The alternator regulator is linked to the engine module by an L (turn-on) line, an F (field) line reporting field load as a duty cycle, or on newer cars a LIN bus. P0625 means the F feedback is too low: with the engine running the regulator reports (almost) no field duty cycle – typically an open or grounded F line, or the alternator is not charging. The Saab 9-4X sets it below 3000 rpm when the duty cycle stays under 5 % for 15 s; Saab's T8 when it stays under 0.5 % for over 30 s with the L line active, and raises the idle speed. Ford's 6.8 L V10 reports it with or without the check engine light depending on the variant. GM's newer engines combine low and high in P0622.
Medium severity. Can I keep driving?If the battery warning light comes on, you could get stranded. Turn off electrical accessories and go straight to a repair shop.
Symptoms
- Battery warning lamp on
- Battery not or incorrectly charged, starting problems
- Raised or fluctuating idle
- Check engine light on some Ford variants
Most likely causes
- F line open or shorted to ground, connector corroded
- Regulator or alternator faulty or not charging (brushes, field winding)
- Alternator B+ feed missing or high resistance
- Engine module
What to check, in order
Start with the simplest. You can tick off each step.
Good to know
- Repair difficulty: medium
What each character of P0625 means
- P: Powertrain: engine and transmission
- 0: Generic code: same on every make
- 6: Control modules and outputs
- 25: Specific fault in that system
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep driving with code P0625?
If the battery warning light comes on, you could get stranded. Turn off electrical accessories and go straight to a repair shop.
What causes code P0625?
The most common causes are: f line open or shorted to ground, connector corroded; regulator or alternator faulty or not charging (brushes, field winding); alternator B+ feed missing or high resistance.
Related codes
- P0626Generator Field/F Terminal Circuit High
- P0622Generator Field/F Terminal Circuit
- P0621Generator Lamp/L Terminal Circuit
- P0562System Voltage Low
Sources
- law.cornell.edu: 13 CCR 1968.2
- saabwisonline.com: dtc p0625 or p0626
- saabwisonline.com: p0625 00
- roushcleantech.com: Roush CleanTech Diagnostics Manual DA 8.5.18
Values and procedures vary by manufacturer. If it affects brakes, steering, fuel or high voltage, see a professional. Updated: 2026-11-04. How we build these pages.