Error Code P0525: What It Means & What To Do?

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Is your car engine misfiring and having affected start up? Is there abnormal sound coming from the car engine? Is there a sudden affect in the fuel economy? All these are the indications to the OBD Code P0525 being stored and flashed in the Powertrain Control Module (PCM).

OBD-II Code Cruise control will not operate is defined as a Cruise Control Servo Control Circuit Range/Performance

The proper functioning of all the systems relies on many sensors, switches, modules, VSS, etc. fitted in the various components in relation to the Powertrain Control Module. One of them being the cruise control servo. Most times, these are responsible for controlling the throttle when you set and/or adjust the cruise control. By controlling the throttle and adjusting accordingly, with this servo, the PCM can adjust the speed easily and efficiently. Many times, these servos are controlled mechanically via vacuum lines and throttle cables. The vacuum to the servo is controlled by solenoids who are in turn, controlled by the PCM, which can interpret every other value before specifying throttle position, speed, etc. This fault refers to the circuit involved, refer to the service manual to determine exactly what physical circuit you are working with/ diagnosing. The P0525 Cruise Control Servo Control Circuit Range/Performance is set when the PCM monitors a malfunction within the cruise control servo control circuit. In the case of the P0525 specifically, it is set when an out of range or performance malfunction is detected in said circuit.

What causes this problem with the Cruise Control Servo Control Circuit Range/Performance?

• Short or open circuit and wiring
• Blown fuses
• Damaged Cruise Control Circuit
• Damaged wirings, connectors, harness and other electrical components

1. Cruise Control Switch - Check for faults with the switch that may cause the control system not to function properly. Buy new switch now!
2. Cruise Control Relay - Inspect for faulty relay and replace as required. Buy new cruise control relay from us!
3. Cruise Control Connector - Check for faulty connectors and harness and replace if needed. Buy new cruise control connectors here!
4. Cruise Control Fuse - Always first check for blown fuses and replace them at first instance. Buy new fuses now!
5. Diagnostic Tools - Use factory grade OBD scan tools to diagnose an OBD code error problem. Buy quality diagnostic tools from us now!
6. Powertrain Control Module - Although this error is rare, but check for faulty PCM and if it requires reprogramming or not. Find quality components from us.

If you are facing OBD error code P0525, then there are significant common symptoms that can be felt or observed. We have worked out a list here to help you out in understanding this problem better.

Common Symptoms

• Cruise control not working
• Erratic cruise control operation
• Stuck Vehicle speed
• Limited Vehicle speed with cruise control active
• Wrong vehicle speed setting when compared to desired or set speed
• Specific cruise control functions malfunctioning/erratic

It is very important to fix the fault code P0525. So here are some ways with which you can correct this issue:

• Cruise Control Connector Replacement
• Cruise Control Relay Replacement
• Cruise Control Fuse Replacement
• Faulty PCM replacement
• Repair/Replace Faulty Wiring and Harness

To do all this, you will need few high-quality auto parts such as Cruise control Cable, Cruise control Fuse, Cruise control Relay, Cruise control Connector, Engine Control Module, and Powertrain Control Module and so on. From where will you get them? From your local store? Well, why go there when you can order quality parts with us while sitting in the comfort of your home. So, just browse through our website and order your needed parts today.

If you want to easily diagnose this fault code, then all you have to do is to follow the steps which are mentioned below:

• The PCM uses vehicle speed sensor data to help regulate vehicle speed when the cruise control is activated. In most vehicles, a small servo motor is attached to the throttle linkage. Voltage received from the PCM and the cruise control module prompt the servo motor to open or close the throttle plate as needed
• A steel cable inside of a plastic housing is often used between the cruise control servo and the throttle linkage. If the desired speed is less than the actual speed, the throttle plate will be opened and if the actual speed is more than the desired speed, the throttle plate will be allowed to close.
• When the throttle plate is opened it causes engine RPM and vehicle speed to increase in order for the vehicle to reach the desired speed. When the throttle plate is closed, engine RPMs decrease as does vehicle speed. Other vehicles are equipped with a drive by wire throttle system that uses no accelerator cable.
• These types of vehicles control vehicle speed with the same actuator motor which opens and closes the throttle plate during normal driving. Several tools will be instrumental in successfully diagnosing this code. A suitable OBD-II scanner (or code reader) and a digital volt/ohmmeter will be most helpful in performing a successful diagnosis.
• Begin with a visual inspection of all wiring and connectors. Repair or replace damaged, disconnected, shorted, or corroded wiring, connectors, and components as necessary. Always retest the system after repairs are completed to ensure success. If all system wiring, connectors, and components (Including fuses) appear to be in normal working order, connect the scanner (or code reader) to the diagnostic connector and record all stored codes and freeze frame data.
• This information can be extremely helpful in diagnosing intermittent conditions that may have contributed to this code being stored. Continue by clearing the code and operating the vehicle to see if it returns. This will help to determine whether or not the malfunction is intermittent. After the codes are cleared, test drive the vehicle to see if the code returns. If the code fails to immediately return, you may have an intermittent condition.
• Intermittent conditions can prove to be quite a challenge to diagnose and in extreme cases may have to be allowed to worsen before a correct diagnosis can be made. If the system parts seem to be in proper working order, suspect a faulty servo. Connect the scanner or code reader to the OBD-II connector and retrieve stored codes. Make a note of all codes and freeze frame data and clear codes.
• If the codes return, proceed with the diagnostic procedure, however if the code does not return, the condition of failure may be intermittent. Drive the vehicle and operate the cruise control system at length to ensure that the problem does not persist. If the code returns, or the cruise control fails to set at the desired speed, raise the drive wheels and safely secure the vehicle.
• Using a helper inside the vehicle, place the vehicle in drive and allow the speedometer to reach a speed sufficient to set the cruise control (usually 25 to 35 mph). Disconnect the electrical connector from the cruise control servo and test for voltage using the digital volt/ohmmeter. Compare your findings with manufacturer’s specifications and replace the servo unit if readings coincide. If there is no voltage or ground signal at the servo unit, disconnect the PCM and cruise control module connectors and do a continuity test on the circuitry between the servo and the buttons in the passenger compartment and the PCM.
• Compare your findings to manufacturer’s specs and repair open or shorted circuits as required. Clear any codes that are present and retest the system. If the continuity test reveals no malfunctions, perform a resistance test on the cruise control on/off switch and buttons using the digital volt/ohmmeter. Remember to leave the cruise control module and PCM disconnected before testing circuit resistance. Replace cruise control buttons as required and clear the codes and retest the system.

Common Mistakes When Diagnosing the P0525 Code

Sometimes, mechanics will see a trouble code and take that for what is actually wrong with the car. Just because a particular part is mentioned in a trouble code, it does not mean that the part is faulty.

Always check for the following components as well while diagnosing this OBD code error P0525.

• Damaged/blown fuses
• Cruise Control connector failure
• Cruise Control relay failure
• Cruise Control Switch failure
• Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software needs to be updated