P25CA code meaning
Intake Camshaft Actuator Park Lock Control Circuit/Open (Bank 1)
Powertrain system Generic code P25xx codes Check engine light
What P25CA means
Some cam phasers carry a locking pin that holds the rotor in a fixed base or middle position for starting and while oil pressure is still building. Where that pin is released and engaged by its own solenoid, the controller supervises this extra circuit. P25CA reports that the lock control circuit for the intake phaser on bank 1 is open or otherwise not behaving electrically, so the lock can no longer be operated on command. GM's 2015 Volt and ELR table 15OBDG01 lists P25CA among the intake phaser fault groups that suspend the other cam phaser diagnostics; it gives no thresholds of its own. Passive designs such as BorgWarner's mid-position lock for Hyundai lack this circuit. Expect rough starts or idle and limited cam timing.
P25CA at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyMedium
- Typical labor0.5 to 3 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P25CA
- Check engine lamp on
- Rough start or unsteady idle
- Intake cam timing held at a default position, less power
Common causes of P25CA
- Most likelyOpen winding in the intake phaser lock solenoid
- PossibleConnector off or terminal pushed back after engine work
- PossibleBroken wire between module and lock solenoid
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Intake cam phaser b1Park lock solenoidWiring harness
What each part of P25CA 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. |
| CA | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P25CA 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 P25CA
What does P25CA mean?
P25CA means "Intake Camshaft Actuator Park Lock Control Circuit/Open (Bank 1)". Some cam phasers carry a locking pin that holds the rotor in a fixed base or middle position for starting and while oil pressure is still building. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P25CA?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P25CA the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P25CA fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P25CA 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 P25CA to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 3 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P25CA clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.