P2258 code meaning
AIR System Control A Circuit High
Powertrain system Generic code P22xx codes Check engine light
What P2258 means
P2258 reports that the line controlling secondary air (AIR) pump A or its relay sits at too high a level, usually because it is shorted to battery voltage or the driver cannot pull it down. The pump only runs briefly after a cold start to heat the catalyst faster, so the fault mainly raises warm-up emissions. GM's 2018 tables (LWE section) check it while the low-side driver is switched on: 0.5 ohm or less between signal and supply, in 20 of 25 samples of 250 ms, Type B with the MIL after two trips. VW's 2014 book for the Touareg 3.0 TSI (CGFA) gives a signal current of 0.60 to 2.40 A as criterion. Ford names P2258 beside P0412 as a secondary air fault that disables its catalyst temperature model. P2257 is the low counterpart; P2259/P2260 belong to circuit B.
P2258 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyMedium, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.5 to 2 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P2258
- MIL on, often without any noticeable change in driving
- Secondary air pump silent after a cold start
- Higher hydrocarbon emissions during warm-up, possibly a failed emissions test
Common causes of P2258
- Most likelyControl wire of the AIR pump relay chafed through and touching a battery-voltage feed
- PossibleSecondary air relay with shorted coil or welded contacts
- PossibleMoisture or corrosion in the relay or pump connector bridging terminals
- Less likelyFaulty output stage in the engine control module
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Secondary air pumpSai relaySai wiring
What each part of P2258 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 2 | Generic code (second SAE range): it means the same on every make. |
| 2 | Area: fuel and air metering (injector circuit). |
| 58 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P2258 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 P2258
What does P2258 mean?
P2258 means "AIR System Control A Circuit High". P2258 reports that the line controlling secondary air (AIR) pump A or its relay sits at too high a level, usually because it is shorted to battery voltage or the driver cannot pull it down. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P2258?
Usually yes, for a short time, if the check engine light is steady and the car drives normally. If the light flashes or the car runs badly, stop and have it checked.
Will P2258 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P2258 is emissions-related, so most inspection programs fail a car while it is stored or while the check engine light is on.
How hard is P2258 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 2 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will P2258 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.