P257E code meaning
Engine Hood Switch Circuit Low
Powertrain system Generic code P25xx codes Check engine light
What P257E means
P257E says the hood switch signal has dropped below its lowest valid level, which usually means the signal wire touches ground or the switch is shorted inside. GM's 2018 engine table 18OBDG04 sets it for a resistance-coded switch at 325 ohms or less, the 2019 hybrid table 19OBDG01 at 14.6 % of range or less, each with 80 failures in 100 samples and Type B. A Chrysler STAR case for the 2017–2018 Pacifica describes a lit hood ajar lamp, a dead stop-start system and P257E after a repair, caused by the hood ajar plug and the horn plug at the latch having been swapped – a dead horn gives it away. GM's engineering note PIE0834 lists the code on its 2022–2025 electric pickups and SUVs with front hood latch trouble. Depending on design a grounded line can look like an open hood.
P257E at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyMedium, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.3 to 2 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P257E
- Hood ajar indicator on with the hood shut
- Engine stop-start inoperative
- Check engine lamp on
Common causes of P257E
- Most likelyHood switch signal wire chafed to ground near the latch
- PossibleHood switch and horn connectors swapped after front-end repair
- PossibleSwitch shorted internally by water or impact damage
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Hood switch
What each part of P257E means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 2 | Generic code (second SAE range): it means the same on every make. |
| 5 | Area: vehicle speed, idle control and auxiliary inputs. |
| 7E | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P257E 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 P257E
What does P257E mean?
P257E means "Engine Hood Switch Circuit Low". P257E says the hood switch signal has dropped below its lowest valid level, which usually means the signal wire touches ground or the switch is shorted inside. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P257E?
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 P257E fail an emissions test?
P257E 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 P257E to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.3 to 2 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will P257E 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.