C0169 Diagnostic Trouble Code

C0169 is a kind of OBD-II Diagnostic C-Chassis 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 C0169 diagnostic trouble code may include:

Poor acceleration
Cherry red hot catalytic converter
Possible spark knock (detonation / pre-ignition)
Engine surge

Possible Causes :

Rarely - faulty Powertrain Control Module (PCM-programming required after replacement)
Rough running engine due to misfiring plugs. Many engines have misfire codes to indicate the cylinder effected, such as P0307 for number 7.
A large air leak at or near the number one oxygen sensor would also cause a lean mixture.

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. 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.

Process Tips

Diagnostic trouble code C0169 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 C0169.

Fortunately, C0169 is a fairly common OBD code, meaning that it applies to all makes and models of vehicles made after 1996.

C0169 Trouble Code For Specific Cars

C0169 Nissan Verita Cylinder #5 High To Low Side Open
C0169 Mazda Mazda 3 Iii Turbo/Super Charger Bypass Valve Control Circuit Range/Performance
C0169 Seat Formula Injector Control Circuit
C0169 Lotus 340 Torque Converter Clutch Solenoid Failied On
C0169 Peugeot 4007 EGR Metering Orifice Restricted
C0169 Alpine Cabriolet Air Bag Passenger Circuit Short To Ground
C0169 Honda Fuya PRNDL Reverse Input Short To Battery