P258B

  • 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 Range/Performance

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 vacuum pump control circuit is electrically intact, but the pump response does not match the model — pump runs longer than expected to reach setpoint, current draw rises (mechanically tight) or vacuum does not build at all. Aged motor brushes, dry vanes or a leaking line are typical causes.

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
1Aged motor brushes or dry vanesVery common
2Leaking vacuum lineCommon
3Sensor element aged beyond calibration windowOccasional

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

Components involved
  • Vacuum Pump
  • Vacuum Lines
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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