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P2509

ECM/PCM Power Input Signal Intermittent

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By
KBB Service Advisor
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Reviewed by
Gary Hardesty

What Is the P2509 Code?

Symptoms
Causes
Seriousness
Can I Still Drive?
Diagnose
Difficulty of Inspecting
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The P2509 code indicates that there’s an issue with your power input to the powertrain control module (PCM), which may be called an engine control module (ECM) in some makes and models. The PCM needs a stable power supply to function properly, and if it doesn’t have that stable supply, there may be functioning problems. That’s why the engine will log the P2509 code if there are any issues with the power.

More About the P2509 Code

The P2509 code doesn’t necessarily indicate that there’s a complete lack of power to the PCM. If this is the case, then your car will not function at all, as the PCM is in control of every part of your car. However, this code usually indicates that there’s an intermittent power supply rather than a steady supply. The code typically happens when the voltage to the circuit is below a specific range of ideal voltage that the manufacturer originally set for the circuit.

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What Are the Symptoms of a P2509 Code?

Outside of a check engine light, which will turn on once your engine logs this code, the P2509 code can cause two primary serious symptoms: the engine being unable to start, and in some cases, being completely unable to crank, or the engine starting and even running just fine but shutting down intermittently. These shutdowns occur because the voltage dips below the level that allows the PCM to run, shutting down the engine and requiring you to restart the vehicle.

How Serious Is the P2509 Code?

As indicated by the symptoms of this code, the P2509 code is one of the most serious codes out there. In many cases, this code will leave your vehicle completely unable to start or go anywhere, and even if your vehicle is able to start up and run, it’ll stall out again soon. Once you start getting this code, it’s critical that you get your car in for an inspection, as you likely won’t be getting anywhere with it anytime soon.

Can I Still Drive with a P2509 Code?

In this case, it’s not really a question of whether an expert would recommend driving with the P2509 code. In most instances, you physically won’t be able to drive your car with this code. Even if you can drive your car for a short period of time, the fact that the PCM will short out eventually means that you should avoid driving with the P2509 code. Many individuals need to call a tow truck to get their vehicle to the nearest repair shop.

How Easy Is It to Diagnose a P2509 Code?

There are a number of potential causes for a P2509 code, so while it isn’t necessarily difficult to look through any of them individually, the diagnosis process can be very difficult and involved for someone who doesn’t look for these problems every day. Diagnosing a P2509 code is generally best left to the experts, especially since this code completely wipes out your ability to drive your car.

How Difficult Is It to Inspect a P2509 Code?

The inspection process for a P2509 requires a knowledgeable eye. Not only do you need to be able to see where all the connections are for your engine, but you also need to know where each of these connections may have issues. Assume that an expert is your best option for the P2509 code.

Need Additional Help with Your P2509 Code?

If you’re not able to fix the P2509 code by just charging your battery, then it could be that there’s a much deeper problem you’re not seeing. In these cases, it’s best to seek help from an expert. An expert will be able to do all the research necessary to ensure that they’re fixing the right component of the P2509 code.

If you’re looking for help with fixing the P2509 code, then you can use Kelley to find a repair shop in your area that can help. No matter what vehicle you have or what other problems you might also be experiencing, this is a great way to get help.

Additionally, whether you’re trying to research other codes logged in your engine or you just like learning more about vehicles, the KBB OBD-II database is a great starting point. This database goes over all the codes that you might see from your engine.

P2509 Q&A

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