U0287 — Lost Communication With Transmission Fluid Pump Module

vehicle network

Is it safe to drive?

Drive with caution Drive only if the transmission still shifts predictably, and avoid highway speeds. Driving with slipping or limp mode accelerates internal wear — every kilometre can add to the final repair bill.

How to diagnose with an OBD scanner

  1. Read the code and freeze frame Connect an OBD2 scanner, confirm U0287 is stored, and save the freeze frame data — it shows engine conditions when the fault was detected.
  2. Check for companion codes and TSBs Related codes often reveal the real root cause. Also check manufacturer technical service bulletins (TSB) for your make and model — many U0xxx issues have factory fixes or software updates. Search by VIN on the manufacturer site or nhtsa.gov.
  3. Inspect wiring and connectors Visually inspect the wiring harness and connectors related to the automatic transmission control for damage, corrosion, chafing or poor contact.
  4. Subsystem check Check transmission fluid level and condition — dark, burnt fluid points to internal wear.
  5. Subsystem check Read transmission-specific codes and live data (solenoid states, input/output speed) with a capable scanner.
  6. Verify the repair Clear the code, complete a full drive cycle including the conditions from the freeze frame, and confirm U0287 does not return.

Approximate repair cost

Repair cost depends on which component actually failed. Typical scenarios for U0287 (parts and labor, USD, independent shop rates): Transmission rebuild or replacement: $2,500–$5,500; Valve body repair or replacement: $700–$1,500; Transmission fluid service: $150–$350; Replace a shift solenoid: $300–$800. Overall, fixing U0287 usually costs between $150 and $5,500. An accurate diagnosis before buying parts saves money — the most expensive scenario is rarely the first one to check.

Common questions

Is it safe to drive with U0287?

Drive only if the transmission still shifts predictably, and avoid highway speeds. Driving with slipping or limp mode accelerates internal wear — every kilometre can add to the final repair bill.

How much does it cost to fix U0287?

Transmission rebuild or replacement — $2,500–$5,500; Valve body repair or replacement — $700–$1,500; Transmission fluid service — $150–$350; Replace a shift solenoid — $300–$800. Exact cost depends on the root cause, your vehicle and local labor rates — a proper diagnosis is the cheapest first step.

What are the symptoms of U0287?

Drivers most often notice: transmission stuck in one gear (limp mode), slipping between gears, no movement in severe cases, Check Engine or transmission warning light on.

How do I diagnose U0287 myself?

Start with a scan: confirm U0287, save the freeze frame and note any companion codes. Then inspect the wiring and connectors related to the automatic transmission control, and verify the suspect component against live data before buying parts.

What does OBD2 code U0287 mean?

Lost Communication With Transmission Fluid Pump Module (U0287): a vehicle network fault affecting the automatic transmission control. Short, gentle driving to a shop is usually possible. Most often caused by internal mechanical wear (clutches, torque converter), faulty transmission speed sensor, failed shift or pressure control solenoid.

What does U0287 mean?

Behind U0287 is a specific failure in the automatic transmission control: lost communication with transmission fluid pump module. The onboard computer stores it in the vehicle network group after verifying the fault over repeated checks.

To set U0287, the control module compares live readings of the automatic transmission control against calibrated limits, usually over several drive cycles. Alongside the code it stores a freeze frame — a snapshot of rpm, load, coolant temperature and vehicle speed at the moment of failure. Reading that snapshot first saves diagnostic time.

Common symptoms of U0287

  • transmission stuck in one gear (limp mode)
  • slipping between gears
  • no movement in severe cases
  • Check Engine or transmission warning light on
  • shuddering at highway speed

What causes U0287?

  • internal mechanical wear (clutches, torque converter)
  • failed shift or pressure control solenoid
  • low or degraded transmission fluid
  • wiring or connector faults in the valve body harness
  • faulty transmission speed sensor
  • valve body wear

How to diagnose U0287

  1. Connect an OBD2 scanner, confirm U0287 is stored, and save the freeze frame data — it shows engine conditions when the fault was detected.
  2. Related codes often reveal the real root cause. Also check manufacturer technical service bulletins (TSB) for your make and model — many U0xxx issues have factory fixes or software updates. Search by VIN on the manufacturer site or nhtsa.gov.
  3. Visually inspect the wiring harness and connectors related to the automatic transmission control for damage, corrosion, chafing or poor contact.
  4. Check transmission fluid level and condition — dark, burnt fluid points to internal wear.
  5. Read transmission-specific codes and live data (solenoid states, input/output speed) with a capable scanner.
  6. Clear the code, complete a full drive cycle including the conditions from the freeze frame, and confirm U0287 does not return.

How to fix U0287

Start with the cheapest and most common causes before replacing expensive parts:

  • Transmission rebuild or replacement — $2,500–$5,500
  • Valve body repair or replacement — $700–$1,500
  • Transmission fluid service — $150–$350
  • Replace a shift solenoid — $300–$800

How much does it cost to fix U0287?

Repair cost depends on which component actually failed. Typical scenarios for U0287 (parts and labor, USD, independent shop rates):

  • Transmission rebuild or replacement: $2,500–$5,500
  • Valve body repair or replacement: $700–$1,500
  • Transmission fluid service: $150–$350
  • Replace a shift solenoid: $300–$800

Overall, fixing U0287 usually costs between $150 and $5,500. An accurate diagnosis before buying parts saves money — the most expensive scenario is rarely the first one to check.

Can you drive with U0287?

Drive only if the transmission still shifts predictably, and avoid highway speeds. Driving with slipping or limp mode accelerates internal wear — every kilometre can add to the final repair bill.

Related OBD2 codes