Code P0902, possible transmission issues?

Tiny
ETERNALARIANNE
  • MEMBER
  • 2015 FORD FIESTA
  • 1.6L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 80,000 MILES
My friend has this car and about 2 weeks ago the check engine light came on and she said the car "didn't want to go". I plugged in a code scanner and got P0902. I cleared the error, and she says it's been fine since.

Today she says when she cranked it up, the traction control light was on, but it went off after driving a few minutes. No check engine light this time.

Could this be a sign of imminent transmission failure, or could it be easily fixed? I'm not too familiar with Ford myself.
Thursday, September 5th, 2024 AT 5:49 AM

13 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
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The P0902 code refers to a "Clutch Actuator Circuit Low" which is a common problem because the clutch actuators can go out and cause this issue. I would replace both clutch actuators, they even sell them as a kit which is helpful. Clear the codes once the job is completed. Check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.
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Thursday, September 5th, 2024 AT 10:02 AM
Tiny
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Thanks for the reply. Would this cause the traction control light to come on then go off?
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Thursday, September 5th, 2024 AT 10:07 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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Yes, it could, if not then the traction control problem is not related, but one thing at a time.
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Thursday, September 5th, 2024 AT 10:21 AM
Tiny
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Okay, I'll let her know the price of the actuators, might be a bit for her due to cost.
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Thursday, September 5th, 2024 AT 10:41 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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No worries, have a good weekend.
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Friday, September 6th, 2024 AT 11:05 AM
Tiny
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Sorry to resurrect this old question, but she never replaced the actuators since it has ran fine since then. Until today it popped the code again. Both times it has been extremely hot outside and she has driven for about an hour. Could heat cause this issue?
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Tuesday, July 8th, 2025 AT 3:51 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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Yes, if parts or going to fail, it will be in the heat. I would do the actuators.
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Tuesday, July 8th, 2025 AT 3:52 PM
Tiny
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Ok thanks. I'll see if I can convince her to do it, lol.
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Tuesday, July 8th, 2025 AT 3:53 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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Sounds good, nice to hear from you again :)
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Tuesday, July 8th, 2025 AT 3:59 PM
Tiny
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I'm back again she is finally going to get them replaced soon. I know you sent me the diagrams but how difficult is this job actually? Can I get to it from underneath the car, or do I have to drop the transmission? I've seen online the dealer charges $2600 to fix it.
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Wednesday, April 22nd, 2026 AT 11:30 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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That seems steep to me, you don't need to remove the transmission. You can get to the actuators one from up top and the other from below. I believe they may make a kit that does this. Please check rockauto. Com
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Thursday, April 23rd, 2026 AT 7:44 AM
Tiny
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Ok thanks. I see on rock auto it's called "shift interlock solenoid" but the part looks the same.

One last thing, I was reading about a relearn process after replacing these? Something about it might jerky for a bit until it learns the new solenoids? Is that correct?
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Friday, April 24th, 2026 AT 5:51 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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Yes, the computer will need to relearn the adaptation which will happen after driving the car for a while, let me know what happens.
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Friday, April 24th, 2026 AT 7:59 AM

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