P256A OBD Error Code: Problem & Solutions

<<See All OBD Codes

See the error code P256A flashing? Don’t know what to do? All you need is this little guide by Parts Avatar to easily solve the error code P256A. This generic OBD-II code engine may stall is also known as an engine idle speed selector sensor/switch/circuit/open. The engine’s idle speed is controlled by the idle control valve (idle speed selector overseas). This code P256A will be stored in case the idle speed cannot be properly managed as per the requirements of the engine computer (PCM).

It can be seen that the engine idle speed selector sensor/switch circuit signal is monitored by the engine control module (ECM). The OBD-II code P256A is set by the engine control module (ECM) when the engine idle speed selector sensor/switch signal fails to fall within the factory specifications.

What causes this problem with the Engine Idle Speed Selector Sensor/Switch Circuit/Open?

• Damaged or unsound engine idle speed selector sensor/switch
• Open or short-circuited engine idle speed selector sensor/switch harness
• Often, a bad electrical connection running in the engine idle speed selector sensor/switch circuit

1. Engine Control Module - Seeing the error code P256A popping again and again? A malfunctioning engine control module is likely to invite issues like a poorly running engine, increase in carbon emission, choking, stuttering and stalling of the engine. Well, to avoid these, we recommend an immediate replacement or repair of the engine control module before it worsens the condition of the system.
2. Speed Selector Sensor - Is your cruise control not functioning at all? Harsh shifting? Yes, all this is indicative of a possible fault in the speed selector sensor. Tune into Parts Avatar to get your hands on your new speed selector sensor as soon as possible.
3. Powertrain Control Module - Often regarded as the brain of the system, this auto part, if faulty can give rise to a lot of issues ranging from minor repairs to major. So, if you want to save your money from being blown away on unnecessary repairs, change or repair your powertrain control module now!
4. Idle Air Control Valve - Suddenly observing an irregular idle speed? Can’t figure out the reason behind it all? This all caused due to a defect in the idle air control valve. We advise you to get your idle air control valve changed or repaired as soon as possible in order to get rid of this error code P256A.

It is vital to know the symptoms of an issue as only then you would be able to solve the problem. So that’s why we have listed out some major symptoms of OBD code P256A here:

Common Symptoms

• The driver may notice engine stalling
• Engine Light illuminated

Want to correct the Trouble code P256A? Read these points mentioned below:

• Make sure you repair or replace a faulty engine idle speed selector sensor/switch as soon as possible
• Perform proper steps to fix a weak electrical connection running in the engine idle speed selector sensor/switch circuit
• Amendments should be performed to mend or restore all the corroded or disconnected harness in the engine idle speed selector sensor/switch

Parts Avatar Canada is here to solve all your issues related to car parts. We have stocked a wide range of best priced ECM, speed selector sensor, PCM, idle air control valve, transmission parts, IAC valve, neutral safety switch, oil pressure switch, shift solenoid, oil drain plug, speedometer gauge, connecting rod bearing, clutch pressure plate and a lot more to help you out in fixing your car.

Often, diagnosing an error code can be a tedious task. So here are some steps which you should follow in order to diagnose this fault code P256A:

A standard OBD-II trouble code scanner should be used to diagnose this trouble code P256A. The scanner will be used to check and view the freeze frame data and assess the code by a certified technician. The technician should also check for additional trouble codes stored. After the repairs have been performed, the codes should be retested and the vehicle should be restarted to see if the code pertains. If the code disappears it could likely be due to a faulty diagnose or may represent an intermittent issue.

Common Mistakes When Diagnosing the P256A Code

• Here we have listed a few common mistakes that should be avoided only to make the diagnosis procedure easy for our customers:
• Failure in the idle air control (IAC)
• A defect in the powertrain control module (PCM)
• Wiring problems in the system