Powertrain, generic (extended)

P254F Engine Hood Switch Circuit

Check engine lightOn
EmissionsRelevant
Drive cycleRequired
Limp modeNo

P254F concerns the circuit of the hood switch, which tells the control units whether the engine hood is open. Engines that can start on their own, such as in hybrids or stop/start systems, need this to block an automatic start while someone works under the hood. GM documents the code in the ECM section of its 2012 table 12OBDG06 for the two-mode hybrid Tahoe, Yukon, Escalade, Sierra and Silverado: the engine module reads two hood switch states, checks every 25 ms with run/crank voltage between 11 and 32 V, and sets the fault after 0.5 s as Type B, two trips. GM's later 2017 table 17OBDG04 moved this kind of switch-versus-switch plausibility to P257D, which matches the J2012 range/performance wording. A broken switch or wiring can disable auto-start and raise a warning.

Likely causes

Hood switch dirty, corroded or misadjusted
Damaged wiring or connector at the hood latch
Bent hood latch after a front-end repair

Symptoms

  • Check engine light after two trips (GM Type B)
  • Auto-stop or hybrid engine start disabled
  • Hood-open warning while the hood is closed

Repair estimate

DifficultyEasyDIY possible
Parts and labour€20–250
Time0.3–1.5 h

Typical range across vehicles; the real cost depends on what the testing finds.

Parts involved

hood switchwiring harness

Related codes

P257D

References: gsi.ext.gm.com, gsi.ext.gm.com.