P25BC is the high-voltage counterpart: the regeneration switch line carries a level near supply voltage that no switch position can produce. A wire chafed against a battery or ignition feed, water in a switch connector or a switch whose internal resistor network has failed are plausible causes. If the switch requests regeneration by pulling the line up, a stuck high could resemble a permanent start command. That matters because a parked regeneration raises idle speed and exhaust temperature sharply; GM bulletin 20-NA-203 tells drivers to stand on level ground outdoors, clear of anything that can burn. Without a reliable switch the engine controller has to rely on automatic regeneration while driving. No manufacturer documents P25BC publicly, so repair follows the vehicle's wiring diagram.
Medium severity. Can I keep driving?If the light is on steadily, take a highway drive or go to a repair shop soon. If the car is in limp mode or the light is flashing, do not push the engine.
Symptoms
- Regeneration switch ignored by the engine controller
- Unexpected regeneration messages in the cluster
- Check engine lamp
Most likely causes
- Switch signal wire shorted to battery or ignition voltage
- Moisture in the switch connector
- Internal fault in the switch or its resistor network
What to check, in order
Start with the simplest. You can tick off each step.
Good to know
- Repair difficulty: easy
- It affects emissions.
What each character of P25BC means
- P: Powertrain: engine and transmission
- 2: Generic code: same on every make
- 5: Speed and idle
- BC: Specific fault in that system
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep driving with code P25BC?
If the light is on steadily, take a highway drive or go to a repair shop soon. If the car is in limp mode or the light is flashing, do not push the engine.
What causes code P25BC?
The most common causes are: switch signal wire shorted to battery or ignition voltage; moisture in the switch connector; internal fault in the switch or its resistor network.
Related codes
- P25BARegeneration Control Switch Circuit/Open
- P25BBRegeneration Control Switch Circuit Low
- P2459Diesel Particulate Filter Regeneration Frequency
Sources
- static.nhtsa.gov: MC 10231499 0001
- stpi.it.volvo.com: DRC AMII Eng 02 333484271
- law.cornell.edu: 13 CCR 1968.2
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.