OBD-II code · Powertrain (generic, extended)
P257E Engine Hood Switch Circuit Low
The hood switch input reads stuck low — short to ground or stuck-closed switch. The body controller may treat the hood as permanently open and refuse to arm the alarm or close the HV interlock.
Is it safe to drive with P257E?
Usually safe to drive in the short term. Get it diagnosed when convenient, sooner if the car drives differently.
Common causes
- Most likelySwitch wire shorted to ground
- Less likelyConnector pins corroded - high contact resistance
- Less likelyHarness chafing through insulation
Repair at a glance
- Difficulty
- Easy
- DIY friendly
- Often, with basic tools
- Typical labour
- 0.2–1 h
- Emissions test
- Usually unaffected
- Parts involved
- Hood Switch
Related codes
- P254FEngine Hood Switch Circuit
- P257BVacuum Reservoir Control Circuit Low
- P257CVacuum Reservoir Control Circuit High
- P257DEngine Hood Switch Circuit Range/Performance
- P257FEngine Hood Switch Circuit High
- P2580Turbocharger/Supercharger Speed Sensor A Circuit Low
- P2581Turbocharger/Supercharger Speed Sensor A Circuit High
Code data: OBDex open dataset (CC0). Labour times are typical ranges, not a quote.