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P287C

Transmission Adaptive Values Not Learned

The TCM has not learned the adaptive shift values needed for refined gear changes. The transmission operates with default values until adaptation completes.

  • Check engine light: Yes
  • Emissions related: No
  • Repair difficulty: easy

Symptoms

  • Check engine or transmission warning light on
  • Harsh, delayed, or missing shifts
  • Possible limp mode (locked in one gear)
  • Slipping or shuddering during gear changes

Common causes

Ordered by how often each turns out to be the cause.

  • Adaptation lost after battery disconnect or TCM resetCommon
  • Following major transmission repairPossible

Parts involved

  • TCM

P287C is a generic OBD-II code defined by SAE J2012. Exact wording and diagnostic procedure vary by manufacturer and model. Code definitions are drawn from the public-domain OBDex dataset; the workshop notes are our own.