Home / DTC / P25CA — Intake Camshaft Actuator Park Lock Control Circuit/Open Bank 1

P25CA — Intake Camshaft Actuator Park Lock Control Circuit/Open Bank 1

Detailed page for trouble code P25CA.

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Code

P25CA

Generic P — Powertrain

Intake Camshaft Actuator Park Lock Control Circuit/Open Bank 1

Brand: Generic
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Page language: EN

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

  1. Retrieve all DTCs and freeze-frame data. Note vehicle conditions when code set (temp, RPM, oil temp).
  2. Check oil level/quality. Correct low oil or change very contaminated oil before electrical diagnostics if oil-related symptoms present.
  3. Perform visual inspection of the intake cam actuator (Bank 1) harness and connector for corrosion, bent pins, or damage. Repair as needed.
  4. Verify power and ground at the actuator connector with ignition ON. Check for battery voltage on the supply terminal and a good ground reference.
  5. Measure solenoid coil resistance at the connector (unplugged). Compare to specification; an open or very high reading indicates a failed solenoid.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. Wiggle test wiring and connectors while monitoring live data to detect intermittent faults.
  9. If wiring and actuator test good but no response, test or substitute the ECM driver according to manufacturer procedures (often a dealer-level procedure).
  10. If mechanical seizure suspected (actuator electrical tests normal but phaser doesn't move), remove phaser/actuator for mechanical inspection and repair as required.
  11. 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
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