C0825 code meaning
Steering Effort Sensor Range/Performance
What C0825 means
No public code list, bulletin or service manual assigns C0825, so its use by any carmaker cannot be shown. The title points at the torque sensor of electric power steering: a torsion bar in the column or pinion twists under the driver's hand force, and Hall elements read that twist as a torque value. A range or performance fault means the reading stays inside its electrical limits but does not make sense, for example when the main and backup channels disagree. A Mitsubishi Electric patent checks both channels against a torque estimated from the motor current and stops assistance when none of them agree. Makers that publish torque sensor faults use their own numbers, e.g. Honda C1423-14 for the sensor supply on the 2022 CR-V. Expect an EPS warning and heavier steering.
C0825 at a glance
- Check engine lightUsually not
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyHard
- Typical labor1 to 4 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of C0825
- Power steering warning lamp or message
- Steering assist reduced or switched off, wheel feels heavy
- Uneven assistance between left and right turns
Common causes of C0825
- Most likelyTorque sensor channel drifting or reading implausibly against the second channel
- PossibleUnstable sensor supply or internal short in the sensor (as in Honda bulletin 22-011)
- Less likelyPoor contact at the sensor or steering module connector
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Torque sensorPower steering moduleSensor wiring
What each part of C0825 means
| C | Chassis system: brakes, ABS, steering and suspension. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 25 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note C0825 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 C0825
What does C0825 mean?
C0825 means "Steering Effort Sensor Range/Performance". No public code list, bulletin or service manual assigns C0825, so its use by any carmaker cannot be shown. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with C0825?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With C0825 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will C0825 fail an emissions test?
C0825 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 C0825 to fix?
Difficulty: hard. A typical repair takes 1 to 4 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will C0825 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.