P2861Shift Fork B Actuator Circuit Low
- Generic OBD-II code · Powertrain
- Turns on the check-engine light
- Matters for the ITP
- Can trigger limp mode
- How the car detects it
- P2861 is set when a fork B actuator line reads near ground although the module has not switched it there, the classic signature of a short to ground. Ford's 2012 DPS6 summary assigns exactly this case on the motor of the drum for reverse and the even gears to P2861, and the 2014 Ford catalogue marks it as a MIL fault. Look for a motor phase rubbed through on a bracket, corrosion bridging a terminal to the shield, or a winding that has contacted the motor housing. The other circuit faults on this motor are kept apart: P285F for an open lead, P2862 for a short to battery voltage, P2836 for the driver chip. Once the output is disabled, the car typically drives on in gears 1, 3 and 5 only, without reverse.
- What you may notice
- Reverse not selectable
- Engine lamp on, only odd gears in use
- Likely causes
- LikelyFork B motor lead rubbed through on a bracket or the case
- PossibleCorrosion bridging a terminal to ground in the connector
- PossibleFork B motor winding shorted to its housing
- Inspection (ITP)
- Matters for the ITP. While the check-engine light is on, the car fails the emissions check.
- Repair
- Hard · Usually a job for a workshop.Typical cost: €100 – €1,500
- Related codes
Explanation from obdex (CC0), exactly as the app shows it. Guidance only; confirm with a workshop.