In this article, we`ll review the most common trouble codes, which are informing about some specific faults in car operation and look for the causes and measures to address them.
P0420 – well-known error by many motorists. It means that catalytic converter system is inefficiency. A catalytic converter – is a device that converts toxic gases in the exhaust gas to less toxic pollutants. If you have faced P0420 trouble code, it could mean that the throughput of the catalyst is lowered and probably you should to replace it. However, don't have to worry about that early. The reason could be not so serious. For example, it could be the poor quality of fuel or some problems with the second lambda. Anyway, it is recommended to have the car checked out.
P0300 – this fault code tells us about cylinder misfiring. Such problem arises when one or more than one cylinder misfires, it will increase or decrease the revolutions per minute of the crankshaft. The concentration of CH will be rising. Consequently, this could lead to increasing of emissions, catalyst temperature, and its damage. It can be compared with the walking on one leg. In this reason, we recommend having the car checked out. P0300 trouble code may vary on different cars to P0312. The system can identify misfiring in the specific cylinder(s), whose number depends on the car model. Accordingly, the last figure identifies the cylinder number that is misfiring:
P0301 – cylinder number one is misfiring;
P0302 – cylinder number two is misfiring;
P0303 – cylinder number three is misfiring;
P0304 – cylinder number four is misfiring.
In this way, P0300 diagnostic code indicates a random or multiple misfires. At the same time, you can see some specific symptoms such as increase of fuel consumption, the engine is stumbling or hesitating and may be harder to start. In this case, you need to check spark plugs, spark plug wires or coil packs, injectors and fuel injector system.
P0171 – is defined as a Fuel System Too Lean. Lean Mixture means that is too much air, not enough fuel. When adjustments of the air/fuel mixture become too large, a trouble code is set. Common causes of this code might be a plugged Fuel Filter, a vacuum leak, contaminated plug injectors or problems with Fuel Pump. You need to check the engine for vacuum leaks, oxygen sensors, injectors, fuel filter and pump.
P0141 – Oxygen sensor heater circuit malfunction with the bank 1 sensor 2. Common symptoms of this problem: poor fuel economy, the engine may run rough and excessively rich since the engine is in open loop. Typically causes are short or open in the heater element and in the wiring, oxygen heater circuit wiring high resistance, the sensor is taking too long to warm up. You need to check the lambda-probe, the heated oxygen sensor fuse and connectors, wiring. If the sensor and connector work correctly, replacing the oxygen sensor usually takes care of the problem. In addition, you can delete error, check and analyze other systems.
P0135 – Oxygen sensor heater circuit malfunction with the bank 1 sensor 1. There are may be no one symptoms of the engine working. Common causes are different. For example, it could be internal short or open in the heater element or in the wiring. Anyway, you should check the lambda-probe.
P0401 – this code means that exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) flow insufficient detected. If you are rather experienced and technically educated car enthusiast, you can check the wiring and connections to the EGR valve, mass air flow sensor, and turbocharging system. Anyway, you should have the car checked out.
