Failed fuel pump control module (both sources). Wiring problems such as frayed, melted or cut wires (OBD-Codes.com); OBD-Codes.com notes the pump harness often runs under the car along frame rails and rocker panels where pinching is common. Melted, disconnected or intermittent connectors (OBD-Codes.com). Defective fuel pump, or debris in the fuel pump screen (OBD-Codes.com). A problem with the voltage the engine computer supplies to the module (RepairPal). Engine computer (ECM/PCM) problem (OBD-Codes.com).

Repair damaged wiring or connectors in the fuel pump module circuit (OBD-Codes.com). Fix a problem in the module's voltage supply from the engine computer (RepairPal). Replace the fuel pump control module once testing confirms it (OBD-Codes.com lists it as a cause). 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.

P025C⛽ Fuel system / fuel pump controlStop and fix promptly

P025C: Fuel Pump Module Control Circuit Low (Meaning, Causes, Fixes)

Q: What does P025C mean?

P025C means the engine computer saw a lower-than-expected electrical value in the fuel pump control module or its circuit, the module that runs the fuel pump. It can cause stalling, hard starting or a no-start. Common causes are a failed fuel pump module or pump, wiring and connector damage, and, less often, the engine computer. 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 P025C sets when the engine computer sees a lower than desired electrical value in the fuel pump module or its circuits, and that the fault can have a mechanical or an electrical cause. It is one of four related codes, P025A through P025D. RepairPal describes it more narrowly: the engine computer supplies voltage to the fuel pump control module, and P025C sets when there is a problem with that voltage supply. The two sources also word the name slightly differently: OBD-Codes.com titles it 'Fuel Pump Module Control Low' and RepairPal 'Fuel Pump Module Control Circuit Low'. 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.

Q: Can I keep driving with P025C?

Stop and fix promptly. Get it diagnosed promptly. RepairPal rates P025C 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, though ignoring it can add time and cost later. Because the engine can stall, don't rely on the car for highway or heavy-traffic driving until it's checked. Fuel system work carries a fire risk, so work only with no leaks present and away from sparks.

Reviewed 2026-10-23 · Based on 2 cited source(s)

What P025C 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 P025C sets when the engine computer sees a lower than desired electrical value in the fuel pump module or its circuits, and that the fault can have a mechanical or an electrical cause. It is one of four related codes, P025A through P025D. RepairPal describes it more narrowly: the engine computer supplies voltage to the fuel pump control module, and P025C sets when there is a problem with that voltage supply. The two sources also word the name slightly differently: OBD-Codes.com titles it 'Fuel Pump Module Control Low' and RepairPal 'Fuel Pump Module Control Circuit Low'. 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 P025C 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, though ignoring it can add time and cost later. Because the engine can stall, don't rely on the car for highway or heavy-traffic driving until it's checked. Fuel system work carries a fire risk, so work only with no leaks present and away from sparks.

Common symptoms

Check engine light on
Engine won't start or is hard to start (OBD-Codes.com)
Engine stalling (OBD-Codes.com)
Poor engine performance (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 or cut wires (OBD-Codes.com); OBD-Codes.com notes the pump harness often runs under the car along frame rails and rocker panels where pinching is common
Melted, disconnected or intermittent connectors (OBD-Codes.com)
Defective fuel pump, or debris in the fuel pump screen (OBD-Codes.com)
A problem with the voltage the engine computer supplies to the module (RepairPal)
Engine computer (ECM/PCM) problem (OBD-Codes.com)

Diagnostic steps you can do

⚠ Before you start

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.
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.
Check any fuse or relay in the fuel pump circuit.
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.
Pump and circuit tests depend on your vehicle. OBD-Codes.com says there is no generic test, so follow your service manual before testing the pump or the wiring between the pump and the engine computer.

Typical fixes

Repair damaged wiring or connectors in the fuel pump module circuit (OBD-Codes.com)
Fix a problem in the module's voltage supply from the engine computer (RepairPal)
Replace the fuel pump control module once testing confirms it (OBD-Codes.com lists it as a cause)
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

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.

OBD2 scanners on Amazon Parts at Advance Auto Parts catalog at RockAuto

FAQs

Can I drive with P025C?

It's best not to. RepairPal rates P025C Urgent. OBD-Codes.com says it's less severe if the car runs normally, but lists stalling and no-start among the symptoms, so the engine can quit without warning.

Is P025C a bad fuel pump?

Not necessarily. The code points to a low electrical value in the fuel pump control module or its circuit. OBD-Codes.com lists the module, the pump, a clogged pump screen, wiring, connectors and the engine computer as causes, and RepairPal points to the voltage supply to the module.

What's the difference between P025A and P025C?

OBD-Codes.com groups P025A through P025D as four related fuel pump module control codes. P025A is a general fault or open circuit, while P025C means the computer saw a lower than desired electrical value. See our P025A page for that code.

How much does it cost to fix P025C?

Neither source gives a repair cost for P025C. It can range from a wiring 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.