P2529 OBD-II Trouble Code: Vacuum Reservoir Press Sensor Circuit Intermmittent

Our certified mechanics come to you · Get a fair and transparent estimate upfront

EXCELLENT RATING ON

Cost of diagnosing the P2529 code

P2529 is a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) for "Vacuum Reservoir Press Sensor Circuit Intermmittent". This can happen for multiple reasons and a mechanic needs to diagnose the specific cause for this code to be triggered in your situation. Our certified mobile mechanics can come to your home or office to perform the Check Engine Light diagnostic for $154.99 . Once we are able to diagnose the problem, you will be provided with an upfront quote for the recommended fix and receive $50.0 off as a credit towards the repair. All our repairs are backed by our 12-month / 12,000-mile warranty.

Cars Estimate* Credit towards follow-up repair Earliest Availability
Ford $154.99 $50.0
Toyota $154.99 $50.0
BMW $164.99 $50.0

*Estimates may vary by market

SCHEDULE P2529 DIAGNOSTIC Get a fair and transparent estimate upfront

P2529 code definition

When a vehicle stores the P2529 code, it’s because its PCM has sensed that the vacuum reservoir pressure sensor circuit is malfunctioning.

What the P2529 code means

The vacuum reservoir pressure sensor circuit plays an important role in bringing your vehicle to a full stop, so it makes sense that your vehicle’s PCM would be designed to monitor this important component closely.

If the vacuum reservoir pressure sensor doesn’t send the PCM a voltage input signal that’s proportionate to the degree of load and engine RPM, the P2529 code will get stored and a Check Engine Light will come on.

Some makes and models will need to go through multiple failure cycles before the light is activated, but a code should still get stored. In these vehicles, if just a single failure is only ever registered, a “pending code” may be stored instead.

What causes the P2529 code?

The most common reason you’ll have a P2529 code stored is because of something affecting the actual vacuum reservoir press directly. This would include things like:

  • A defective vacuum reservoir pressure sensor
  • Vacuum leaks at the vacuum reservoir
  • A defective vacuum pump
  • Broken or cracked vacuum hoses to the vacuum reservoir

Other common causes are:

  • A defective one-way valve located in the vacuum brake booster supply hose
  • Shorted or open electrical circuits or connectors
  • Broken or cracked vacuum hoses to the brake booster

What are the symptoms of the P2529 code?

If the P2529 code has been stored, you’ll most likely realize it the next time you try to hit the brakes. You’ll probably notice it’s harder to push down or depress. Again, the Check Engine light will probably come on too.

In very rare situations, though, the driver may not experience any adverse symptoms caused by the code (or at least none they notice).

How does a mechanic diagnose the P2529 code?

Your mechanic will first assess which codes the vehicle’s PCM has stored by using a code reader. Another tool they’re likely to use to carry out the initial diagnosis is an ohmmeter. They’ll then inspect your vehicle’s wires and connectors. Next, they’ll look at the master cylinder to check for fluid leakage that may be getting into the vacuum brake booster. Vacuum supply hoses will get looked at. Finally, the pressure sensor will be inspected.

Retests of the PCM will have to be done after every repair to continue the diagnosis and, eventually, a test drive too.

Common mistakes when diagnosing the P2529 code

A lot of times, when the problem causing the P2529 code to be stored is a defective vacuum pump motor or defective vacuum pump, many mechanics will first decide to replace the brake boosters or some other component of the vehicle that is vacuum-operated. This erroneous replacement won’t make the code go away and will be unnecessarily costly.

How serious is the P2529 code?

It’s never a good idea to risk driving your vehicle if your brakes aren’t 100%. Although the vacuum reservoir press may assist a number of functions, if your brakes aren’t working right because of sensor issues, this should concern you. While you may still have no problem coming to a full stop for the moment, if that changes, you could get in an accident.

What repairs can fix the P2529 code?

Additional comments for consideration regarding the P2529 code

Keep in mind that more than one problem could be behind the P2529 code. Replacing one broken wire may make it go away for now, but if the sensor isn’t properly examined, it could bring the code back in the near future.

Need help with a P2529 code?

When you need help fixing a P2529 code that’s affecting your vehicle, YourMechanic is here to help. You can complete this online form or just give us a call. Our number is 1-800-701-6230. Either way, we’ll make sure you receive a quote ASAP and can set up a convenient time for one of our certified mobile mechanics to handle diagnosis and repairs. They’ll meet you wherever is convenient – whether it’s your home or workplace.

Check Engine Light
trouble codes
P2529

No more waiting rooms! Our mechanics will come to you to diagnose and fix the P2529 code.

SCHEDULE P2529 DIAGNOSTIC
Get a $50 credit for the follow-up repair

Recent Check Engine Light is on Inspection reviews

Excellent Rating

(8600)

Rating Summary
8017
273
65
46
199
8017
273
65
46
199
 at YourMechanic

Brandon

9 years of experience
133 reviews
Brandon
9 years of experience
Ford Escort L4-2.0L - Check Engine Light is on - Nashville, Tennessee
Brandon showed up ahead of schedule, was very personable and diagnosed my problems. He also scheduled my next appointments which will be with him.
 at YourMechanic

William

23 years of experience
33 reviews
William
23 years of experience
Lexus IS250 V6-2.5L - Check Engine Light is on - Mableton, Georgia
Arrived early which was great. William was courteous, and attentive to the issue. Even though it took several attempts I'm so happy he was determined to fix it and he did!
 at YourMechanic

Dan

40 years of experience
1080 reviews
Dan
40 years of experience
Plymouth Grand Voyager - Check Engine Light is on - Lawrenceville, Georgia
Mr. Dan Barber was quite patient, courteous and quite knowledgeable. From my observation, Mr. Barber appears to be quite professional.
 at YourMechanic

Christopher

9 years of experience
120 reviews
Christopher
9 years of experience
Ford Fiesta L4-1.6L - Check Engine Light is on - Smyrna, Georgia
Chris communicated with us each step of the way up until his arrival. He listened well, was knowledgeable, and was prepared. He took the time to diagnose the problem, explained the what, why and how and provided a solution. I would definitely recommend him and will use him again.


More related articles

P0542 OBD-II Trouble Code: Intake Air Heater "A" Circuit High
P0542 trouble code means that there is an issue with the intake air heater “A” circuit high often due to faulty intake air relay or poor wiring
P2765 OBD-II Trouble Code: Input/Turbine Speed Sensor B Circuit
P2765 means the system is receiving a bad or no signal from the input/turbine speed sensor B due to faulty sensors or solenoids or electrical issues.
P0343 OBD-II Trouble Code: Camshaft Position Sensor Circuit High Input
P0343 means theres a problem with the camshaft position sensor which has usually been fouled from oil and moisture causing a bad ground or voltage.

Related questions

Check engine and cruise control lights come on simultaneously
Hello. When the Check Engine Light comes on, it disables the cruise control (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-cruise-control-works). I would need to know the code to be able to tell what may be going on. I typically start by scanning the computer for codes...
Idle air valve calibration/adjustment
Hi there. It is suggested to have a bidirectional scan tool but it is not required. Verify the idle speed is within 650-750 rpm. You want to be at 700 rpm ideally. Connect data link connector terminals TEN & GND...
ABS fault codes 1095-1165-1175
Hi there. The code P1095 states that the fuel rail pressure is low. Check the fuel pressure regulator and see if its plugged up. You may have to remove it and clean it out. The code P1165 states that the...

How can we help?

Our service team is available 7 days a week, Monday - Friday from 6 AM to 5 PM PST, Saturday - Sunday 7 AM - 4 PM PST.

1 (855) 347-2779 · hi@yourmechanic.com