C0252 code meaning
Pump Motor Ground Circuit Open
What C0252 means
C0252 has no entry in the publicly available J2012 tables, nor does any maker tie it to a pump motor ground. Saab and GM use it for stability control plausibility. The 2002 to 2010 Saab 9-5 with Bosch ESP sets it after a rare event while ABS or ESP is regulating, such as the car sliding sideways with locked wheels, or after a brief voltage drop at the steering angle or yaw rate sensor. The 2011 9-5 (GM) calls it Vehicle Stability Control Module Sensors Correlation Malfunction: steering angle, yaw rate and lateral acceleration disagree, or straight driving is not recognised within 2.5 km. GM bulletin PIC3171E links C0252 on the 2005 to 2006 Cadillac STS to a loose lower steering column bearing that corrupts the steering position signal.
C0252 at a glance
- Check engine lightUsually not
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyMedium
- Typical labor0.5 to 3 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of C0252
- ESP OFF or stability control lamp on
- Unwanted stability control intervention when turning
- Stability control and hill start assist disabled
Common causes of C0252
- Most likelySteering angle sensor not calibrated, misaligned or disturbed by column play
- PossibleLoose or wrongly mounted yaw rate / multi-axis acceleration sensor
- PossibleIncorrect wheel alignment after suspension work
- Less likelyRare driving situation during regulation (sliding with stationary wheels)
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Steering angle sensorYaw rate sensorABS control module
What each part of C0252 means
| C | Chassis system: brakes, ABS, steering and suspension. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 52 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note C0252 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 C0252
What does C0252 mean?
C0252 means "Pump Motor Ground Circuit Open". C0252 has no entry in the publicly available J2012 tables, nor does any maker tie it to a pump motor ground. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with C0252?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With C0252 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will C0252 fail an emissions test?
C0252 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 C0252 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 3 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will C0252 clear itself after the repair?
After the repair the car has to complete a drive cycle (a mix of city and highway driving) before the test runs again. Until then the readiness monitor shows "not ready", which can fail an inspection.