P25F3 code meaning
Turbocharger/Supercharger Boost Sensor C Circuit Range/Performance
Powertrain system Generic code P25xx codes Check engine light
What P25F3 means
P25F3 means boost sensor C delivers a signal that is electrically valid but does not agree with what the other pressure readings and the engine model suggest. Saab's 2.0 litre turbo engine, developed with GM, shows how this is checked for sensor A: with the engine stopped the reading must lie between 50 and 115 kPa, roughly matching barometric pressure, and while running it is compared with a model built from barometric, manifold and throttle-inlet pressure and throttle position; a failure is a two-trip type B code. A comparable check would apply to C. Typical reasons are a leak or blocked port at the measuring point, oil fouling and sensor drift. No manufacturer publishes this code for sensor C. Expect reduced boost and a lamp.
P25F3 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyMedium, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.5 to 3 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P25F3
- Check engine lamp on
- Reduced power under load
- Hissing noise if a charge air leak is present
Common causes of P25F3
- Most likelyCharge air leak near the measuring point of sensor C (hose, clamp, seal)
- PossibleSensor port fouled by oil from crankcase ventilation or a drifting sensor
- Less likelyFaulty barometric or manifold pressure sensor skewing the comparison
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Boost pressure sensor cSensing line
What each part of P25F3 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. |
| F3 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P25F3 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 P25F3
What does P25F3 mean?
P25F3 means "Turbocharger/Supercharger Boost Sensor C Circuit Range/Performance". P25F3 means boost sensor C delivers a signal that is electrically valid but does not agree with what the other pressure readings and the engine model suggest. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P25F3?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P25F3 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P25F3 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P25F3 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 P25F3 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 3 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will P25F3 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.