P25CD: Intake Camshaft Actuator Park Lock Control Circuit / Open Bank 2
The controller cannot drive the park-lock pin that secures the intake camshaft phaser on bank 2 in its base position at engine off. Without the lock, the next start can suffer poor combustion or rough idle until the phaser builds oil pressure.
What P25CD means
P25CD is a generic OBD-II powertrain code in the transmission group. In plain English: the computer found an electrical fault in that circuit: an open, short or bad connection, or a failed component. Bank 2 is the side of a V or flat engine opposite cylinder 1.
- Check engine light
- Usually on
- Emissions-related
- No
- Limp mode possible
- Not typical
- Drive cycle to clear
- Not required
Get it fixed
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Symptoms
- Check engine light on
- Power loss especially in mid-rpm range
- Possible rough idle or stalling
- Increased fuel consumption
Common causes
- 01Open coil in the park-lock solenoidMost likely
- 02Broken control wire between ECU and solenoidPossible
Can I drive with P25CD?
Usually yes, for a short time.
The car will often drive normally, but get it diagnosed soon. If you notice rough running, warning lights flashing, overheating or a burning smell, stop driving.
Why we rate it moderate
- Turns 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 P25CD
- 1
Confirm the code and save freeze-frame data
Read the codes with an OBD-II scan tool and note every code, not just P25CD. Save the freeze-frame data (speed, load, temperature when the fault set) before clearing anything; it tells you when the fault happens.
- 2
Check for related codes first
Look for P25CA. Related codes often share a cause; a circuit or sensor code usually needs fixing before a performance code like this one.
- 3
Test the circuit
Inspect the wiring and connector at the intake cam phaser bank 2 and park lock solenoid 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: Open coil in the park-lock solenoid; broken control wire between ECU and solenoid. 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.
P25CD 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
- Hard
- Good DIY job?
- Usually a shop job
Involved testing or major parts. Most owners use a shop.
Parts and systems involved
- Intake cam phaser bank 2
- Park lock solenoid
- Wiring harness
P25CD FAQ
What does P25CD mean?
P25CD means “Intake Camshaft Actuator Park Lock Control Circuit / Open Bank 2”. The controller cannot drive the park-lock pin that secures the intake camshaft phaser on bank 2 in its base position at engine off. Without the lock, the next start can suffer poor combustion or rough idle until the phaser builds oil pressure.
Is P25CD serious? Can I keep driving?
We rate P25CD as moderate severity. Usually yes, for a short time. The car will often drive normally, but get it diagnosed soon. If you notice rough running, warning lights flashing, overheating or a burning smell, stop driving.
What causes P25CD?
The most common causes, from most to least likely: Open coil in the park-lock solenoid; Broken control wire between ECU and solenoid. Test before replacing parts, because several causes can set the same code.
How much does it cost to fix P25CD?
Typical labor is about $190–$625 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 P25CD myself?
DIY difficulty is hard. Most owners leave this to a shop because it needs involved testing or specialist tools. Always confirm the cause before buying parts.
Will P25CD 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.