P090C: Clutch B Actuator Control Circuit Low

What does P090C mean?

Set when the control circuit of the clutch B actuator shows a low state, which on the documented application means a short to ground. Ford defines P090C as the short-to-ground check of the clutch B motor in the DPS6 PowerShift gearbox, paired with P090A for an open circuit and P090D for a short to power. Ford's TCM program 14M02 for 2011-2015 Fiesta and Focus also lists P090C among the codes that a defective TCM can cause, so the module belongs on the suspect list along with the motor and its wiring. Swapping the identical clutch motors helps: if the fault moves to P0902, the motor is bad. CARB requires circuit monitoring of such outputs. Expect missing gears, erratic shifts or no drive.

The code tells you which monitor failed, not which part is broken. Test before replacing parts.

Symptoms

• Check engine light on
• Even gears or reverse unavailable
• Limp mode or no drive

Common causes

• High Clutch B actuator motor with internal short to ground
• Medium Failed TCM output stage (Ford program 14M02 lists this code)
• Medium Chafed motor wire touching ground

Likelihood is a general estimate across vehicles; your make and model may differ.