoms
- Selector will not move out of Park, or the vehicle will not move after selecting Drive or Reverse
- Gear indicator on the dash flashes, shows the wrong position or displays a transmission warning
- Malfunction indicator lamp or transmission fault warning lit
- Clunk, buzz or no response from the park mechanism when changing range
- Intermittent no-move condition, especially on a slope or after the car has been parked for some time
Possible causes
- Fault in the selector, range sensor or position switch giving a wrong or implausible signallikely
- Wiring or connector fault (corrosion, chafing, poor pin tension) in the range selection or park actuator circuitslikely
- Low or marginal battery or supply voltage causing the park actuator or shift system to fail to releasepossible
- Worn, stretched or misadjusted selector cable or linkage, or a loose connection at the transmission leverpossible
- Faulty park release actuator, motor or solenoid (on systems that use one), or a seized park mechanismpossible
- Internal transmission damage to the park pawl or related parts, or a control unit fault or outdated softwarerare
How to diagnose
- Read all stored and pending codes plus freeze frame data, noting battery voltage, vehicle speed and the selected range when the code set
- Check battery condition and charging voltage, and look for any low-voltage or communication codes before going further
- Visually inspect the selector, selector cable or linkage and the transmission range sensor for damage, looseness or misalignment
- Inspect the wiring and connectors at the selector, range sensor and park actuator for corrosion, water ingress, chafing and poor pin fit
- Compare the selector position shown in live data with the actual lever position and the position at the transmission, and check the signals change smoothly through each range
- Test the supply, earth and signal circuits to the range sensor and park actuator against the manufacturer's data
- Operate the park actuator or release function using a bidirectional test if the model supports it, and check for correct movement
- Check for software updates or technical bulletins relating to the code for the specific model
How to fix
- Repair or replace damaged wiring and connectors in the range sensor or park actuator circuits
- Replace the faulty selector assembly, range sensor or position switch, then adjust or calibrate it to the manufacturer's procedure
- Adjust or replace the selector cable or linkage and set the range alignment correctly
- Replace the park actuator, motor or solenoid if testing shows it is faulty or binding
- Restore battery and charging system health, then clear the code and road test to confirm it does not return
- Repair internal park mechanism faults, or update control unit software where an outdated calibration is a known cause for that model
Can I keep driving?
High severity
Do not rely on the car if it will not leave Park, as it may fail to move at all or fail to engage Park reliably. If it still drives and holds in Park normally, limit use to getting it to a workshop, and use the handbrake whenever parked.
Guide written by AI from the code's definition. Confirm with a diagnosis before replacing parts.