P25A3: Engine Hood Open
After plausibility checks the body controller has concluded that the engine hood is genuinely open while the vehicle is operating. Used to suspend HV operation on hybrids/EVs (HV interlock), block remote engine start, and trigger the alarm if armed.
What P25A3 means
P25A3 is a generic OBD-II body code in the other body group. In plain English: the computer found an electrical fault in that circuit: an open, short or bad connection, or a failed component.
- Check engine light
- Usually off
- Emissions-related
- No
- Limp mode possible
- Not typical
- Drive cycle to clear
- Not required
Get it fixed
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Common causes
- 01Hood not properly latchedMost likely
- 02Failed hood latch sensorPossible
Can I drive with P25A3?
Generally yes.
This fault is unlikely to affect how the car drives. Fix it when convenient to restore the affected feature.
Why we rate it low
- Does not normally turn on the check engine light
Severity is our rule-based rating from the code’s flags in OBDex and the system it affects, not an inspection of your car. If the check engine light is flashing, or you notice overheating, low oil pressure, or brake or steering problems, stop driving and get help.
How to diagnose P25A3
- 1
Confirm the code and save freeze-frame data
Read the codes with an OBD-II scan tool and note every code, not just P25A3. Save the freeze-frame data (speed, load, temperature when the fault set) before clearing anything; it tells you when the fault happens.
- 2
Fix other faults first
If other codes are stored, start with power-supply, sensor-circuit and communication codes. They can cause this code as a side effect.
- 3
Test the circuit
Inspect the wiring and connector at the hood latch and hood switch for damage, corrosion or chafing. With a multimeter, check supply voltage, ground and signal against the specifications in the service manual for your vehicle.
- 4
Test the likely causes in order
Start with the most likely cause and work down: Hood not properly latched; failed hood latch sensor. Test before replacing parts.
- 5
Check for recalls and service bulletins
Look up recalls for your exact vehicle with its VIN, and ask a dealer about technical service bulletins (TSBs). Manufacturers sometimes issue software updates or extended warranties for known faults.
- 6
Clear the code and verify the repair
After the repair, clear the code and drive the car under the conditions in the freeze-frame data to confirm it does not return.
P25A3 repair cost estimate
Estimate, not a quote. Labor times are typical ranges for this code from OBDex, and $125/hr is an assumed rate. Shop rates and labor times vary by vehicle and region. Diagnosis time may be billed separately.
- DIY difficulty
- Easy
- Good DIY job?
- Yes, with a scan tool
Basic hand tools; a common first DIY job.
Parts and systems involved
- Hood latch
- Hood switch
P25A3 FAQ
What does P25A3 mean?
P25A3 means “Engine Hood Open”. After plausibility checks the body controller has concluded that the engine hood is genuinely open while the vehicle is operating. Used to suspend HV operation on hybrids/EVs (HV interlock), block remote engine start, and trigger the alarm if armed.
Is P25A3 serious? Can I keep driving?
We rate P25A3 as low severity. Generally yes. This fault is unlikely to affect how the car drives. Fix it when convenient to restore the affected feature.
What causes P25A3?
The most common causes, from most to least likely: Hood not properly latched; Failed hood latch sensor. Test before replacing parts, because several causes can set the same code.
How much does it cost to fix P25A3?
Typical labor is about $15–$125 at an assumed $125/hour shop rate, plus parts. That is an estimate, not a quote: labor times and rates vary by vehicle and region, and diagnosis may be billed separately.
Can I fix P25A3 myself?
DIY difficulty is easy. Many owners can handle it with a scan tool, a multimeter and basic hand tools. Always confirm the cause before buying parts.
Will P25A3 clear itself?
If the fault was intermittent, the warning may go off once the computer stops seeing it, but the code stays in memory. Fix the cause; clearing the code alone doesn’t repair anything.