P025A: Fuel Pump Module Control Circuit/Open (Meaning, Causes, Fixes)
What P025A means
Many newer cars don't run the fuel pump straight from a relay. Instead, a fuel pump control module drives the pump so the engine computer can regulate fuel pressure. OBD-Codes.com explains that P025A sets when the engine computer sees a general malfunction or an open circuit in the fuel pump module or its circuits, and that it is one of four related codes, P025A through P025D. RepairPal describes it a little more narrowly: the engine computer supplies voltage to the fuel pump control module, and P025A sets when there is a problem with that voltage supply. The code is generic and can appear on any OBD-II vehicle with a fuel pump control module. OBD-Codes.com names Ford, Chevrolet, Dodge, Chrysler, Audi, VW and Mazda among them.
Severity: can I keep driving?
Stop and fix promptly
Get it diagnosed promptly. RepairPal rates P025A Urgent, meaning it can cause severe damage or put the driver at risk if ignored. OBD-Codes.com says severity depends on symptoms: severe if the car won't start, less severe if it runs normally and fuel mileage isn't affected. Because the engine can stall, don't rely on the car for highway or heavy-traffic driving until it's checked. Fuel system work also carries a fire risk, so work only with no leaks present and away from sparks.
Common symptoms
- Check engine light on (both sources)
- Engine stalling (both sources)
- Decreased or poor engine performance (both sources)
- Engine won't start or is hard to start (OBD-Codes.com)
- Poor fuel mileage (OBD-Codes.com)
- Inaccurate fuel level reading or a fuel smell (OBD-Codes.com)
Likely causes
Roughly most to least common, based on the sources below. Your vehicle may differ.
- Failed fuel pump control module (both sources)
- Wiring problems such as frayed, melted, pinched or cut wires (both sources); OBD-Codes.com notes the pump harness often runs under the car along frame rails and rocker panels where pinching is common
- Melted, loose or intermittent connectors (OBD-Codes.com)
- Defective fuel pump, or debris clogging the fuel pump screen (OBD-Codes.com)
- A blown fuse or bad relay in the circuit, if your vehicle has one (OBD-Codes.com troubleshooting steps)
- Engine computer (PCM/ECM) problem (both sources)
Diagnostic steps you can do
Work on a cool engine, parked on level ground with the parking brake set. Never work under a car supported only by a jack.
- Check that the battery and charging system are healthy first. OBD-Codes.com says to always do this before further troubleshooting.
- Look up technical service bulletins (TSBs) for your vehicle, since a known fix can save time and money.
- Check the fuses and any relay for the fuel pump circuit. OBD-Codes.com points out that a blown fuse can cause the open circuit that sets P025A.
- With the car safely supported on ramps or stands, inspect the fuel pump wiring and connectors under the vehicle for damage, pinching, melting or loose plugs.
- If the car won't start and the pump is inside the tank, OBD-Codes.com describes tapping the tank with a rubber mallet while someone cranks the engine. If it starts, the pump itself is likely failing.
- Further pump and circuit tests depend on your vehicle. OBD-Codes.com says there is no generic test, so follow your service manual.
Typical fixes
- Repair damaged wiring or connectors in the fuel pump module circuit (both sources)
- Replace a blown fuse or faulty relay, and find out why the fuse blew (OBD-Codes.com)
- Replace the fuel pump control module once testing confirms it (both sources)
- Replace the fuel pump or clean a clogged pump screen if the pump is at fault (OBD-Codes.com)
- Repair or reprogram the engine computer only after the module, pump and wiring check out (both sources list the computer as a cause)
Repair costs vary widely by vehicle, region, parts brand and shop, so we don't quote prices. Get a written estimate after diagnosis.
🛠 When to call a pro
- The car won't start or stalls while driving
- You smell fuel or see a leak; don't work on it yourself
- The pump or module is inside or on top of the fuel tank and needs the tank dropped or the rear seat removed
- The wiring and fuses check out and you can't test the module without a service manual or scan tool
Where to buy
Plain search links. Always match parts to your exact year, make, model and engine.
FAQs
Can I drive with P025A?
It's best not to. RepairPal rates P025A Urgent and lists stalling as a symptom. OBD-Codes.com says it's less severe if the car runs normally, but a fuel pump fault can stop the engine without warning.
Is P025A a bad fuel pump?
Not necessarily. The code points to the fuel pump control module or its circuit. Both sources list the module, wiring and the engine computer as causes, and OBD-Codes.com adds the pump itself, a clogged pump screen and connector problems.
Can a blown fuse cause P025A?
Yes. OBD-Codes.com notes that a blown fuse can open the circuit and set P025A, so check the fuel pump fuse and relay early.
What's the difference between P025A, P025B, P025C and P025D?
OBD-Codes.com groups them as four related fuel pump module control codes. P025A covers a general fault or open circuit. This page covers P025A only.
How much does it cost to fix P025A?
Neither source gives a repair cost for P025A. It can range from a fuse or connector repair to a new fuel pump module or pump, so get it diagnosed first.
Sources
Last reviewed 2026-10-23. Code definitions and repair steps can vary by manufacturer. Confirm with your vehicle's service information.