P2787 — Transmission clutch is overheating

The transmission clutch is running hotter than it should, often due to slipping or excessive load. This can happen if the clutch is worn, the transmission fluid is low or degraded, or if there is a mechanical issue causing extra friction.

Common causes

The cause is almost always one of a few things. Here they are — P2787 rarely comes from anything outside this list:

• Worn or slipping transmission clutch
• Low or dirty transmission fluid
• Faulty clutch temperature sensor
• Mechanical binding inside transmission
• Excessive towing or heavy load

Where to start

In the order a sensible mechanic would work — the cheap checks first, the expensive replacements only after:

1. Check and top up transmission fluid level
2. Inspect and replace transmission fluid if dirty
3. Test and replace clutch temperature sensor if faulty
4. Diagnose clutch wear and replace if necessary
5. Inspect transmission for internal damage or binding

That is what holds for P2787 in general. From here it depends on your engine — tell me which car it is and what it does, and I will give you the steps for it: real procedures, torque figures and diagrams instead of general advice.