ENGINE DIAGNOSTICS / QUICK REFERENCE

Vehicle fault code
reference guide.

Search common fault codes by vehicle make, control unit and engine system. Exact meanings and checks can vary by model, year and manufacturer.

—CODES IN THE GUIDE
i

These are general OBD-II descriptions. The exact definition, test procedure and likely repair can differ by model, engine and software. Confirm the code and live data on the vehicle before replacing parts.

REFERENCE / ENGINE SYSTEMS

Codes and possible causes

38 / 38
P0401We can help ↗Engine
Emissions / DPF / EGR

Insufficient EGR flow

Engine · Emissions / DPF / EGR

The control unit detects less exhaust gas recirculation flow than expected.

POSSIBLE CAUSES

  • A clogged or stuck EGR valve
  • Blocked passages or cooler
  • A faulty sensor or wiring

WHAT TO CHECK

Check EGR readings and control, then inspect the valve, passages, sensors and wiring. Do not replace parts based on the code alone.

MAKESMay vary by make · confirm model and subcode
ⓘ Possible causes are examples, not a vehicle-specific diagnosis.
P0420We can help ↗Engine
Emissions / DPF / EGR

Catalyst system efficiency below threshold

Engine · Emissions / DPF / EGR

The monitoring system evaluates catalyst efficiency below its threshold.

POSSIBLE CAUSES

  • A worn catalyst or exhaust leak
  • Oxygen sensor issues
  • Misfires or an incorrect air-fuel mixture

WHAT TO CHECK

Check for leaks, misfires, fuel trims and sensor operation first. Assess the catalyst after related causes are ruled out.

MAKESMay vary by make · confirm model and subcode
ⓘ Possible causes are examples, not a vehicle-specific diagnosis.
P2002We can help ↗Engine
Emissions / DPF / EGR

Diesel particulate filter efficiency below threshold

Engine · Emissions / DPF / EGR

The controller detects reduced particulate filter efficiency; this code applies to specific diesel configurations.

POSSIBLE CAUSES

  • An overloaded or damaged filter
  • Incorrect pressure or temperature sensor readings
  • Exhaust leaks or unsuccessful regenerations

WHAT TO CHECK

Check differential pressure, sensors, regeneration history and causes of excess soot. The repair depends on the model and the filter’s actual condition.

MAKESMay vary by make · confirm model and subcode
ⓘ Possible causes are examples, not a vehicle-specific diagnosis.
P20EEWe can help ↗Engine
Emissions / DPF / EGR

SCR/NOx catalyst efficiency below threshold

Engine · Emissions / DPF / EGR

The system detected SCR efficiency below expectation; exact logic varies by manufacturer.

POSSIBLE CAUSES

  • AdBlue quality or dosing
  • NOx sensors or wiring
  • Exhaust leaks, deposits or an SCR fault

WHAT TO CHECK

Use diagnostic equipment to check dosing, fluid quality, NOx sensors, exhaust sealing and SCR readings.

MAKESMay vary by make · confirm model and subcode
ⓘ Possible causes are examples, not a vehicle-specific diagnosis.
P0299We can help ↗Engine
Turbo / boost

Turbocharger underboost

Engine · Turbo / boost

Measured boost is below the requested value under certain engine conditions.

POSSIBLE CAUSES

  • A leak in the intake or boost hoses
  • Turbo control or actuator issue
  • Exhaust restriction, sensor or vacuum line fault

WHAT TO CHECK

Compare requested and actual boost, then check intake sealing, turbo control, vacuum and sensors. P0299 alone does not confirm that the turbo must be replaced.

MAKESMay vary by make · confirm model and subcode
ⓘ Possible causes are examples, not a vehicle-specific diagnosis.
P0234We can help ↗Engine
Turbo / boost

Turbocharger overboost condition

Engine · Turbo / boost

Boost pressure exceeded the limit specified by the engine calibration.

POSSIBLE CAUSES

  • A stuck variable geometry mechanism
  • Faulty control valve or actuator
  • Incorrect pressure sensor readings

WHAT TO CHECK

Check the sensor, control hoses and actuator movement. If power drops or limp mode occurs, reduce load and arrange diagnostics.

MAKESMay vary by make · confirm model and subcode
ⓘ Possible causes are examples, not a vehicle-specific diagnosis.
P0171We can help ↗Engine
Fuel system

System too lean, bank 1

Engine · Fuel system

Fuel trims indicate excess air or insufficient fuel for cylinder bank 1.

POSSIBLE CAUSES

  • Unmetered air after the MAF sensor
  • Insufficient fuel delivery
  • Contaminated or faulty MAF or oxygen sensor

WHAT TO CHECK

Check intake sealing, fuel pressure, MAF readings and fuel trims at different operating conditions.

MAKESMay vary by make · confirm model and subcode
ⓘ Possible causes are examples, not a vehicle-specific diagnosis.
P0087We can help ↗Engine
Fuel system

Fuel rail/system pressure too low

Engine · Fuel system

Fuel pressure is below expectation; checks depend on the fuel system and operating conditions.

POSSIBLE CAUSES

  • Restricted filter or fuel line
  • Pump, regulator or leak issue
  • Incorrect pressure sensor readings

WHAT TO CHECK

Compare requested and actual pressure, then check supply, filter, pump and sensor using the procedure for that engine.

MAKESMay vary by make · confirm model and subcode
ⓘ Possible causes are examples, not a vehicle-specific diagnosis.
P0101We can help ↗Engine
Air intake / sensors

Mass air flow range/performance

Engine · Air intake / sensors

Measured mass air flow does not match expected engine parameters.

POSSIBLE CAUSES

  • Contaminated MAF sensor
  • Intake leak or restriction
  • Wiring, connector or sensor fault

WHAT TO CHECK

Inspect the intake and filter, verify MAF signal and power, then compare readings with engine load.

MAKESMay vary by make · confirm model and subcode
ⓘ Possible causes are examples, not a vehicle-specific diagnosis.
P0402We can help ↗Engine
Emissions / DPF / EGR

EGR flow excessive

Engine · Emissions / DPF / EGR

The controller detected more exhaust gas recirculation flow than expected.

POSSIBLE CAUSES

  • EGR valve not closing fully
  • Incorrect sensor readings or an intake leak
  • Restricted passages or a wiring fault

WHAT TO CHECK

Compare commanded and measured EGR values; inspect sealing, the valve, sensors and connectors.

MAKESMay vary by make · confirm model and subcode
ⓘ Possible causes are examples, not a vehicle-specific diagnosis.
P2463We can help ↗Engine
Emissions / DPF / EGR

Diesel particulate filter soot accumulation

Engine · Emissions / DPF / EGR

The diesel controller estimated particulate filter loading above its threshold.

POSSIBLE CAUSES

  • Frequent interrupted regenerations
  • Faulty differential-pressure or temperature sensor
  • An engine condition producing excess soot

WHAT TO CHECK

Check differential pressure and regeneration history, then trace excess soot production. Do not force regeneration before checking the required conditions.

MAKESMay vary by make · confirm model and subcode
ⓘ Possible causes are examples, not a vehicle-specific diagnosis.
P2263We can help ↗Engine
Turbo / boost

Turbocharger system performance

Engine · Turbo / boost

The controller detected a boost-system deviation; this code alone does not confirm a failed turbocharger.

POSSIBLE CAUSES

  • Leak in boost hoses or intercooler
  • Turbo control or actuator fault
  • Intake/exhaust restriction or an incorrect sensor signal

WHAT TO CHECK

Compare requested and actual boost, then inspect system sealing, vacuum/control and sensor signals.

MAKESMay vary by make · confirm model and subcode
ⓘ Possible causes are examples, not a vehicle-specific diagnosis.
P2563We can help ↗Engine
Turbo / boost

Turbo boost control position sensor range/performance

Engine · Turbo / boost

The turbo control position sensor signal is outside the expected range.

POSSIBLE CAUSES

  • Sticking mechanism or actuator
  • Faulty sensor, connector or wiring
  • Incorrect adjustment of the control linkage

WHAT TO CHECK

Check sensor power and signal, actuator travel and mechanism movement using the procedure for that engine.

MAKESMay vary by make · confirm model and subcode
ⓘ Possible causes are examples, not a vehicle-specific diagnosis.
P0172We can help ↗Engine
Fuel system

System too rich, bank 1

Engine · Fuel system

Fuel trims indicate excess fuel or insufficient air for cylinder bank 1.

POSSIBLE CAUSES

  • Leaking injector or excessive fuel pressure
  • Incorrect MAF or pressure sensor readings
  • Restricted air intake or EVAP purge stuck open

WHAT TO CHECK

Check short- and long-term fuel trims, fuel pressure, airflow and injector sealing.

MAKESMay vary by make · confirm model and subcode
ⓘ Possible causes are examples, not a vehicle-specific diagnosis.
P0191We can help ↗Engine
Fuel system

Fuel rail pressure sensor range/performance

Engine · Fuel system

Fuel pressure feedback does not match the expected value for the operating condition.

POSSIBLE CAUSES

  • Unstable sensor or wiring signal
  • Insufficient fuel supply or fluctuating pressure
  • Regulator fault or a system leak

WHAT TO CHECK

Compare commanded and actual pressure; check sensor power and fuel delivery using the procedure for that engine.

MAKESMay vary by make · confirm model and subcode
ⓘ Possible causes are examples, not a vehicle-specific diagnosis.
P0102We can help ↗Engine
Air intake / sensors

Mass air flow sensor circuit low input

Engine · Air intake / sensors

The control unit receives a lower-than-expected MAF signal.

POSSIBLE CAUSES

  • Faulty sensor or poor connector contact
  • Open or short in power/signal wiring
  • Contaminated sensor or intake issue

WHAT TO CHECK

Check MAF power, ground and signal, the connector and intake tract. Do not replace the sensor without measurements.

MAKESMay vary by make · confirm model and subcode
ⓘ Possible causes are examples, not a vehicle-specific diagnosis.
P0106We can help ↗Engine
Air intake / sensors

Manifold pressure sensor range/performance

Engine · Air intake / sensors

The MAP signal does not match engine load and speed.

POSSIBLE CAUSES

  • Unmetered air or boost leak
  • Contaminated or faulty MAP sensor
  • Wiring, connector or calibration issue

WHAT TO CHECK

Compare MAP readings with ignition on and with the engine running; inspect intake, sensor power and wiring.

MAKESMay vary by make · confirm model and subcode
ⓘ Possible causes are examples, not a vehicle-specific diagnosis.
P0128We can help ↗Engine
Other engine codes

Coolant temperature below expected regulating temperature

Engine · Other engine codes

The engine warms up more slowly than expected or does not reach its target temperature.

POSSIBLE CAUSES

  • Thermostat stuck open
  • Coolant temperature sensor or circuit reading incorrectly
  • Drive conditions prevented the monitor from completing

WHAT TO CHECK

Compare displayed and actual temperature from cold start to warm-up; inspect the thermostat and sensor.

MAKESMay vary by make · confirm model and subcode
ⓘ Possible causes are examples, not a vehicle-specific diagnosis.
P0130We can help ↗Engine
Air intake / sensors

Oxygen sensor circuit, bank 1 sensor 1

Engine · Air intake / sensors

The controller detected a fault in the upstream oxygen sensor circuit.

POSSIBLE CAUSES

  • Damaged sensor, connector or wiring
  • Intake leak or exhaust leak near the sensor
  • Heater supply or engine mixture issue

WHAT TO CHECK

Check the signal trace, heater and wiring; rule out exhaust leaks and mixture faults before replacing the sensor.

MAKESMay vary by make · confirm model and subcode
ⓘ Possible causes are examples, not a vehicle-specific diagnosis.
P0300We can help ↗Engine
Other engine codes

Random/multiple cylinder misfire detected

Engine · Other engine codes

The controller detected misfires in one or more cylinders.

POSSIBLE CAUSES

  • Spark plugs, ignition coils or injectors
  • Unmetered air, fuel pressure or fuel quality
  • Compression, valve timing or a mechanical cause

WHAT TO CHECK

Review cylinder misfire counters and conditions; check ignition, fuel delivery, intake and compression.

MAKESMay vary by make · confirm model and subcode
ⓘ Possible causes are examples, not a vehicle-specific diagnosis.
P0301We can help ↗Engine
Other engine codes

Cylinder 1 misfire detected

Engine · Other engine codes

The controller detected a combustion misfire in cylinder 1.

POSSIBLE CAUSES

  • Cylinder 1 spark plug, coil or injector
  • Compression or cylinder sealing issue
  • Unmetered air or a wiring fault

WHAT TO CHECK

Compare cylinder counters, check ignition and injector operation, then compression and leakage. Confirm cylinder numbering for the engine.

MAKESMay vary by make · confirm model and subcode
ⓘ Possible causes are examples, not a vehicle-specific diagnosis.
P0302We can help ↗Engine
Other engine codes

Cylinder 2 misfire detected

Engine · Other engine codes

The controller detected a combustion misfire in cylinder 2.

POSSIBLE CAUSES

  • Cylinder 2 spark plug, coil or injector
  • Compression, valve or mechanical fault
  • Wiring issue or localized unmetered air

WHAT TO CHECK

Check misfire counters, ignition and injector operation, then compression. Cylinder numbering varies by engine.

MAKESMay vary by make · confirm model and subcode
ⓘ Possible causes are examples, not a vehicle-specific diagnosis.
P0335We can help ↗Engine
Other engine codes

Crankshaft position sensor A circuit

Engine · Other engine codes

The controller is not receiving the expected crankshaft position signal.

POSSIBLE CAUSES

  • Faulty sensor, air gap or reluctor/tone wheel issue
  • Open, short or poor connection
  • Power supply or synchronization fault

WHAT TO CHECK

Check the waveform, power, connector, wiring and tone wheel using the engine-specific service information.

MAKESMay vary by make · confirm model and subcode
ⓘ Possible causes are examples, not a vehicle-specific diagnosis.
P0340We can help ↗Engine
Other engine codes

Camshaft position sensor A circuit

Engine · Other engine codes

The controller detected a fault in the camshaft position sensor signal.

POSSIBLE CAUSES

  • Faulty sensor, wiring or connector
  • Valve timing or synchronization issue
  • Sensor power or damaged reluctor/trigger

WHAT TO CHECK

Compare crankshaft and camshaft signals; check power and wiring, then inspect mechanical valve timing.

MAKESMay vary by make · confirm model and subcode
ⓘ Possible causes are examples, not a vehicle-specific diagnosis.
C0035We can help ↗ABS / ESP
ABS / ESP

Left front wheel speed sensor

ABS / ESP

The ABS module detects a circuit or signal issue at the left front wheel.

POSSIBLE CAUSES

  • Sensor or damaged wiring
  • Connector/contact or reluctor/magnetic encoder issue
  • Wheel bearing or sensor air gap

WHAT TO CHECK

Compare live wheel speeds and inspect the signal, harness, encoder and hub. Confirm any suffix/subcode for the make.

MAKESMay vary by make · confirm model and subcode
ⓘ Possible causes are examples, not a vehicle-specific diagnosis.
C0040We can help ↗ABS / ESP
ABS / ESP

Right front wheel speed sensor

ABS / ESP

The ABS module detects a circuit or signal issue at the right front wheel.

POSSIBLE CAUSES

  • Wheel speed sensor or wiring
  • Connector/contact or hub encoder issue
  • Wheel bearing or incorrect air gap

WHAT TO CHECK

Compare all four wheel speeds and inspect the signal, harness and encoder. Check the manufacturer procedure and subcode.

MAKESMay vary by make · confirm model and subcode
ⓘ Possible causes are examples, not a vehicle-specific diagnosis.
C0045We can help ↗ABS / ESP
ABS / ESP

Left rear wheel speed sensor

ABS / ESP

The ABS module detected a circuit/signal issue at the left rear wheel.

POSSIBLE CAUSES

  • Sensor, wiring or connector
  • Reluctor ring/hub encoder
  • Bearing, corrosion or harness damage

WHAT TO CHECK

Review live wheel speeds and the sensor waveform; inspect the harness and encoder for the rear hub design.

MAKESMay vary by make · confirm model and subcode
ⓘ Possible causes are examples, not a vehicle-specific diagnosis.
C0050We can help ↗ABS / ESP
ABS / ESP

Right rear wheel speed sensor

ABS / ESP

The ABS module detected a circuit/signal issue at the right rear wheel.

POSSIBLE CAUSES

  • Sensor, connector or wiring
  • Hub reluctor/magnetic encoder
  • Bearing or harness damage

WHAT TO CHECK

Compare the wheel speed with the others, check the wiring and signal, then inspect the encoder and hub.

MAKESMay vary by make · confirm model and subcode
ⓘ Possible causes are examples, not a vehicle-specific diagnosis.
B0010We can help ↗Airbag / SRS
Airbag / SRS

Airbag/SRS circuit (make-specific meaning)

Airbag / SRS

B0010 is associated with restraint-system diagnostics, but the exact circuit and definition are assigned by the vehicle maker.

POSSIBLE CAUSES

  • SRS component/circuit or connector fault
  • Wiring damage after repair or impact
  • Low supply voltage or SRS module fault

WHAT TO CHECK

Read the complete code and subcode with a compatible scan tool. Leave pyrotechnic restraint circuit diagnosis to a trained technician; do not probe with a test lamp.

MAKESMay vary by make · confirm model and subcode
ⓘ Possible causes are examples, not a vehicle-specific diagnosis.
⚠ Airbag/SRS circuits contain pyrotechnic components. Have them diagnosed using the maker’s procedure by a trained technician.
B0011We can help ↗Airbag / SRS
Airbag / SRS

Airbag/SRS circuit — subcode required

Airbag / SRS

Without the make, model, year and full subcode, B0011 cannot be assigned reliably to a specific restraint component.

POSSIBLE CAUSES

  • SRS connector or wiring
  • Restraint component fault
  • Power supply or internal module fault

WHAT TO CHECK

Confirm the exact definition from the VIN and full subcode, then follow the manufacturer procedure. Do not clear the code without resolving the cause.

MAKESMay vary by make · confirm model and subcode
ⓘ Possible causes are examples, not a vehicle-specific diagnosis.
⚠ Airbag/SRS circuits contain pyrotechnic components. Have them diagnosed using the maker’s procedure by a trained technician.
P0700We can help ↗TCU / transmission
TCU / transmission

Transmission control system requested MIL

TCU / transmission

A code stored by the engine controller usually reports a request from the transmission module; the underlying fault is in the TCU data.

POSSIBLE CAUSES

  • Other transmission codes stored in the TCU
  • Power or communication issue between ECM and TCU
  • Transmission sensor, hydraulic or mechanical fault

WHAT TO CHECK

Scan the TCU directly and review its companion codes and data. P0700 alone does not mean the transmission needs replacement.

MAKESMay vary by make · confirm model and subcode
ⓘ Possible causes are examples, not a vehicle-specific diagnosis.
P0715We can help ↗TCU / transmission
TCU / transmission

Transmission input/turbine speed sensor

TCU / transmission

The transmission controller detected an input-speed sensor signal fault.

POSSIBLE CAUSES

  • Speed sensor or connector
  • Wiring and power/ground circuit
  • Mechatronic or internal transmission issue

WHAT TO CHECK

Compare input and output speed data, check the circuit and vehicle-specific service information, and rule out communication faults first.

MAKESMay vary by make · confirm model and subcode
ⓘ Possible causes are examples, not a vehicle-specific diagnosis.
P0730We can help ↗TCU / transmission
TCU / transmission

Incorrect gear ratio

TCU / transmission

The transmission controller detects a mismatch between expected and measured gear ratio.

POSSIBLE CAUSES

  • Clutch or friction pack slipping
  • Low level, incorrect fluid or pressure issue
  • Speed sensor or adaptation fault

WHAT TO CHECK

Review speed data and companion codes; check fluid level and condition using the maker procedure. Avoid loading a slipping transmission.

MAKESMay vary by make · confirm model and subcode
ⓘ Possible causes are examples, not a vehicle-specific diagnosis.
P0741We can help ↗TCU / transmission
TCU / transmission

Torque converter clutch performance/stuck off

TCU / transmission

The transmission controller detected a torque-converter lock-up deviation.

POSSIBLE CAUSES

  • Worn lock-up clutch
  • Pressure, valve or solenoid issue
  • Incorrect speed data or ATF condition

WHAT TO CHECK

Compare lock-up command and slip, then check fluid and hydraulics using the transmission-specific procedure.

MAKESMay vary by make · confirm model and subcode
ⓘ Possible causes are examples, not a vehicle-specific diagnosis.
P0720We can help ↗TCU / transmission
TCU / transmission

Transmission output speed sensor circuit

TCU / transmission

The transmission controller receives an incorrect or missing output-speed signal.

POSSIBLE CAUSES

  • Sensor or connector
  • Open/short in the wiring
  • Damaged reluctor or internal fault

WHAT TO CHECK

Check live output speed, sensor power and waveform, wiring and the tone wheel.

MAKESMay vary by make · confirm model and subcode
ⓘ Possible causes are examples, not a vehicle-specific diagnosis.
U0100We can help ↗Other module
Other module

Lost communication with engine control module

Other module

A control unit is not receiving ECM/PCM messages over the data network.

POSSIBLE CAUSES

  • ECM/PCM power or ground
  • Fuse, connector or CAN wiring fault
  • Multiple communication codes from low system voltage

WHAT TO CHECK

Scan all modules and check power, grounds and network condition. Do not replace the engine controller based on U0100 alone.

MAKESMay vary by make · confirm model and subcode
ⓘ Possible causes are examples, not a vehicle-specific diagnosis.
U0101We can help ↗Other module
Other module

Lost communication with transmission control module

Other module

Another controller is not receiving TCU messages over the vehicle network.

POSSIBLE CAUSES

  • TCU power or ground
  • CAN connector or wiring
  • Internal TCU fault or low voltage

WHAT TO CHECK

Check whether the TCU responds to a scan, verify power and network communication, and review codes in other modules.

MAKESMay vary by make · confirm model and subcode
ⓘ Possible causes are examples, not a vehicle-specific diagnosis.
U0121We can help ↗Other module
Other module

Lost communication with ABS control module

Other module

One or more controllers are not receiving messages from the braking system module.

POSSIBLE CAUSES

  • ABS power/ground or fuse
  • CAN network, connector or harness
  • Secondary code caused by low battery voltage

WHAT TO CHECK

Check ABS-ECU access, power, grounds and network lines. If ABS/ESP warnings are active, account for reduced safety functions.

MAKESMay vary by make · confirm model and subcode
ⓘ Possible causes are examples, not a vehicle-specific diagnosis.
CC / 01Still not sure what’s wrong?

Let the car confirm it.

A Check Engine code is a clue. Our team can check fault memory, live data, wiring and related systems to find what is behind it.