B0386 Diagnostic Trouble Code

B0386 is a kind of OBD-II Diagnostic B-Body Diagnostic Trouble Code.

It is considered generic because it applies to all makes and models of vehicles, although specific repair steps may be different depending on your car model.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a B0386 diagnostic trouble code may include:

Poor acceleration
Cherry red hot catalytic converter
Possible spark knock (detonation / pre-ignition)
The light may stay on or light intermittently as the DPF regenerates. The engine will be sluggish on acceleration.

Possible Causes :

An air leak forward of the DPF will change the sensor readings resulting in the code
Rusty exhaust systems, cracked exhaust manifolds or damaged or missing gaskets or donuts will cause air leaks.
A large air leak at or near the number one oxygen sensor would also cause a lean mixture.

Repair Processes :

If all testing has passed so far yet you still have the same code, check your scan tool and see if it can open and close the IMRC valve. With the valve disconnected, the red voltmeter lead should be attached to the IMRC valve power wire and the black voltmeter lead connected to ground. Look at the plug wires to make sure they are not burnt or laying on the exhaust.

Process Tips

Diagnostic trouble code B0386 is not difficult to diagnose and repair. Thus, it always pays to have a qualified technician to look after your vehicle should this error code arise.

Diagnosing this code requires the engine to be in good running shape, without unmetered air entering the engine. If other codes that relates to misfiring condition, lean running or air entering the engine is present, then you must first fix those error codes before B0386.

Fortunately, B0386 is a fairly common OBD code, meaning that it applies to all makes and models of vehicles made after 1996.

B0386 Trouble Code For Specific Cars

B0386 Lexus Is250 TCM Power Relay Sense Circuit High
B0386 Hrg 1.5 Litre Ride Control LR Shock Actuator Circuit Short To Battery
B0386 Hino Contessa Pedal Correlation PDS1 and LPDS Low
B0386 Italdesign Together SCP HBCC Failed To Initialize
B0386 Ford Econoline Manually Shifted Automatic (MSA) Sw Circuit Malf
B0386 Autobianchi Bianchina Aux Heater Coolant Sensor Circuit Short to Ground
B0386 Durkopp 16 Hp Immobilizer Code Word/ID Number Write Failure