P25CE stands for a low signal on the lock control line of the bank 2 intake phaser: the wire or the solenoid winding has found a path to ground, or the module's output is stuck pulling low. Because the second bank's harness often runs along the back of the engine or under the intake manifold, chafing at brackets and heat damage are frequent findings. A grounded line may hold the lock solenoid energised permanently, leaving the pin withdrawn when the engine is shut down, which can cause a clatter on the next cold start. GM's 15OBDG01 table includes P25CE in the intake phaser fault groups that disable the other phaser monitors, without its own limits. Codes for both banks at once suggest a shared supply or low battery voltage rather than two bad solenoids.
Medium severity. Can I keep driving?Drive little and gently. If you hear timing chain noise or the oil light comes on, shut off the engine.
Bank 2 is the side without cylinder 1, so it only exists on V or boxer engines.
Symptoms
- Check engine lamp on
- Clatter at cold start
Most likely causes
- Bank 2 harness chafed through at a bracket
- Shorted winding in the bank 2 lock solenoid
- Low system voltage setting lock codes on both banks
What to check, in order
Start with the simplest. You can tick off each step.
Good to know
- Repair difficulty: medium
- It can trigger limp mode.
- It affects emissions.
What each character of P25CE means
- P: Powertrain: engine and transmission
- 2: Generic code: same on every make
- 5: Speed and idle
- CE: Specific fault in that system
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep driving with code P25CE?
Drive little and gently. If you hear timing chain noise or the oil light comes on, shut off the engine.
What causes code P25CE?
The most common causes are: bank 2 harness chafed through at a bracket; shorted winding in the bank 2 lock solenoid; low system voltage setting lock codes on both banks.
Related codes
- P25CBIntake Camshaft Actuator Park Lock Control Circuit Low (Bank 1)
- P25CDIntake Camshaft Actuator Park Lock Control Circuit/Open (Bank 2)
- P25CFIntake Camshaft Actuator Park Lock Control Circuit High (Bank 2)
- P25D4Exhaust Camshaft Actuator Park Lock Control Circuit Low (Bank 2)
- P2092"A" Camshaft Position Actuator Control Circuit Low (Bank 2)
Sources
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.