P25EA: Supercharger Disconnect Clutch Stuck Closed
The clutch that engages the mechanical supercharger to the engine drive will not open. The supercharger remains coupled at all loads, increasing parasitic loss and fuel consumption when boost is not needed.
What P25EA means
P25EA is a generic OBD-II powertrain code in the transmission group. In plain English: the part isn’t responding the way the computer expects when it is commanded.
- 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 or transmission warning light on
- Harsh, delayed, or missing shifts
- Possible limp mode (locked in one gear)
- Slipping or shuddering during gear changes
Common causes
- 01Armature plate seized to the pulley faceMost likely
- 02Driver stuck on keeps clutch energisedPossible
- 03Failed pulley bearing welds clutch surfacesLess likely
Can I drive with P25EA?
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 P25EA
- 1
Confirm the code and save freeze-frame data
Read the codes with an OBD-II scan tool and note every code, not just P25EA. 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
Check live data
Watch the related sensor and actuator readings in live data (Supercharger clutch, Clutch solenoid, Clutch pulley) and compare them with expected values in the service information for your vehicle.
- 4
Test the likely causes in order
Start with the most likely cause and work down: Armature plate seized to the pulley face; driver stuck on keeps clutch energised; failed pulley bearing welds clutch surfaces. 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.
P25EA 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
- Supercharger clutch
- Clutch solenoid
- Clutch pulley
P25EA FAQ
What does P25EA mean?
P25EA means “Supercharger Disconnect Clutch Stuck Closed”. The clutch that engages the mechanical supercharger to the engine drive will not open. The supercharger remains coupled at all loads, increasing parasitic loss and fuel consumption when boost is not needed.
Is P25EA serious? Can I keep driving?
We rate P25EA 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 P25EA?
The most common causes, from most to least likely: Armature plate seized to the pulley face; Driver stuck on keeps clutch energised; Failed pulley bearing welds clutch surfaces. Test before replacing parts, because several causes can set the same code.
How much does it cost to fix P25EA?
Typical labor is about $250–$750 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 P25EA 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 P25EA 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.