Chafed or damaged wire in the LDP circuit shorting to ground, often near the pump or along the harness; Failed Leak Detection Pump with an internally shorted solenoid coil; Corroded or water-intruded electrical connector at the LDP; Faulty engine control module driver for the LDP circuit (less common); Aftermarket alarm or remote start wiring improperly tapped into the EVAP circuit; Rodent damage to the wiring harness insulation

DTC codes / Volkswagen codes / P1472

P1472 · VolkswagenEVAP Emission Control System LDP Circuit Short To Ground

Q: What does code P1472 mean?

EVAP Emission Control System LDP Circuit Short To Ground. P1472 on Volkswagen vehicles means the engine control module has detected a short to ground on the electrical circuit for the Leak Detection Pump (LDP), which is part of the EVAP emission control system. The computer monitors the LDP circuit and sees voltage below the expected threshold, indicating the control wire is touching ground or the pump's internal coil has failed.

P1472 on Volkswagen vehicles means the engine control module has detected a short to ground on the electrical circuit for the Leak Detection Pump (LDP), which is part of the EVAP emission control system. The computer monitors the LDP circuit and sees voltage below the expected threshold, indicating the control wire is touching ground or the pump's internal coil has failed.

SystemPowertrain

Code typeVolkswagen specific

SeverityLow

Fix difficultyIntermediate

AreaAuxiliary emission controls

Symptoms you may notice

Illuminated check engine light, often with no other noticeable symptoms
A slight fuel odor may be present if the EVAP system is not sealing properly
Rough idle or hesitation in rare cases if the short affects shared sensor reference voltage
Failed emissions test due to the stored trouble code
In some instances, the LDP may run continuously or not at all, but this is not always audible
No drivability issues in most cases because the LDP only operates during specific self-tests

Common causes, most likely first

Chafed or damaged wire in the LDP circuit shorting to ground, often near the pump or along the harness
Failed Leak Detection Pump with an internally shorted solenoid coil
Corroded or water-intruded electrical connector at the LDP
Faulty engine control module driver for the LDP circuit (less common)
Aftermarket alarm or remote start wiring improperly tapped into the EVAP circuit
Rodent damage to the wiring harness insulation

How to diagnose and fix it

Connect a scan tool and verify P1472 is active, then check for any related EVAP codes
Visually inspect the LDP and its connector for corrosion, water intrusion, or loose pins
Disconnect the LDP connector and use a multimeter to check for continuity between the control wire and ground with the key off
Inspect the wiring harness along its routing for chafing, rodent damage, or pinched sections
Measure the resistance of the LDP solenoid coil and compare to factory specifications
If the wiring is intact, substitute a known-good LDP and clear the code to see if it returns
If the code persists after all checks, test the ECM driver circuit or consult a Volkswagen specialist for ECM diagnosis

LDP circuit shorts often hide in plain sight

A short to ground in the LDP circuit can be caused by a pinched wire behind the rear wheel arch liner, a spot many technicians overlook during visual inspection.
The LDP only runs during specific conditions such as after a cold start or during a leak test, so a shorted pump may not show symptoms until the module commands it on.
A failed LDP can sometimes set P1472 without any driveability complaint, leading owners to ignore it until an emissions test fails.
Aftermarket accessories wired into the trunk or rear harness can inadvertently short the LDP circuit, so always check for non-factory wiring.
Do not confuse P1472 with P0442 or P0455; those indicate leak faults, while P1472 is strictly an electrical circuit fault.

Can I keep driving with P1472?

You can generally continue driving with P1472 because the LDP only affects emissions and does not impact engine performance or safety. However, avoid ignoring the code for long periods, as a persistent short could drain the battery or damage the ECM driver over time.

Tools that help

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Guidance is general and written for Volkswagen vehicles. Exact tests and values vary by model, so confirm the fault before replacing parts.