P240C code meaning
EVAP System Leak Detection Pump Heater Control Circuit High
Powertrain system Generic code P24xx codes Check engine light
What P240C means
P240C flags the heater circuit of the leak detection pump at the high end: VW's 2014 Golf and Touareg books set it when the heater current exceeds about 2.2-4 A, which points to a shorted element or a line touching battery voltage. Jaguar's JTB00436 for the XJ (X351) quotes both P240C-00 and P240C-85, the 85 suffix marking a signal above range, among faults from water or ice in the DMTL filter; Land Rover's SSM69118 lists P240C-85 and SSM71298 P240C-00, each leading to a DMTL pump swap when nothing else is found. Maserati names P240C on its DMTL engines too. P240A means no current flows at all, P240B a grounded line. Without heating, the leak test can suffer in cold and damp weather; the car itself drives normally.
P240C 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 P240C
- Check engine light
- Other DMTL codes after frost or heavy rain
Common causes of P240C
- Most likelyShorted heating element in the pump module, often after water ingress
- PossibleHeater control wire shorted to battery voltage
- Less likelyFaulty heater 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
EVAP leak detection pump heaterEVAP pump wiring
What each part of P240C 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). |
| 0C | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P240C 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 P240C
What does P240C mean?
P240C means "EVAP System Leak Detection Pump Heater Control Circuit High". P240C flags the heater circuit of the leak detection pump at the high end: VW's 2014 Golf and Touareg books set it when the heater current exceeds about 2.2-4 A, which points to a shorted element or a line touching battery voltage. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P240C?
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 P240C fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P240C 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 P240C 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 P240C 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.