AutoCodes – Generic – P253E

P253E Code - PTO Sense Circuit Intermittent/Erratic

Quick Answer

The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) monitors the Power Take Off (PTO) Sense circuit. Common causes include Faulty Power Take Off (PTO) Sense, Power Take Off (PTO) Sense harness is open or shorted, Power Take Off (PTO) Sense circuit poor electrical connection. Severity is High - diagnose this code as soon as possible. Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

What it means: P253E indicates PTO Sense Circuit Intermittent/Erratic.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Power Take Off (PTO) Sense, Power Take Off (PTO) Sense harness is open or shorted, Power Take Off (PTO) Sense circuit poor electrical connection.
Severity: High - diagnose this code as soon as possible.
Can I drive?: Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

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Code Popularity 2,954

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

Repair Importance Level

Urgent (Diagnose now) (3 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Advanced (Pro) (3 / 3)

What is this?

Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Jan 17, 2019

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
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Code P253E Description

The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) monitors the Power Take Off (PTO) Sense circuit. The PCM sets the OBDII code when the PTO Sense signal is out of factory specifications.

OBDII Code P253E - PTO Sense Circuit Intermittent/Erratic - AutoCodes.com — P253E Code - PTO Sense Circuit Intermittent/Erratic

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P253E?

Faulty Power Take Off (PTO) Sense
Power Take Off (PTO) Sense harness is open or shorted
Power Take Off (PTO) Sense circuit poor electrical connection

How to Fix the DTC P253E?

Review the 'Possible Causes' above and visually examine the corresponding wiring harness and connectors. Check for damaged components and inspect connector pins for signs of being broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded.

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P253E code, it typically requires 1.0 hour of labor. Rates vary by location, vehicle, and shop. Many shops charge between $80–$150 per hour; dealerships and metro areas may be higher, independents may be lower.

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About the author: William Orellana is a Master Mechanic and Mechanical Engineer with over 30 years of experience diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Learn more about his background.