1998 Chevy Silvarado, Code P1351

by Joyce Simmons
(Leland, NC USA)

I have a 1998 Chevy Silverado and it is not starting. I hooked up the computer to it, the code reads p1351 Manufacturer controlled ignition or misfire, could you tell me what this means?

Steve Says,

Thanks for asking me your question. This code is set when the computer sees too high of voltage in part of your ignition system.

The most likely cause of your problem is a bad ignition coil. When the coil goes bad it causes incorrect voltage in the ignition system and the computer sees this and sets the code.

Other things that could cause this problem consist mostly of wiring problems. Rubbed through wires, bad connections, faulty connectors, etc.

I hope this has helped. Please post the fix when you know what it is.

P0446 Evaporative Emission Control System Vent Control Circuit Malfunction

by JHawk
(Los Osos, CA)

P0446 Evaporative Emission Control System Vent Control Circuit Malfunction
Hello, I just checked Heater circuit fuses, then replaced the 02 sensor pre-cat passenger side near exhaust manifold. The original code before replacement was p0155. Now that code is gone, but the p0446 one pops up. Please tell me the order of checks to do next. This is on a 2003 4.3 liter Chevy S-10 2 wheel drive truck. Thank you very much.

Steve Says,

The most common cause of this problem is a problem with your fuel cap. It could also be caused by overfilling your tank or the solenoid on the charcoal canister.

I'm afraid there is no way for me to give you much more information than that without being able to test it. I hope this has helped.

P0357 Code

by Arlandra Upton
(Togiak, AK USA)

How do I repair ignition coil G primary and secondary circuit malfunction?

Steve Says,

Thanks for asking me your question. Here are the Possible causes for this problem faulty ignition coil, faulty computer (PCM), faulty wire from coil to the PCM, faulty connection at the coil or the PCM.

This is a pretty tough problem to diagnose. The easiest option is just to replace the ignition coils as that is the most likely problem BUT it also might not be the problem. If you want to be sure of what is wrong you should take your car to a repair shop to have them diagnose it.

If you would like to know how to test it yourself or if you want advice from dealer level technicians just type your question into the blue box below:

2003 Ford Focus, Fuel Problem

by Chris Wall
(Sandton, South Africa)

I have the code PO190 for the fuel rail pressure sensor malfunction.

I can feel the car was dying, it needed fuel and was spluttering for a bit before it died completely, almost backfiring. I thought I had dirty fuel in from the week before which is why it spluttered a bit. It never git better with new fuel.

I finally got this fault code from my Bluefin unit.

Now, did I have bad fuel that caused the fuel filter to clog, not getting enough fuel to the motor, thus no enough fuel pressure and did that cause the fault? Or would the fuel pump be dying, thus the low pressure and the fault?

Or is it the sensor itself that's dead? How do I know? I don't have the spare cash to mess with, times are tough.

Oh, it's on an '03 Focus ST 170 (SVT).

Sweeeet!

Steve Says,

Thanks for asking me your question. The first thing you should do is buy a fuel pressure gauge and test the fuel pressure. If the pressure is good then the most likely cause of the problem is the sensor. If it is not good then it is probably a fuel filter or fuel pump problem. You can just replace the filter since they are cheap, then test the pressure again. See if it comes up after replacing it. If not then it is most likely a problem with the pump. It is also possible that the problem is with the fuel pump relay or in the wiring to the pump but that is not likely. If you want to test it just see if the pump is getting battery voltage with the key in the start position.

I hope this has helped.

Code P0125

obd-2 code P0125 is the code that came up on my 99 Mazda 626 but before the check engine light came on my cars temperature gauge would go to hot when sitting in traffic but when I am driving and accelerating it goes right back to normal temperature. we have checked the coolant level and it is fine. do you have any suggestions of what I should consider doing next? please help! THANKS, CONNIE

Steve Says,

Thanks for asking me your code question. It sounds like your main problem is a cooling system problem. The first thing to check is your cooling fan. Right before it starts overheating you need to pop your hood and see if the cooling fan is coming on. If it is not then that is probably the problem. If it is then you might have a faulty thermostat or even a bad head gasket.

Most likely the overheating has caused the coolant temperature sensor (cts) to go bad. It is possible that your whole problem is caused by a faulty coolant sensor. If it is bad it could be giving you faulty temperature readings and causing this code as well. If you want to check it just get a thermometer and put it on the thermostat housing and see how hot the engine gets. See if it gets as hot as the gauge says it does.

I hope this helps.

1999 Chevy S10 Code P0200 and Code P0303

by Dennis Jackson
(McEwen TN)

I have a 1999 s10 with a 2.2 it is running almost pure gas out the exhaust it has a p0200 code injector circuit open. it also has a p0303 misfire code. all wires and plugs have been changed the # 3 injector has been changed also still does same thing any suggestions?

Steve Says,

Thanks for your question. You have already ruled out the injector as the source of the problem. The code that is set (P0200) is not usually associated with the injectors themselves but with the injector drivers located in the computer.

There are several things that you can do to check this problem out. The first thing you should do is get a "noid light". This is a light that will plug into the wiring harness in place of the injector and it will tell you if the computer is telling the injector to come on or not by lighting up when the circuit is turned on by the computer.

Given the symptoms I don't think the computer is telling the injector to come on and this can be confirmed by using the noid light. There should be a constant battery voltage going to the injector because the computer controls the circuit by grounding it when it wants the injector to operate.

The other thing you can do is check all of the fuel injector wiring from the injectors back to the computer. Since the computer sees a problem in the driver circuit that means that there is either a short to voltage or a break in the wire somewhere, most likely.

If you see no problems there then the only other good option you have is to buy a subscription to Alldata DIY and follow the trouble tree for this code. You can learn more about Alldata by clicking here


With all of this being said I will say that the most likely cause of your car problems is a bad PCM (computer). I'm not telling you that it is for sure the problem, but given your symptoms that would be the likeliest cause. Also the P0303 code is most likely from the #3 fuel injector not working.

Thanks again for your question and good luck with your diagnosis.

Chevy 1500, Codes

by Robert
(Homewood, IL)

My 1998 Chevy 1500 was struggling to start in mornings for a couple weeks. I popped up codes P0452, P0171, and P0174. Now truck won't start, could my problem be a bad fuel pump.

Steve Says,

Thanks for asking me your question. There are several things that could be happening here. The first thing that comes to mind and something that could account for all the codes is a vacuum leak in the evap system. Since you have an evap code (p0452) and lean fuel mixture codes (p0171, p0174) this could be causing the problem.

You definitely could have a fuel pump problem that is not building enough fuel pressure, or it could even be a fuel pressure regulator problem.

You need to buy a fuel pressure gauge to narrow this down. If the pressure is low then it is most likely a problem with the fuel pump if it is not then it might be a pressure regulator problem or even a vacuum problem.

I wish I could be more specific, but there is just not enough diagnostic information for me to help any more than that.

If you want more help or more specific diagnostic advice you can get it from dealer level technicians by typing your question into the blue box below:

2003 Ford 3.8L V-6 Mustang ODC code

by Thomas
(San Jose, Ca U.S.A)

I just failed my biennial California emissions test and the code on my print out is P 1336. I found something online that said "crankshaft position variation not learned". What does that mean. Any help would be appreciated.

1999 Chrysler LHS 3.5L

by stephen
(SSF, CA)

I have a trouble code A0123. Its TPS Hi input voltage. How can this be when a the puter is sending out only 5 input volts to the sensor. When Ck Eng lite comes on while on driving, the car hesitates and jerks at times. Its a hit or miss thing. It does not go on all the time. Very intermittent. I have checked the volts and the swing volts of the tps and it is with in specs. What have I overlooked? Help....thx

steve

OBD Code P0105 & P0110

I'm experiencing rough idling from 1000 to 800 rpm. I already replaced MAP Circuit & Intake air temperature circuit. I'm still experiencing it. Can you help?

Steve Says,

If you have already replaced these sensors then either you got bad parts or there is another problem. It could be a problem with the wiring to the sensors. You should check all of the accessible wiring to see if it is still good.

Sometimes a dirty throttle body can cause code p0105 so you should definitely clean it. This often clears up this type of problem.

OBD Code P0352

I have a 2003 ford escort and it threw the code P0352 and i can't figure out why. I have replaced the spark plugs and the coil pack and cleaned the MAF sensor; what else could be the problem?

Steve Says,

Thanks for asking me your question. This code P0352 deals with the primary coil secondary circuit. Since you already replaced the coil that is most likely not the problem, though it is possible that you got a bad new one.

The most likely cause of your problem is a bad connector or connection. Check the connectors to the coil packs and make sure each wire and connector is making a good connection. Follow these wires back as far as possible and check everything along the way.

It is also possible that the computer is faulty and not reading this problem correctly but that is not as likely. I hope this has helped.

P0125 Insufficient Coolant Temperature for Closed Loop Fuel Control

What does this mean. I have a 1998 GMC pickup.

Steve Says,

Thanks for asking me your code question. This code basically is saying that your computer is getting a reading from your coolant temperature sensor (CTS) that is too low.

The most likely cause of this problem is a bad CTS censor, but it could be a problem with the wiring from the computer to the sensor or it could be a problem with the computer itself, but that is not as likely.

The easiest way to diagnose this problem is to hook a scan tool up to your vehicle and read what the computer says the coolant temperature is, then use a thermometer to see what the actual temperature is at the thermostat housing. If they are different then the sensor needs to be tested to see if it is faulty.

I hope this has helped.

P0171 P0174 along with P0500

by MickyB
(Wisconsin)

Hello and thanks in advance for reading, I have a '03 4x4 v6 Highlander. Here is the short version. Will a P0500 code trigger a P0171-P0174. The engine is running rough and sputters at high speeds. Read on if you want more details.

Went on a 140 mile round trip last night in -5 cold weather doing an avg. of 70mph on the Interstate. My way there was fine but coming back about 4 hours later I noticed some engine sputtering. Kind of like I was loosing some HP or like I was running out of gas despite filling up partially through my trip. Stopped at a gas station to see if there was ice or snow in my tail pipe and check my fluids. All was good but when I turned on the truck, the check eng light came on. Back on the freeway I went and it seemed like the problem was getting worse. It wasn’t happening while decelerate but when I kept a continues speed. Also seemed like tranny was shifting fine. Got off again and put in some 93 oct. gas as I thought the prior fill up may have been dirty gas or perhaps the cold air temp./10% ethanol blend was a prob. I took side roads then back home and it seemed that I had no probs. going under 40mph. Today, I hooked up my OBD scanner and read PO171, PO174 & PO500. After my research on the lean mixture read, I see that I can check for a dirty MAF or MAP and a few other things that I may DIY. However the speed sensor research isn't going as well. I did find a post that the speed sensor malfunction could trigger the PO171/174 also but didn't get too much more than that....There was another post that I read about PO500 about the DYNO at the emissions triggered a PO500. I haven’t been on a DYNO at all but last week I did get stuck in a 2' snow covered ditch. I was stuck badly enough were I needed a little help from a pulling strap and an Outback AWD. After I got out of that mess(again on a trip), my check eng. light came on. However it went off half way through the trip after a gas fill. I didn't have my OBD scanner with me to check it out. But after that the truck seemed fine. So I don't know if that had anything to do with this recent problem or what. I thought maybe, if the speed sensors were thrown by some wheels spinning and other not while in the ditch. Kind of far fetch but who knows. Also I had my emissions test between incidents and I passed. Any help is greatly appreciated. Micky

P0404 Question

by Shandi
(Oklahoma)

Had my car hooked up to a diagnostics machine at an O'Reillys auto parts store and it gave me the code p0404 exhaust gas recirculation circuit range/performance. They told me I most likely needed a new egr valve. I was just wondering what your thoughts were on this. I have done some researching online and would like to know if they informed me right or if it is something else that should be replaced? The car is not starting first try it takes 3-4 times to start and sometimes lags or cuts out slightly while driving. Yesterday it also died while I had it parked, when I restarted it and put it in gear it died again. It did this twice before finally going into gear without stalling. My check engine light came on once and has went off and hasn't came on again. I recently got some gas that had water in it I don't know if this has anything to do with that or not. I also had problems with it recently and took it to a mechanic and my vacuum hose had come off. They put it back and it ran fine for a while after that then I started having this problem. Thank you for your time and opinion!

Steve Says,

Thanks for asking me your question Shandi! The problems you are having are consistent with and EGR problem. It might not be the valve though. It could be that your egr passages are clogged or that the valve is getting the signal to open at the wrong time.

The most likely problem is the EGR valve, but I do recommend that you have this problem properly diagnosed before you just start replacing parts. I hope this has helped.

P0719 Torque Converter/Brake Switch B Circuit Low

by Michael

My transmission intermittently decides to hard shift up from 1-2 and 2-3. I get code 0719. I have changed the solenoid with no success, still get the code. I cannot find troubleshooting advice on the web on what may be the other causes for this code. Can you provide?

Steve Says,

Thanks for asking me your question. The most likely cause of your problem is a bad brake switch. It is located near the top of your brake pedal.

This is a very common problem and usually replacing the brake switch will fix it.

I hope this has helped.

1999 Ford Escort P0733

by Bob
(Bethel, ME USA)

What exactly does 3rd gear incorrect ratio mean, and how do I trouble shoot the problem?

Steve Says,

Thanks for asking me your question. There are several common causes for this transmission code. The first is the TPS or throttle position sensor. This sensor sends electrical signals to the vehicles transmission computer to tell it when to shift gears. If this signal is bad then it could be sending the wrong signal and confusing the transmission.

This could also be a problem with the transmission. It could simply be a faulty shift solenoid or it could be a bad transmission. To find out you need to take your car to a place that has a factory scan tool. Usually just the dealer has these but some large independent repair shops do as well. They can actuate the shift solenoids and see if they are working correctly.

If you want to test the TPS you can get the testing procedure and specs by typing your question into the blue box below. You can also get advice from dealer level technicians. I hope this has helped.

2000 Chevy Blazer, Code P0753

by Ceairra
(Nashville, TN USA)

I have this P0753 code popping up on my 2000 Chevy Blazer which is causing it to not pass emissions. I was wondering about how much will this cost to get fix?

Steve Says,

There are several things that can cause this code. The most likely problem is an ignition switch that is causing a voltage loss to your shift solenoids. This is a common problem with your specific model of vehicle.

This could also be a problem with the shift solenoid itself, the transmission computer or a wiring problem.

If the ignition switch is not the problem the next most common cause is the shift solenoid itself.

To get a detailed estimate for this job just go to my "estimates" webpage (click on the link on the left.) and type in your information. You will get a part and labor price based on your vehicle and where you live.

If you would like the procedure to replace the ignition switch on your vehicle you can get that by typing your question into the box below. You can get expert advice, wiring diagrams and printable instructions for this job. Here is the question box:

1996 Chevy Impala, Code P0372

I have obd code p0372 "timing too few pulses". What to I need to do?

Steve Says,

Thanks for asking me your code question. The distributor system supplies a high resolution signal and a low resolution signal to the PCM. If either of these signals are not correct then the PCM will set the check engine light.

The first thing to check is the connector to the distributor. Make sure is it tight and that ll the wires look good and are not bare or kinked.

Your code could be caused by a bad ignition module inside your distributor or it could even be caused by a bad PCM. Many times when this code is set you simply have to replace the distributor assembly.

I hope this has helped. Please post the fix when you know what it is. If you need even more help and more detailed information you can type your question into the box below:

2005 Toyota Tacoma, Air Bag Light, Code p0198

My air bag light is on and the only code is P0198, with no description available. P0198 is Engine Oil Temperature Sensor High. Why is my air bag light on?

Steve Says,

Thanks for asking me your question. The reason that you did not get an airbag code is most likely because you were not able to read them. You cannot normally read airbag codes with an engine code reader. You can try taking your car to an auto part store to see if they can read it but you might have to take it to a repair shop. Most of them will do it for free or really cheap.

The most common cause of airbag lights is probably a bad clockspring or wiring. I hope this helps.

P0733 99 concorde

I dis the scan and came up with the code, gear 3 incorrect ratio. What does this mean, and how can it be fixed?

P0352

On codes P0352, 353 etc it mentions coils a, b,c etc- is "a" the same as plug #1? Does this mean the coil is bad or does it mean the wire to the coil is bad?

Steve Says,

Thanks for asking me your question. Coils and plugs are not the same thing. Coil A is simply the term for one of the ignition coils.

This code does not mean that the coil is bad necessarily. It is possible that the coil is causing the problem but there are many other things that could be causing it. It could be a wiring problem, computer problem, low battery voltage, etc. Probably the most common cause of this code is the coil, but there are many other things it could be. You would be taking a chance if you just replaced the coil.

Chrysler Concorde, Code p1391

by Mike
(Corpus Christi, TX USA)

Code p1391 keeps showing up on the on board diagnostic system on my 1999 Chrysler Concorde and I would like to know how to fix it

Steve Says,

Thanks for asking me your code question. Code P1391 is for intermittent loss of CMP (camshaft) or CKP (crankshaft) sensors.

You can either replace then both or test each one to find out which one it is or if it is a problem with the wiring.

If you would like to get the tests or more advice or help from dealer level technicians then just type your question into the blue box below:

Rover 75, OBD Codes

My small scanner showed P1470, P1477, P1472 and P1321 fault codes for my ROVER 75.

Please, what do these fault codes represent.

Thanks

Steve Says,

Thanks for asking me your question. These codes are manufacturer specific meaning that they are not generic OBD II codes. Because of this I do not have the diagnostic information for them. I can however tell you where you can find them. You can get any information you need by typing your question into the box below. I'm sorry I couldn't help you more. Here is the box:

P0462 and 0463 at the same time

by Donnie
(Texas)

Thanks for your help in advance. Besides a bad sensor that I need to drop the tank for on my 98 GMC 4wd suburban, what else if any can throw this codes at the same time? I have a scanner that can clear these codes and when I do, they come right back. Any thoughts? I appreciate it.

P1870

by Edward
(Pennsylvania)

I have a 1996 Buick Regal GS with a code P1870. I heard there was a bulletin that says that the valve body needs to be replaced on this vehicle. Are there any checks that I can do before I bring it top the shop?

Steve Says,

Thanks for asking me your question. There indeed was a bulletin for this code but I'm not sure if your vehicle is included in the bulletin. You will have to take it to your local dealer to find that out. You can also ask the question in the blue box on my questions page and find the answer there.

You can try replacing the filter if you want but most likely there will be nothing you can do.

2003 Ford Escort, PO125 code

by Norine
(Pittsburgh, PA USA)

Friend's car .... she took in for an oil change. They checked air filter, coolant level, etc. Right afterwards the Check Engine light came on. She took car back (they must have disconnected the battery to reset the computer) and CE was off. A few days later back on. She took the car to a local parts store - put on analyzer - code PO125.

Thermostat stuck open? Temperature sensor? What is best approach as she does not have the funds to replace one to find out it is the other....

Thanks for your help and I will definitely put you in my Favorites. It is nice to know there is someone out there willing to help.

Norine

Steve Says,

Thanks for using my website. The first thing that I would do is take the car back to the place that did the oil change. It sounds like they must have either left a connector unhooked or maybe bumped it and caused it to break.

That is the most likely cause of the problem. Hopefully they will be helpful. If they are not then your friend needs to find another place to have her oil changed. Be sure to let them know that you will be telling all of your friends to not go there if they are not helpful.

The good thing is that she can drive her car like this if she needs to. It is not causing any problems, but she does need to get it fixed because the car could overheat without her knowing.

I hope this has helped.

Lincoln LS 2003 3.9V8, P0357

by Peter
(Howell MI, USA)

I have a 2003 Lincoln LS. It's showing Code P0357. So during that I found the valve cover gaskets where bad so I changed them put new spark plugs and a new number seven Coil pack. The computer was reset and it still feels like it's missing but the only code is P0357... have any ideas what it could be?

Steve Says,

Thanks for using my website. Here is something that you can try:

Swap this coil out with another that's easy to get to and clear the code (you might have to take it to an auto parts store to have the codes cleared and read again). Restart the engine and see if the code switches to the new location of the coil or if it stays put. A new code means the coil itself is bad. If it stays on cylinder #7 (P0357), the control circuit is the cause.

I hope this has helped.

P0551 on 2002 PT Cruiser

by Betty
(Washington, DC)

What are possible repairs for P0551 on my one-owner 2002 PT Cruiser?

There's no difference in how the power steering feels or groans (but I don't usually turn the steering wheel unless the car is rolling because I park on grass the majority of the year, and I still have weedy grass thru my driveway gates after 30 years).

Didn't like the fact that the one place cleared the code where the state inspection station said the car hadn't been driven long enough to reset the computer, and same code reappeared after driving about 20 miles (talk about enough time to get away from a repair facility).

Steve Says,

Thanks for using my website. The most likely cause of your problem is a faulty power steering pressure switch. Since your car drives normally this is probably what is causing the problem.

2002 GMC Sonoma, Failed Smog

by Crystal
(Surrey, B.C.)

I had a new fuel pump put in my vehicle, when I got it back from the dealership the check engine light would come on then go off now it just stays on. I just went through aircare and failed. The codes were p0155, p0171, p0174 could this have something to do with the repairs that were made to my vehicle?

Steve Says,

It is not likely that the repairs that were done to your vehicle caused these codes.

p0155 means that the oxygen sensor heater has malfunctioned. This could be a problem in the sensor itself or it could be in the wiring to or from the sensor. Most of the time a new sensor will fix this problem.

p0171 means that there is not enough fuel going into your car or that there is too much air. This could be caused by many things, but some of the more common things that cause it are a bad mass airflow sensor (MAF) (this is the device that measures how much air is going into your engine), vacuum leak (air leaking into your engine through bad gaskets), oxygen sensor (O2 sensor).

p0174 is basically the same as p0171. It means that the computer is detecting a lean condition in your exhaust.

The first thing you should do is have your MAF cleaned. Any good repair shop can do this. It is also likely that you will have to have one of your O2 sensors replaced.

I hope this has helped.

Insufficient Coolant Temperature

by Bobby Brockman
(Simpsonville, SC USA)

How do you solve the following codes:

1. Code P0125

2. code P0136

3. code P0171

Steve Says,

The first code that you want to figure out is code p0125. This code could cause the other two codes so you want to get this code fixed first then clear the other two and drive your car and see if they come back.

The first thing you should do is check your coolant level. If it is low it can cause this code to set. The next thing to do is check and/or replace your thermostat. If it is stuck open then your engine will not be able to get warm enough. Another thing that needs to be checked/replaced is the coolant temperature sensor. If it is not giving the correct readings it can cause this problem.

Basically what is probably happening is that your computer is using its default fuel and air mixture (open loop) all the time that is normally used only until the engine is warmed up (closed loop). This is most likely causing the computer to put too much fuel into the engine and causing the other two codes.

If you find yourself scratching your head and just not able to figure it out you can use a service that I highly recommend for diagnostics. It's called JustAnswer and you can get pictures, diagrams, trouble trees, expert advice, etc. Just type your question into the box below. Thanks for asking me your question and please post the fix when you know it. Here is the box:

Clutch Switch Code P0704

by George Herbert
(Youngtown AZ USA)

I have fail code p0704. What part needs replaced. Clutch pedal switch or ac clutch switch. Vehicle is 1998 Chevy K 1500 4X4 with 5.7 and standard transmission.

Steve Says,

This is most likely a problem with the clutch pedal switch. It could also be a wiring problem or a problem with the computer, but usually it is just a clutch pedal switch problem. This is a high wear part.

P0171 and P0174 2001 Chevy Silverado v-6

by J M Dupuis
(Las Vegas, NV USA)

Changed the fuel pump because it originally went bad. While the mechanic was troubleshooting there were no codes. The pump got changed and then I discover that the evap. canister was broken. So I changed it. During all of this the Service Engine Light came on and it throws P0174 and P0171. I am thinking O2 Sensors...can you give some guidance. There are no exhaust leaks, it passed smog at the end of September. The hoses all look good. The air filter is clean and the MAF is immaculate.

Steve Says,

Thanks for asking me your code question. The first thing that I would check is your fuel pressure. This is easy to do with a pressure gauge. It is possible that your fuel pump is not putting out the correct pressure. It could also be a problem with your fuel pressure regulator.

Another thing that commonly causes these codes is a vacuum leak after the MAF sensor. Since the MAF sensor does not measure this incoming air the computer does not put the right amount of air into the engine for the total amount of air going in. An easy way to check this is spray some carb. cleaner around anything that could be leaking. If there is a leak the engine RPM's will pick up.

It is possible but not as likely that the oxygen sensors are bad. The other things I mentioned are much more common causes of these codes.

I hope this has helped.

P0179 Fuel Composition Sensor Ciruit High Input

by Joe
(Walnut Creek, CA USA)

Can you translate this into English for me. Is it the oxygen sensor causing this? Symptoms are drove vehicle to station to pick someone up. Waited 10 minutes. When I tried to start engine, Turned over but wouldn't start. On some additional tries it felt like it was almost going to start. After 30 minutes, it started right up. The computer had p0179. I am sure I can fix it if I just knew where to look.

Steve Says,

Thanks for asking me your question. The most likely cause of your problem is the Fuel composition sensor. It is located on the right side frame rail. It is used on flex fuel vehicles to tell the computer what type of fuel you put in your vehicle.

I'm not convinced that your starting problems were being caused by this sensor, but there is no way to know without being able to test it.

This is an expensive sensor so you might want to have it diagnosed or use a trouble tree to diagnose it yourself. You can get one by typing your question into the blue box below.

Heated catalytic efficiency below threshold--Code p0433

by Annie
(Princeton, NJ)

My 1998 Mazda 626 failed inspection today because of Code P0433, which refers to "heated catalytic efficiency below threshold." What is this and, most important, how much is it going to cost me? Thank you!

Steve Says,

Thanks for asking me your code question. The most likely cause of this problem is a bad O2 sensor, but it could also be a bad catalytic converter or even the wiring to the O2 sensor or the computer, but these are not as likely.

Basically you need to take your car to a repair shop that is good at diagnostics and have them diagnose this problem. It can be a challenging code to diagnose, but it should not take too long.

If it is just an O2 sensor then you are probably looking a a couple hundred dollars. If it is the CAT (catalytic converter) then you could be looking at much more.

I hope this has helped. Please leave a comment when you know what the problem was.

Jeep Grand Cherokee, Code PO161

by Phil
(Ottawa, Canada)

The code comes and goes so it's hard to know if this is a problem with the O2 sensor or not. Any ideas would be appreciated. I'm at the stage of taking it into a mechanic to have it checked out.

Steve Says,

Thanks for asking me your question. The most likely cause of this problem is a bad oxygen sensor. It could also be a problem in the wiring to or from the sensor or it could also be a problem in your cars computer, but most of the time simply replacing the sensor will fix this problem.

I hope this has helped.

2003 Toyota Tacoma Engine Won't Start After Washing

by Shawn
(Minnesota, USA)

5 minutes after washing the engine, my 2003 Toyota Tacoma stopped running & gave a code P0351. What can we do?

Steve Says,

This is a fairly common problem that happens when water gets in electrical connectors. The code that is set if for "ignition coil A primary/secondary circuit malfunction". This means that the most likely cause of your problem is water that has gotten into the connector for one of your ignition coils or the wiring to it.

There are a couple of things you can do. If you have time you can let it sit for a while and see if the water will evaporate away. If you need it going right away you can disconnect the connectors for the ignition coils and dry them using a towel or preferably compressed air.

Be sure to check all of the connectors that you can see under your hood to be sure they are not loose. Also, you should check all of your fuses just to be sure that none of them blew.

I hope this helps. Good luck!