P2500 to P2511, P2530 to P2538, P2610 and P0514 to P0517: charging, power input and ignition switch
The alternator lamp or L terminal circuit has a fault, the charging voltage is low or high, the engine computer's power input or power relay sense signal is wrong, the ignition switch run, start or accessory position signal is wrong, the computer's engine-off timer has failed, or the battery temperature sensor has a fault.
SeverityHighCarrying on can cause expensive damage, so deal with it now.
Can you keep driving?Only as far as the workshopWhat does P2500 mean?
The engine computer watches the electrical system closely: it controls or monitors the alternator, reads its own supply and knows the ignition switch position from separate signals. On many cars it also measures battery temperature to set the charging voltage. A charging voltage that is too low means the battery is draining while you drive; too high can damage electronics and the battery. Ignition switch and power input faults can make the engine refuse to start or cut out.
What causes P2500?
- An alternator or regulator that charges too little or too much
- A slipping or broken accessory drive belt
- A weak battery or corroded battery terminals
- A worn ignition switch or a damaged wire behind it
- A failed battery temperature sensor, often part of the battery terminal
What to check first for P2500
- Measure the battery voltage with the engine off and running
- Check the accessory drive belt and its tension
- Clean and tighten the battery terminals and main grounds
- Note whether the engine cuts out when the key or the steering wheel is moved, a sign of a worn ignition switch
Can you drive with P2500?
Drive only to a workshop, with as few electrical loads on as possible. If the battery warning is on, the car can stop when the battery runs flat, so do not drive at night or on busy roads; if the engine cuts out, have it towed.
Clear a code only after the fault is fixed. A code that comes back means the cause is still there, and a warning light left on can hide a second fault behind the first.
Codes on this page
26
- P0514Battery Temperature Sensor Circuit Range/Performance
- P0515Battery Temperature Sensor Circuit
- P0516Battery Temperature Sensor Circuit Low
- P0517Battery Temperature Sensor Circuit High
- P2500Generator Lamp/L Terminal Circuit Low
- P2501Generator Lamp/L Terminal Circuit High
- P2502Charging System Voltage
- P2503Charging System Voltage Low
- P2504Charging System Voltage High
- P2505ECM/PCM Power Input Signal
- P2506ECM/PCM Power Input Signal Range/Performance
- P2507ECM/PCM Power Input Signal Low
- P2508ECM/PCM Power Input Signal High
- P2509ECM/PCM Power Input Signal Intermittent
- P2510ECM/PCM Power Relay Sense Circuit Range/Performance
- P2511ECM/PCM Power Relay Sense Circuit Intermittent
- P2530Ignition Switch Run Position Circuit
- P2531Ignition Switch Run Position Circuit Low
- P2532Ignition Switch Run Position Circuit High
- P2533Ignition Switch Run/Start Position Circuit
- P2534Ignition Switch Run/Start Position Circuit Low
- P2535Ignition Switch Run/Start Position Circuit High
- P2536Ignition Switch Accessory Position Circuit
- P2537Ignition Switch Accessory Position Circuit Low
- P2538Ignition Switch Accessory Position Circuit High
- P2610ECM/PCM Internal Engine Off Timer Performance
Related codes
Checked on · Rafael Soares
These are the generic meanings every manufacturer shares. Each brand adds its own detail, so your car's handbook, its service information and a qualified mechanic have the last word. OdoKeep has no connection with any manufacturer, and the app does not read codes from the car.
