What Does P25A2 Code Mean on Chevy Silverado & How to Fix it?

Brakes are one of the most important parts of a vehicle. Wouldn’t it be pathetic if you notice that your brakes overheated? And the car would go into safety mode?

Be thankful that your engine shows the code P25A2 in this situation. It is an engine, transmission and associated components-related code that specifies a problem with the Brake System Control.

Are you stumped as to how to address the problem? Think no longer! This post will go over all you need to know about the P25A2 code on your Chevy Silverado. Read till the end to learn more about the code and how to repair it!

What Does P25A2 Code Mean On Chevy Silverado?

A P25A2 code is a Brake System Control Module Requested MIL. Usually, the car throws the P25A2 code when the Silverado brake system fails. It is strictly an ECM-related failure.

There is a problem with the engine’s electrical system failure which may include the charging system (the 12V battery charging system) as well.  Additionally, the battery of the car starts draining while driving with this code.

If there are problems with the starting system, then the code shows up as well ( along with several U codes).

Let’s look at what the different parts of the code P25A2 mean:

• P- Powertrain, the assembly of parts that move your car forward.
• 2- Car specific error.
• 5- Vehicle Speed & Idle Control
• A2- Brake System Control Module “A” Requested MIL Illumination.

What Happens When the Code P25A2 On Chevy Silverado Appears?

A software anomaly could be the root of the problem. The BSCM may detect vehicle motion after the driver’s foot is taken off the brake pedal and the parking pawl is engaged for these U-codes.

After the engine shutdown, the BSCM will enable its CAN bus communications again and look for messages.

If the motion is detected within 5 seconds of the CAN communications ceasing, the BSCM will set U-code DTCs and possibly the P25A2 from the ECM when messages are not detected.

The check engine light will illuminate along with many other warning lights. This could include braking system failure, servicing ESC, P25A2 brake system control module 1, and so on.

Traction control and 4WD may also be deactivated. Additionally, the vehicle will not start. You will only be able to restart the vehicle unless you jump the battery.

You may also lose power steering and your brake pedal may not function properly. Or the pedals may also fail completely.

With this code, some people cannot steer the vehicle at all. Even while using both hands on the steering wheel.

Additionally, there could be a problem with wire chafing. You might have to hit the brakes hard.

What Causes Code P25A2 On Chevy Silverado?

The problem with the code P25A2 is there’s only a little you know about it. Most diagnoses made by dealerships also come out wrong. It is just how it is with this code.

However, a few reasons may be considered common that cause this code to appear. Here are these issues:

• EMC/computer connection issues.
• Braking system control module problems.
• Wiring harness connection problems. A ripped harness might be present somewhere. Start following the wires back from the sensor and start looking for insulation breaks. Infiltration of water into the wiring harness can also be the cause.
• The code C0501 denotes circuit range performance for the left front wheel speed sensor. If your Silverado shows this code, it may be what triggers the P25A2 code.
• A wheel speed sensor malfunction. This could be caused by something as simple as dirt, mud, or ice on the tone ring, or it could be the sensor itself.
• Fuse problems.
• A possible software issue.
• The Engine Electrical System, which monitors and regulates the engine starting system and the 12V battery charging system, may be undergoing a problem.
• A problem with the electrical charging system exists if the charge system light stays on or illuminates while you are driving. The battery gets discharged if you drive while this light is on.
• Issues with the SDM, TCM, BOI, and ABS systems.
• The wheel speed sensor could be knocked loose or moved on uneven roads. Consequently. the air gap gets closer or farther than it should be, resulting in an inaccurate reading.

Chevrolet released a statement back in 2022 that states an issue with the brake control module software that needs to be addressed. That’s about it regarding the P25A2 code issues.

Symptoms Of Getting P25A2 Code On Chevy Silverado

At startup or soon after startup, the Driver Information Center (DIC) may illuminate with a Service Engine Soon (SES) Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL).

These additional symptoms may show up along with the code:

• Jerky shifts.
• Squishy or dead brake pads.
• Brakes may lock up or stop working. May get reduced to only 5% braking power.
• Revving/bouncing off of one gear.
• The transmission keeps slipping often.
• Getting lesser power.
• The emission controls might not work as well.
• The code may come up along with the codes P0606 and C0021.

How To Fix The P25A2 Code On The Chevy Silverado?

The fix includes two things. The first is replacing the brake assembly module. And the second is reprogramming the Brake System Control Module (BSCM) with the latest update.

After the car is turned off, the brake system control software generally wakes up and sets a number of communication codes.

You must have the brake system control module updated at a GM dealership or another shop that has access to GM software. Here is the service bulletin regarding that. The brake controller replacement must also be done at the dealership.

Taking the truck to the dealership to get it inspected. After inspection, if there is a problem with the brakes, they will replace the part. Any sensor issue should be fixed by the dealership as well.

Initially, you will have to replace the brake assembly module because the brake assembly’s programming gets messed up by a brake pad wear sensor that’s defective.

The entire assembly should be replaced because troubleshooting is often impossible. Moreover, Silverado has issued a couple of brake system recalls.

Other times, the electrical system of the engine is to blame, and the battery may discharge while driving. The dealership also needs to fix this.

Try traveling short distances with the light on. Turn off all accessories, including the radio and air conditioner.

You can try to recover your brake efficiency though. Here’s how:

1. To reset your brakes, turn off your electronic braking system.
2. Replace every brake pad with a new one that is wearing out (E.g: front driver and rear driver; both rear have EPB motors).
3. A number of dash lights will turn on as a result. For instance, Service Trailer Brake System, Service ABS, Service Brake System Failure at 43 mph, Service ESC, Service Brake, Service Traction Control, and Service Engine Light.
4. Disconnect the black negative battery terminal after 30 minutes, but leave the red positive battery terminal connected. Reconnecting the red terminal should turn off the lights.

How Much Does It Cost To Fix The Chevy Silverado P25A2 Code?

Braking module replacement is anticipated to cost between $130 and $160 for labor, with parts costing between $380 and $450.

The Android Auto app can be used to update the software. Therefore, it is free. The cost of doing it at the dealership might be a little too.

The price of the brake pads and rear sensors could range from $320 to $360. An estimate for labor costs ranges from $115 to $150.

The average cost to replace a wheel speed sensor on a Chevrolet Silverado is between $90 and $115 for labor, with parts costing between $45 and $60.

Other expenses could range from $100 to $300.

Can You Drive Your Chevy Silverado With Code P25A2?

Yes, GM engineers certify that the Silverado is was safe to drive with the P25A2 codes. However, your battery may be leaking when you drive with this code. This will cost you services at the dealership.

Additionally, if the truck is jerking, not revving properly, getting reduced power and not shifting gears properly, it is not safe to drive. Do not drive the car in this case!

I must warn you, brake quality gets severely diminished. You might almost take out someone in the parking lot. Sometimes the truck may also go into the road losing brake power. Be careful there!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion

The P25A2 is a pretty vague code. It needs many things to be checked before coming to the right diagnosis.

However, it is rather easy to fix. Because it includes only the software update or changing the Brake Control Module.

I hope this article helps you in fixing the issue. Cheers!