P25CD code meaning
Intake Camshaft Actuator Park Lock Control Circuit/Open (Bank 2)
Powertrain system Generic code P25xx codes Check engine light
What P25CD means
P25CD is the bank 2 version of the open-circuit lock fault and therefore only appears on V or boxer engines whose second cylinder bank has its own intake phaser with a separately switched lock pin. The controller finds the lock solenoid circuit on that bank interrupted or electrically implausible, so it can no longer release or set the pin deliberately. If bank 1 is free of faults, comparing both banks' lock circuits with a multimeter quickly isolates the broken side. GM's 15OBDG01 OBD table lists P25CD in its intake phaser fault bundles even though the Volt engine it covers has a single bank, which shows these entries are shared software rather than an engine-specific description. Symptoms are uneven idle and lower power from the affected bank.
P25CD at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyMedium
- Typical labor0.5 to 3.5 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P25CD
- Check engine lamp on
- Uneven idle
- Less power, bank 2 intake timing fixed
Common causes of P25CD
- Most likelyOpen circuit inside the bank 2 lock solenoid
- PossibleBank 2 lock solenoid connector unplugged or corroded
- PossibleWire break in the harness across the engine
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Intake cam phaser b2Park lock solenoidWiring harness
What each part of P25CD 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. |
| CD | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P25CD 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 P25CD
What does P25CD mean?
P25CD means "Intake Camshaft Actuator Park Lock Control Circuit/Open (Bank 2)". P25CD is the bank 2 version of the open-circuit lock fault and therefore only appears on V or boxer engines whose second cylinder bank has its own intake phaser with a separately switched lock pin. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P25CD?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P25CD the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P25CD fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P25CD 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 P25CD to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 3.5 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P25CD clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.