P258A

  • Powertrain
  • Manufacturer-specific
SeveritySeverity level 3 of 5: Diagnose soon.

Diagnose soon

Usually safe to drive short distances, but the fault will not clear itself and can worsen or fail an emissions test.

Standard definition

Vacuum Pump Control Circuit A/Open

This code is in our catalogue but has not yet been through editorial review, so the guidance below is limited to what our structured data supports. We publish deeper diagnostic content only after a code has been reviewed — here is why.

In plain English

The control circuit driving the electric vacuum pump (used to maintain brake-booster vacuum on direct-injection or hybrid powertrains where the engine is not always running) is open. The ECM cannot run the pump on demand — booster vacuum drops, pedal feel hardens, brake assist may be reduced.

A trouble code records what a control module measured. It does not identify which part failed. Test before replacing anything.

Can I keep driving?
Safe to drive
Usually safe to drive short distances, but the fault will not clear itself and can worsen or fail an emissions test.
Urgency
Diagnose soon
Will it pass emissions
Not affected
Check engine light
Solid
Likely causes
#CauseHow oftenComponent
1Open control wire to the pumpVery common
2Failed driver in the control moduleCommon

Ordering reflects how often each cause is responsible in general, not a probability for your vehicle. Confirm by testing.

Components involved
  • Vacuum Pump
  • Wiring Harness
Sources
Definition
Generic code set (SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6) via the OBDexopen database, dedicated to the public domain under CC0-1.0.
Diagnostic guidance
Written and reviewed in-house. See our editorial policy.
Review status
Awaiting review

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