FixVault

Reading Trouble Codes

NOTE: Trouble codes retrieved from ECM/PCM/VCM may be related to either engine or transmission. For engine-related codes, use this article. To identify whether codes relate to transmission or engine, see TROUBLE CODE IDENTIFICATION table.

The ECM stores component failure information under a related trouble code which can be recalled for diagnosis and repair. Read trouble codes by counting Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) flashes or with diagnostic scan tester connected to the Data Link Connector (DLC). The tester is faster, and capable of reading information which would require testing individual ECM and sensor/solenoid connector terminals with a digital voltmeter. See SCAN TESTER DATA  and SCAN TESTER USAGE  .

NOTE: When using a scan tester, there is a time delay between serial data updates. For instantaneous response, a digital voltmeter must be used.

If scan tester is not available, MIL flashes can be read by grounding DLC terminal with ignition on and engine off. For example, FLASH, FLASH, pause, FLASH, longer pause, indicates Code 21. The first series of flashes are the first digit of trouble code. The second series of flashes are the second digit of trouble code. Trouble codes are displayed starting with the lowest code. Each code is displayed 3 times and will continue as long as DLC is grounded.

NOTE: Trouble codes will be recorded at various operating times. Some codes require sensor or switch operation for 5 seconds and others may require longer under certain conditions. Some codes may not set in a service bay operational mode.
TROUBLE CODE IDENTIFICATION

Code Probable Cause
P0101 Mass Airflow Sensor Circuit (3.8L)
P0112 Intake Air Temp. Sensor Ckt (3.8L) (Low Temp. Indicated)
P0113 Intake Air Temp. Sensor Ckt (3.8L) (High Temp. Indicated)
P0117 Coolant Circuit Low Temperature (3.8L)
P0118 Coolant Circuit High Temperature (3.8L)
P0122 TP Sensor Circuit Signal Voltage Low
P0123 TP Sensor Circuit Signal Voltage High
P0131 HO2S Circuit Low Signal Voltage
P0132 HO2S Circuit High Signal Voltage
P0134 HO2S Circuit Open (3.8L)
P0171 Fuel Trim Lean (Lean Exhaust)
P0172 Fuel Trim Rich (Rich Exhaust)
P0321 Spark Reference Circuit
P0325 Knock Sensor Circuit (3.8L)
P0327 Knock Sensor Circuit Grounded (4.3L)
P0328 Knock Sensor Circuit Open (4.3L)
P0341 Cam/Crank Error (3.8L)
P0342 Cam Signal Circuit
P0400 EGR Error
P0401 EGR Flow Test Error (3.8L)
P0501 VSS Circuit (3.8L)
P0502 VSS Circuit (3.8L)
P0703 (1) TCC Brake Input Circuit (3.8L)
P0705 (1) Transaxle Range Switch Circuit (3.8L)
P0712 (1) Transaxle Temp. Sensor (3.8L) (Low Temp. Indicated)
P0713 (1) Transaxle Temp. Sensor (3.8L) (High Temp. Indicated)
P0740 (1) TCC Problem (3.8L)
P0755 (1) Transaxle Shift "B" Solenoid Problem (3.8L)
P1222 Fuel Pump Voltage Low
P1350 Ignition Control Circuit (3.8L)
P1361 Ignition Control Circuit (3.8L)
P1406 EGR Pintle Position Error (3.8L)
P1530 A/C Head Pressure Switch Circuit
P1531 Low A/C Refrigerant Charge
P1558 Cruise System Problem
P1561 Cruise Vent Solenoid Circuit
P1562 Cruise Vacuum Solenoid Circuit
P1565 Cruise Servo Position Sensor Circuit
P1567 Cruise Switches Circuit
P1568 Cruise System Problem
P1571 (1) Traction Control Torque Out Of Range
P1573 (1) Traction Control Fault (Loss Of ABS/TCS Serial Data)
P1599 Cruise Power Management
P1623 PROM Error
P1630 System Voltage High/Low (3.8L)
P1640 Quad-Driver No. 1 Circuit (3.8L)
P1650 Quad-Driver No. 2 Circuit (3.8L)
P1670 Quad-Driver No. 4 Circuit (3.8L)
(1) Transmission code.
NOTE: Trouble code charts should only be used if Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is illuminated (indicating a current problem exists). Exceptions are Code 13, 15, 24, 44 and 45 charts, which may be used to help diagnose intermittent codes. Anytime Code 51, 52 or 55 is displayed with another code, start with 50-series code first and proceed to lower numbered codes.