P2401 code meaning
EVAP System Leak Detection Pump Control Circuit Low
Powertrain system Generic code P24xx codes Check engine light
What P2401 means
P2401 means the control line of the leak detection pump is pulled to ground level, usually by chafed insulation touching the body or by an internal pump fault. GM's 2016 Volt table checks the low-side driver while it is switched off; a near-zero impedance of about 0.5 Ohm to controller ground counts as a short, and 20 of 25 samples of 250 ms set a Type B code over two trips. VW's 2014 Golf and Touareg data books use a signal below about 2.15-3.26 V, depending on engine. Land Rover's SSM71298 (LR4, Range Rover Sport) and Subaru's ELCM bulletins also list P2401, Land Rover pointing to a defect inside the DMTL pump when the wiring checks out. Unlike P2400 the circuit is intact but shorted; the leak test is skipped while driving stays normal.
P2401 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 repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P2401
- Check engine light
- Leak test not completed, EVAP readiness missing
Common causes of P2401
- Most likelyControl wire chafed through and touching ground near the tank or rear wheel arch
- PossibleInternal short inside the leak detection pump
- PossibleWater ingress in the pump connector causing a leakage path to ground
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
EVAP leak detection pumpEVAP pump wiring
What each part of P2401 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 2 | Generic code (second SAE range): it means the same on every make. |
| 4 | Area: auxiliary emission controls (catalytic converter, EGR, EVAP). |
| 01 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P2401 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 P2401
What does P2401 mean?
P2401 means "EVAP System Leak Detection Pump Control Circuit Low". P2401 means the control line of the leak detection pump is pulled to ground level, usually by chafed insulation touching the body or by an internal pump fault. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P2401?
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 P2401 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P2401 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 P2401 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 P2401 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.