P235C code meaning
Cylinder 11 Pressure Sensor Circuit
Powertrain system Generic code P23xx codes Check engine light
What P235C means
P235C stands for a fault in the circuit of the cylinder 11 combustion pressure sensor without saying whether the signal is too low or too high. A V10 ends at cylinder 10, so only twelve-cylinder engines have an eleventh one. With bank-wise numbering, cylinder 11 is the second-to-last of the second bank, between 10 and 12. Production engines combining twelve cylinders with combustion pressure sensors are not on public record, and no manufacturer documents P235C; the description rests on CARB's circuit monitoring rules and the cylinder-1 counterpart P0395. In Saab's 9-5 diesel the ECM wires each such sensor with a 5 V supply, a ground return and a signal line, and a fault in any of the three can trigger the code. Driving is normally unaffected.
P235C at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyMedium
- Typical labor0.5 to 3.5 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P235C
- Check engine light on
- No change in how the engine runs
Common causes of P235C
- Most likelyConnector at the cylinder 11 glow plug loose or corroded
- PossibleReference, low reference or signal wire damaged
- PossibleSensor electronics in the glow plug failed
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Cylinder pressure sensor glow plugSensor wiringEngine control module
What each part of P235C means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 2 | Generic code (second SAE range): it means the same on every make. |
| 3 | Area: ignition system or misfire. |
| 5C | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P235C 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 P235C
What does P235C mean?
P235C means "Cylinder 11 Pressure Sensor Circuit". P235C stands for a fault in the circuit of the cylinder 11 combustion pressure sensor without saying whether the signal is too low or too high. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P235C?
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 P235C fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P235C 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 P235C to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 3.5 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P235C 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.