C0250 code meaning
Power Steering Pump Pressure
What C0250 means
C0250 is publicly unverifiable: neither the reachable J2012 lists, nor NHTSA's bulletin index, nor GM's PIP5094 keywords, nor the Saab manuals contain it. What can be described is the part named in the title. On hydraulic power steering a pressure switch or sensor at the pump outlet tells the engine control when steering adds load. Chrysler's patent US6152106 uses a voltage-output sensor so the idle air control can open earlier and avoid idle dips while parking. Mazda's patent US6012541 shows a plausibility test: a switch that stays closed for 60 s at over 60 km/h with warm fluid is judged stuck, because nobody steers that long at speed. For the electrical faults of such a sensor, the powertrain codes P0550 to P0554 exist.
C0250 at a glance
- Check engine lightUsually not
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyMedium, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.3 to 2 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of C0250
- Idle speed dips or stalls when steering at standstill
- Warning lamp or stored code without noticeable steering change
Common causes of C0250
- PossibleFaulty or stuck power steering pressure sensor or switch
- PossibleDamaged wiring or connector at the pressure sensor
- Less likelyLow fluid level or worn pump giving abnormal pressure
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Power steering pumpPower steering pressure sensor
What each part of C0250 means
| C | Chassis system: brakes, ABS, steering and suspension. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 50 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note C0250 and any other codes stored with it: several codes together often point to one cause.
- Check for loose connectors and damaged wiring around the parts the code names.
- Check open recalls for your car: some faults are fixed for free by the dealer. Enter your VIN.
- Clear the code only after the repair. If it comes back, the fault is still there.
Buying a used car? Scan it for stored codes before you pay. A recently cleared memory can hide a problem.
Questions about C0250
What does C0250 mean?
C0250 means "Power Steering Pump Pressure". C0250 is publicly unverifiable: neither the reachable J2012 lists, nor NHTSA's bulletin index, nor GM's PIP5094 keywords, nor the Saab manuals contain it. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with C0250?
C0250 does not normally turn on the check engine light by itself. Watch for the symptoms above and have it checked soon.
Will C0250 fail an emissions test?
C0250 is not an emissions code, so on its own it usually does not fail an emissions test. Other stored codes or a lit check engine light still can.
How hard is C0250 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.3 to 2 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will C0250 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.