P258F OBD Error Code: Problem & Solutions

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OBD fault code P258F is a generic code that is defined as “Torque management request, output signal”, or sometimes as “Torque management request, output – malfunction issue”. Regardless of the actual wording, the presence of code P258F indicates that a torque management request has failed for a period of time set by the manufacturer.Almost all manufacturers use a strategy known as “torque management” on automatic transmissions to reduce harshness during shifting, as well as to extend the life of the transmission internal components. This strategy is particularly useful on powerful, high-end applications in which hard acceleration can cause serious mechanical damage to a transmission.

In simple terms, the system uses input data from various engine sensors and control modules such as the fuel control module, ignition timing control module, transmission control module and others (depending on the application), to momentarily retard the base ignition timing just before and during a gear shift event. In a fully functional system this effectively reduces the engine torque, which has the effect of improving the “feel” of the shift pattern; in fact, on some applications, this system is so refined that gear shifts happen virtually seamlessly.

In terms of practicalities, the TCM (Transmission Control Module) sends a torque management request to the PCM (Power Control Module) via the CAN (Controller Area Network) bus system when driving conditions require it, such as during aggressive acceleration. When the PCM receives the request, it retards the base ignition timing sufficiently to make the gear shift happen smoothly. At the same time, the PCM communicates with the TCM to confirm that it had received the torque management request.

However, if any fault, defect, or malfunction in any part of the engine/fuel management system(s) is present at the time the request is made and the PCM cannot execute the request because of such a fault, defect, or malfunction, it will let the TCM know that the request had failed. Note that the number of failure cycles required before this code sets and a warning light is illuminated, varies between manufacturers. In some cases, code P258F will set on the first failure, while on others as many as eight or more fault cycles need to occur before the code will be set and a warning light is illuminated.

What causes this problem with the Torque Management Request Output Signal?

• PCM reprogramming error
• Defective, or corrupted software in the TCM (Transmission Control Module)
• Damaged, burnt, shorted, disconnected, or corroded wiring and connectors
• Bad electrical connections almost anywhere in the engine/fuel management system(s)
• Bad or poor electrical connection(s) almost anywhere in the CAN (Controller Area Network) bus system

1. Engine Control Module - It is not always the components, but the ECM that can also be faulty. It can cause misinterpretation of correct data thus leading to wrong operational decisions which will affect the transmission and overall engine performance. Thus, replace faulty module and reprogram it now!
2. Powertrain Control Module - Powertrain Control Module can also be faulty in rare cases and thus needs through checks for system and software errors. Thus, check and replace it, if required.
3. Electronic Control Unit - The ECU manages the cooling system to control the battery operating temperatures and thus must be replaced, if found faulty. Thus, buy new ECU modules and components from us!
4. Diagnostic Tool - Make use of quality diagnostic tools to resolve any OBD error code. Buy quality diagnostic tools from us!
5. Mass Air Flow Sensor - Wrong information sent by the sensor will affect the engine performance adversely as it will not be able to properly read the air entering the system thus hampering the air to fuel ratios directly impacting the engine’s output. Thus, it is advisable to replace them in time.
6. Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensor - If you are experiencing any problem with the pressure sensor, you should replace them immediately. Shop from us now!
7. Automatic Transmission Control Module - TCM can be faulty and transmit wrong voltage reading to the PCM thus causing performance issues. Buy and replace new TCM now!
8. Automatic Transmission Sensor - Sensor can also turn faulty but to mechanical failures that will affect the voltage signal being sent to the PCM/TCM. Thus, replace faulty sensor immediately.

For us our customers are everything, and that’s why we will help you to diagnose P258F code by mentioning some important symptoms below:

Common Symptoms

• Stored trouble code and an illuminated warning light
• Some applications will display harsh, or even erratic shifting
• Fuel consumption may increase
• Engine may stall during idling, or at low engine speeds
• Idling quality may deteriorate, or the engine may not idle at all
• Overall performance may decrease over the engines’ full operating range

After understanding the symptoms and few common causes behind the OBD error code, we are here to help you out in understanding the ways and means to correct the issue. To solve any issue, you need to follow certain steps, and to solve OBD error code P258F, you will need to undergo the following replacements:

• Mass Airflow Sensor replacement
• Automatic TCM replacement
• PCM replacement and reprogramming
• Damaged wiring and connector replacement
• Transmission sensor replacement

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Here are some steps which you should follow in order to diagnose this fault code:

• Record all fault codes present, including “pending” codes, as well as all available freeze frame data. This information could be of use should an intermittent fault be diagnosed later on.
• Since one of the most common causes of this code is bad or degraded ground connections, consult the manual for the application to locate all electrical ground points.
• Locate, inspect, and repair all ground connections, including the main grounds between the battery, engine, and chassis. However, before disconnecting the battery ground, make sure to install an approved memory saving device as per the instructions provided in the manual to keep critical systems in the PCM and other control modules powered up when battery power is removed.
• Clear all codes after repairs are complete, and operate the vehicle normally for about 15 miles or so to see if the code returns.
• If the code persists, and there are other codes present along with P258F that relate to engine/fuel management issues, consult the manual to identify the reference voltage circuit(s) that emanate from the PCM. On many applications, several sensors and circuits share one, or both reference voltage circuits, which means that any fault, defect, or malfunction in either a sensor or a sensors’ control circuit directly affects the operation of all other sensors and circuits that share that particular reference voltage circuit.
• Set the scanner to monitor each reference voltage circuit, and disconnect all sensors that share that circuit, but do not disconnect them all at once. Disconnect each in turn; if a sensor or circuit is defective, the scanner readout will usually (but not always) change from showing a fault, to “OK” when the defective sensor or circuit is disconnected.
• If the scanner display does not change to “OK” after having disconnected all the sensors and circuits on one reference voltage circuit, repeat this test on the other reference voltage circuit. If a fault is identified in this way, perform resistance, ground, and continuity tests on all relevant wiring and components. Make repairs as required, clear all codes after repairs are complete, and operate the vehicle normally for about 15 miles or so to see if the code returns.
• If all ground connections, reference voltage circuits, and all sensors check out perform a thorough visual inspection of all wiring between all relevant control modules. Look for obvious signs of damage to wiring, disconnected wiring, shorted wiring, or wiring and/or connectors that are corroded. Make repairs, or replace wiring as required.

Common Mistakes When Diagnosing the P258F Code

Repairing a P258F code should run the risk of damaging control modules. If this occurs, the vehicle will need to be reprogrammed. Because of this, a P258F should only be approached if you have extensive knowledge in automobile electronics.