What are the common causes of P251E?

A power take off engine shutdown circuit with a low signal. A faulty power take off enable switch. An open or short in the power take off enable switch harness. A poor connection at the power take off enable switch connector.

Read the power take off engine shutdown circuit on a scan tool. Look for a short to ground in the power take off circuit. Inspect the power take off enable switch and connector. Test the power take off circuit for open and short faults. Replace the power take off enable switch if the low signal returns. Clear the code and retest.

P251E

PTO Engine Shutdown Circuit Low

System: Speed and idle control (P code)
Lamp: Check Engine Light
Category: Powertrain - Computer and Auxiliary Controls

What it means

P251E means PTO Engine Shutdown Circuit Low.

Check these first

A power take off engine shutdown circuit with a low signal
A faulty power take off enable switch
An open or short in the power take off enable switch harness
A poor connection at the power take off enable switch connector

What to do next

Read the power take off engine shutdown circuit on a scan tool
Look for a short to ground in the power take off circuit
Inspect the power take off enable switch and connector
Test the power take off circuit for open and short faults
Replace the power take off enable switch if the low signal returns
Clear the code and retest

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Updated

Generic SAE J2012 definition. Last updated 2026-10-10.