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P0625

Generator Field/f Terminal Circuit Low

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By
KBB Service Advisor
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Reviewed by
Gary Hardesty

What Codes Will This Page Cover?

On this page, you’ll get to learn more about the following two codes:

  • P0625 Generator Field/F Terminal Circuit Low
  • P0626 Generator Field/F Terminal Circuit High

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What Is the P0625 Code?

Symptoms
Causes
Seriousness
Can I Still Drive?
Diagnose
Difficulty of Inspecting
Get Additional Help

The P0625 and P0626 codes indicate an issue with your vehicle’s alternator generator field coil. The field coil is wound around the rotor inside the alternator, which takes mechanical motion and converts it to electrical power by powering the rotor coil with battery voltage. The voltage running through the coiled wire creates an electromagnet, inducing an alternating current. These codes indicate that your powertrain control module (PCM) or engine control module (ECM) has recognized that the voltage level in your alternator generator field coil circuit is either too low, in the case of DTC P0625, or too high, in the case of DTC P0626. Either way, this can indicate a bad alternator or another issue within your alternator system.

You may also be interested in P0622 – Generator Field/F Terminal Circuit

What Are the Symptoms of a P0625 Code?

The most common symptom of the P0625 and P0626 codes is the check engine light or other malfunction indicator light turning on. Other lights may include a battery light or a charging light of some kind. Additionally, depending on the core problem related to the P0625 and P0626 codes, your engine may not turn on, which is especially common if you’re dealing with a dead or faulty battery. In some cases, the engine may even stall when running, and you may find that acceleration and fuel economy are impacted.

What Are Some Causes of a P0625 Code?

Codes P0625 and P0626 often involve a defective generator or a general problem with the generator control module. Here are a few of the causes you might see with the P0625 and P0626 codes:

  • Faulty generator field control circuit
  • Faulty alternator
  • Disconnected alternator connector
  • Loose battery terminal connections
  • Damaged or broken ground wire
  • Issues with electrical components

How Serious Is the P0625 Code?

The P0625 and P0626 codes are quite serious. The generator field circuit is one of the most important parts of the alternator as a whole, and if you’re dealing with this diagnostic trouble code, that component of your alternator isn’t functioning correctly. Plus, in some cases, this fault code requires multiple failure cycles to illuminate your check engine light, which can mean that the generator output has been impacted for quite some time before you’re actually able to tell. It’s best to treat this code very seriously and fix it as soon as possible.

Can I Still Drive with a P0625 Code?

Again, it depends on why the P0625 and P0626 codes are showing up. If you’re dealing with a defective alternator or dead batteries, you may not physically be able to drive your vehicle, as it may refuse to start entirely. Even if you’re physically able to drive the vehicle, it’s generally a good idea not to do so. This trouble code makes it so that you no longer have a reliable vehicle, and your vehicle could refuse to start at just about any time. Instead of taking your chances, it’s best to get help from an expert.

How Easy Is It to Diagnose a P0625 Code?

The P0625 and P0626 codes are generally caused by an issue with your generator itself, which means that this code can sometimes be easier to diagnose than other codes. However, there are still a number of possible causes related to these issues. Plus, this is a generic trouble code, which means you also need to check to ensure your vehicle’s make and model don’t have specific definitions for this code. Diagnosing the code on your own is often quite difficult, so many people recommend getting help for error codes P0625 and P0626 instead of trying to DIY a fix.

How Difficult Is It to Inspect a P0625 Code?

Regardless of the actual reasoning behind the code, finding the exact repair steps necessary to fix the problem is difficult. The repair steps necessary for a Land Rover may be completely different from the steps necessary for a Mercedes Benz, and following the steps for one when you’re dealing with the other is a surefire way to cause more problems with your vehicle. Instead of trying to figure this one out on your own, talk to an expert who will be able to fix the problems directly.

Need Additional Help with Your P0625 Code?

The P0625 and P0626 codes have to do with a critical component of your vehicle, and you should usually have field experience to fix the problem. These are just two of the reasons that many people choose to get expert assistance with their code.

To get started, you should first find an auto repair shop in your area. This will help you understand the problem as it pertains to the vehicle in question, and it’ll get you quick answers to any problems that you’re experiencing with your vehicle.

Additionally, some people like to understand everything that’s likely going on in their vehicle before they take it into the shop. If you’re seeing other codes on your code scanner, check out the KBB.com OBD-II database for more insight into these codes. That way, you’ll have a clearer idea of what issues you’re likely dealing with.

P0625 Q&A

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