C0170 Diagnostic Trouble Code

C0170 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 C0170 diagnostic trouble code may include:

Poor fuel economy
Possible spark knock (detonation / pre-ignition)
Misfire
If the DPF is not cleared the ECU will revert to the "Limp Home Mode" until the situation is corrected

Possible Causes :

Fuel with a large percentage of sulfur will clog the DPF quickly
The Mass Airflow sensor will also cause this problem. Mass Airflow circuit malfunction.
A large vacuum leak would cause a massive amount of un-metered air to enter the intake manifold resulting in an overly lean mixture.

Repair Processes :

Find out what kind of system you have and verify that voltage to the fuel level sensor is present at the fuel pump wiring harness. Replace the oxygen sensor that is downstream from the catalytic converter on the side of the engine that does not contain cylinder #1. Also, if a oxygen sensor code stating "heater circuit malfunction" the sensor has most probably failed. Check to make sure they are not burnt or corroded. If in doubt, get some Electrical Contact cleaner at any parts store if cleaning of the terminals is needed.

Process Tips

Diagnostic trouble code C0170 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 C0170.

Fortunately, C0170 is a fairly common OBD code, meaning that it applies to all makes and models of vehicles made after 1996.

C0170 Trouble Code For Specific Cars

C0170 Giannini 1000 Oil Change Reset Button Circuit Short To Battery
C0170 Lanchester 40 Speed Fuel Pump Positive Feed Fault
C0170 Durkopp 24 Hp Immobilizer to PCM Signal Error
C0170 Austin A55 Autolamp Delay Increase Circuit Short To Battery
C0170 Suzuki Covie Memory Set Switch Circuit Open
C0170 Zil 114 SCP (J1850) Single Ended (+) Circuit Failure
C0170 Tesla S Mismatched PCM and/or ABS-TC Module