B3196 Diagnostic Trouble Code

B3196 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 B3196 diagnostic trouble code may include:

Rich or lean exhaust
Fuel pressure too low
Engine surge
Hesitation upon acceleration

Possible Causes :

Some aftermarket accessories and performance modifications
A faulty oxygen sensor. This will set a code in itself, however, a faulty oxygen sensor does not automatically condemn the sensor. The code just means that the sensor signal was not within specifications. An air leak or any of the above will cause an erroneous signal. There is a multitude of O2 codes relating to O2 performance which gives a clue to the problematic area.
Faulty IMRC actuator relay (if equipped)

Repair Processes :

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 for rubbing, scraping, bare wires, worn spots or melted plastic connectors. Pull the connectors apart and carefully look at the terminals (the metal parts) inside the connectors.

Process Tips

Diagnostic trouble code B3196 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 B3196.

Fortunately, B3196 is a fairly common OBD code, meaning that it applies to all makes and models of vehicles made after 1996.

B3196 Trouble Code For Specific Cars

B3196 Audi A3 Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Range/Performance
B3196 Alpine A442 Air Bag Passenger Circuit Resistance Low or Shorted Together
B3196 Toyota Conquest O2 Sensor Circuit No Activity Detected (Bank 1 Sensor 3)
B3196 Holden Calais Pedal Position Out of Self Test Range
B3196 Yamaha Ox SCP (J1850) Invalid or Missing Data for Telltales
B3196 Buick Electra Cylinder 7 Contribution/Balance Fault
B3196 Volvo S90