Code
P25CA
Generic
P — Powertrain
Intake Camshaft Actuator Park Lock Control Circuit/Open Bank 1
AI status
Completed
Completed
100%
Causes
- Open or corroded connector at the intake camshaft actuator park lock solenoid (Bank 1)
- Broken or pinched wiring harness to the actuator or connector
- Faulty intake camshaft actuator park lock solenoid (stuck open or open-coil)
- Blown fuse or loss of supply/ground for the actuator circuit
- High resistance in the control circuit (poor ground or partial open)
- ECM/PCM fault or internal driver failure
Symptoms
- MIL (Check Engine Light) illuminated
- Reduced engine performance or limp-home strategy
- Rough idle or hesitation on acceleration
- Possible hard starting or increased cranking time (in some engines)
- Poor fuel economy and increased emissions
- Stored DTC P25CA (Bank 1 intake cam park lock circuit/open)
What to check
- Read and record stored/pendant DTCs and freeze-frame data with a scan tool
- Check engine oil level and condition; change if very dirty or low
- Visually inspect connectors and wiring for corrosion, damage, or disconnection at the intake cam actuator (Bank 1) and ECM
- Check fuses and power/ground circuits related to camshaft actuator control
- Back-probe the actuator connector to confirm supply voltage and control signal while commanding the actuator with a scan tool
- Measure coil resistance of the park lock solenoid (compare to specification)
Signal parameters
- Control signal type: usually switched ground or PWM from ECM (frequency and duty vary by manufacturer)
- Typical control voltage: supply side often 12 V (battery) when ignition on; control side modulated between 0 V and battery via ECM
- Typical solenoid coil resistance: commonly in the range of 5–50 ohms (manufacturer-specific) — an open infinite resistance indicates a failed coil
- Expected continuity: low ohms between actuator connector ground and ECM ground (< 1 ohm typical for good ground path)
- When commanded by scanner: actuator current draw should increase; lack of current indicates open or high resistance
Diagnostic algorithm
- Retrieve all DTCs and freeze-frame data. Note vehicle conditions when code set (temp, RPM, oil temp).
- Check oil level/quality. Correct low oil or change very contaminated oil before electrical diagnostics if oil-related symptoms present.
- Perform visual inspection of the intake cam actuator (Bank 1) harness and connector for corrosion, bent pins, or damage. Repair as needed.
- Verify power and ground at the actuator connector with ignition ON. Check for battery voltage on the supply terminal and a good ground reference.
- Measure solenoid coil resistance at the connector (unplugged). Compare to specification; an open or very high reading indicates a failed solenoid.
- Back-probe the control/driver pin and command the actuator ON/OFF with a capable scan tool while monitoring voltage/current. Observe for a change — if no change, suspect open circuit or failed solenoid.
- If no control signal reaches the actuator, perform continuity check between the actuator control pin and the ECM driver pin. Repair any open/short in wiring.
- Wiggle test wiring and connectors while monitoring live data to detect intermittent faults.
- If wiring and actuator test good but no response, test or substitute the ECM driver according to manufacturer procedures (often a dealer-level procedure).
- If mechanical seizure suspected (actuator electrical tests normal but phaser doesn't move), remove phaser/actuator for mechanical inspection and repair as required.
- After repairs, clear codes and perform a relearn/initialization procedure if required by the manufacturer. Road test and re-scan to confirm the issue is resolved.
Likely causes
- Open/poor connection at the actuator connector
- Damaged wiring (open) between ECM and park lock solenoid
- Failed park lock solenoid (coil open)
- Faulty ECM driver (less common)
- Obstructed or seized phaser due to oil contamination or debris
Fault status
Status
P25CA — Intake Camshaft Actuator Park Lock Control Circuit/Open (Bank 1): ECM detected no valid control/feedback on the park lock solenoid circuit (open/high resistance).
Repair difficulty: Medium
Diagnostic time: 1.0-3.0 hours
Repair manuals
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