Reading 9 different codes
I took the car to get a diagnostic test and it's reading 9 different codes. Po300-po306 po420 po731 p2414. The spark plugs are freshly replaced. The car drives roughly when accelerating. After a certain speed it seems fine. I truly think that most of the codes are cause by 1 or 2 actual problems. Any idea what it could be?
My car has 173000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Hello, and thank you for writing in. With a misfire detected on all cylinders, you need to direct your attention to a component that can cause the entire engine to struggle. Considering you have an EVAP code as well, and this is one of those components, you will want to focus on the EVAP system first. This may mean you have a vacuum leak, the canister needs to be replaced, or there is another similar issue. If the EVAP system checks out, turn your attention to the catalytic converters and your exhaust system. The p0731 code stands for an incorrect gear ratio, which means the transmission is slipping. Since this is the trickiest component to test or look into, you will want to focus in on this last. For more diagnostic help, contact our service department to schedule an appointment.
How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?
Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :
The most common reasons a Saturn Vue has a check engine light are an emissions system component, a sensor, or a catalytic converter.
It is possible that your automobile`s check engine light has come on because of a false alarm. This being said, if the engine control module (ECM) turned on the check engine light for no reason, the ECM could be malfunctioning itself. This crucial part is the heart of your automobile.
How Many Types of OBD Codes Are There? There are four different types of OBD-II codes – P, B, C, and U. The P stands for powertrain (engine and transmission) systems, B for body, C for chassis, and U for network and wiring systems.
The emissions/exhaust system is the most likely culprit for many check engine lights being illuminated. There could be an exhaust leak or a problem with the catalytic converter. The mass airflow sensor (MAF) is another sensor that is easily tripped or can fail.
These problems can range from faults within the electrical system, the engine, fluid levels or to problems within the car`s emissions system. The problem can even be as simple as forgetting to tighten your gas cap – in fact, this is the most common reason why check engine lights appear in the first place.
ECU fault codes, also known as diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) are part of the on-board diagnostic (OBD II) system in your car. These codes provide information on which systems are malfunctioning, where the problem is located, and the exact issue that is causing your check engine light to remain illuminated.
Oxygen sensors are a common cause of “check engine” lights. This sensor is located in the emission control system of your car, and is standard on all vehicles manufactured after 1980. The oxygen sensors are used to ensure that your engine is burning the correct amount of fuel, and running at peak performance.
The “check engine” light is the onboard diagnostic system`s way of telling you something`s wrong. But that something could be one of many things, big or small. It could pop on because of something minor like a loose or faulty gas cap. It could also mean a major engine failure.
Will your check engine light turn off by itself? In most cases, successfully repairing the issue that caused your light to come on will cause the check engine light to turn off automatically—but only after 10 to 20 “cycles”.
Press the odometer`s Trip and Reset buttons while turning the ignition key ON. After turning the key ON, release the odometer Reset and Trip buttons to check if the Diagnostic Trouble Code or DTC appears on the odometer display.
You can judge how serious an issue is by looking at the warning light. The check engine light can show up in two ways: Solid yellow/amber light: Indicates a less urgent issue. Flashing light or red: Indicates a severe problem that needs immediate attention.
Check your gas cap first. Many vehicles have a loose gas cap indicator that will be triggered before your check engine light comes on. If your gas cap is loose or the seal is not tight, the vapor leakage can cause your fuel system to trigger the check engine light.
Whether for a week, a month, or a year, if you ignore the check engine light, it puts your vehicle, and by extension, your personal safety at risk. Because your vehicle cannot alert you to new or worsening problems, small problems can quickly morph into large ones.
The Light Stays On
You may think that there is still a problem with the car after the repair, but it`s because the light needs time to reset. The car`s internal computer only resets after a set period where it checks all of its sensors once more. The reset can happen automatically after around 10 to 20 cycles.
Can you drive a car with the engine light on? It`s okay to drive for a few miles, but be sure to schedule an inspection of the engine as soon as possible. If the check engine light comes on while you`re driving, don`t panic! Pay attention and see if the car is driving any differently than normal.
Will your check engine light turn off by itself? In most cases, successfully repairing the issue that caused your light to come on will cause the check engine light to turn off automatically—but only after 10 to 20 “cycles”.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
Reading 9 different codes
ANSWER : Hello, and thank you for writing in. With a misfire detected on all cylinders, you need to direct your attention to a component that can cause the entire engine to struggle. Considering you have an EVAP code as well, and this is one of those components, you will want to focus on the EVAP system first. This may mean you have a vacuum leak, the canister needs to be replaced, or there is another similar issue. If the EVAP system checks out, turn your attention to the catalytic converters and your exhaust system. The p0731 code stands for an incorrect gear ratio, which means the transmission is slipping. Since this is the trickiest component to test or look into, you will want to focus in on this last. For more diagnostic help, contact our service department to schedule an appointment.
I have a Code P0601 on the PCM. I replaced the PCM, and now I have a code P0118, code P0123, and code P0193.
ANSWER : Hi there, the short answer to your question is no . A PCM with a P0601 (which is a memory module error in the PCM) cannot reliably retrieve codes for the codes you list (P0118 – coolant temp sensor, P0123 – throttle position sensor, P0193 – fuel rail pressure sensor.
Most likely, the P0601 prevents the PCM from getting any codes from the engine sensors. The memory module error may cause in data corruption for collected sensor values, lose of data over multiple sampling periods, or failure of the data collection to work at all. Replacing the PCM was a necessary expense.
If you need assistance with the "new" codes, I would recommend having a Check Engine Light inspection completed by a mobile, professional mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, to diagnose the new error codes and get an accurate assessment of the repairs needed.
OBD-II scanner read code P0108
ANSWER : Hello. The MAP sensor reading on a scanner should read about 1.0 to 1.5 volts at idle and 4.5 to 4.8 volts at wide open throttle. The MAP should read 4.8 volts or more when you have the key on engine off. If either sensor is not within these specs, then replace have it replaced. Once you install the sensor, then clear the codes and road test the vehicle to see if code returns. If it returns, then you will need to have the entire pinpoint test done to check the wiring and ECM for problems.
only had code P0171 then I went back and this time I also got a code P0068 throttle body along with the P0171
ANSWER : Hi there. Those codes may or may not be related. Proper diagnostic processes will determine the root cause of the failures. When the ECM detects a fault it stores codes. It does not know why or what caused the fault, only that the fault is present. You can always try to clean the parts you mentioned, but it would literally be a blind guess and most likely not a proper repair. I suggest having a qualified technician perform an inspection to avoid replacing unnecessary parts. Your Mechanic has several available technicians that can assist you with a check engine light inspection.
It threw a code 21 , throttle position sensor bad code. i replaced it and the code went away but i still have no spark.
ANSWER : Hello and thank you for contacting YourMechanic. The problems that you are encountering with your vehicle, could be caused by the harness to the Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) or the computer itself.
Check the harness to the TPS for any debris or any corrosion. Hook up a paperclip to the harness and turn on the key. Use a multimeter and check for voltage at the pins of the harness. Make sure that the ground on the sensor is grounded and has no resistance. If you find that the harness is having too much resistance, then I recommend having the main engine harness replaced. If you have replaced the harness and still have the same problems, then the computer will need to be flashed or replaced.
I recommend having a professional, like one from YourMechanic, come to your home to diagnose your car’s no start condition before replacing any parts.
Can i retrieve CEL code from car … forgot what code it hade in my car .. put headgasket sealer and i erase the code ..
ANSWER : Once a trouble code is erased, it cannot be retrieved. The engine controller does not have a "recycle bin" like they have on Windows. If the car still has a problem, the code will come back up after some driving. However, the controller will not turn on the CEL until it has seen the malfunction on two separate "trips." A "trip" is a driving cycle where the car is started cold, driven until it is fully warm and through a certain number of accelerations, and shut down. So you might not see the CEL for a couple of days. As for the "head gasket sealer," I wouldn’t hold out too much hope of that solving a problem. At the very best it might put off the symptoms for a short while. If you need help interpreting codes that come up, or solving a head gasket issue, contact Your Mechanic. They can send a technician to your home or office to read the codes on your car and help you decide what to do.
Code read
ANSWER : When the check engine light comes on and you test it and get a code then you will need to have the pinpoint test done for that code until the problem is found or the problem cannot be verified again. Intermittent codes or problems are the most difficult to find since they cannot be verified in most cases. When you keep getting different codes then you may have connection issues. You should go through the wire connections of each of the affected modules that control the sensors giving codes.
My cell only comes on when the fuel pump is on for low fuel, but I read two obd codes, p031and p0157
ANSWER : Hi there. The oxygen sensor that trouble code P0157 refers to, is located in the rear of the exhaust and behind the catalytic converter. It’s main function is to regulate the amount of oxygen that comes from the catalytic converter. A lean mixture of oxygen and gas means that there is too much oxygen in the exhaust. A rich mixture of oxygen and gas means that there is not enough oxygen in the exhaust. This would cause a failed emissions test in most cases. However, there are multiple sources of this code beyond the sensor itself. In fact, most of the time, mechanics misdiagnose this code as simply the sensor – which appears so in this case. I would recommend reading this article so you can learn about the other causes of this problem.