P258A code meaning
Vacuum Pump Control Circuit A/Open
Powertrain system Generic code P25xx codes Check engine light
What P258A means
P258A stands for an open or otherwise faulty control circuit A of an electric vacuum pump, which supplies the brake booster on engines that provide too little manifold vacuum, such as hybrids, downsized turbo gasoline engines and diesels. Ford's 2018-2019 hybrid OBD summary assigns it to the brake system module: with the pump relay commanded off, a monitoring line voltage outside 1.3-5.0 V for 100 ms sets the code (legacy brake code C1035). Stellantis case S2209000006 explains that the PCM can log P258A after a crank longer than 2.5 s because the pump is unpowered while cranking; in that case the code may simply be cleared, but a P258B alongside points to the pump itself. P258B to P258D cover performance, low and high faults, P25EE the open fault of circuit B. Braking assist can be reduced.
P258A at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyMedium, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.3 to 2.5 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P258A
- Engine or brake warning lamp on
- Harder brake pedal at low speed or after several stops
- Start-stop function disabled
Common causes of P258A
- Most likelyFaulty pump relay, blown fuse or poor relay contact
- PossibleFalse entry after a long engine crank while the pump is unpowered
- PossibleOpen wire or loose connector between module, relay and pump
- Less likelyFailed electric vacuum pump
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Vacuum pumpWiring harness
What each part of P258A 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. |
| 8A | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P258A 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 P258A
What does P258A mean?
P258A means "Vacuum Pump Control Circuit A/Open". P258A stands for an open or otherwise faulty control circuit A of an electric vacuum pump, which supplies the brake booster on engines that provide too little manifold vacuum, such as hybrids, downsized turbo gasoline engines and diesels. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P258A?
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 P258A fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P258A 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 P258A to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.3 to 2.5 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will P258A clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.