C0276 Diagnostic Trouble Code

C0276 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 C0276 diagnostic trouble code may include:

Faulty O2 Sensor
Lack of power
If the DPF is not cleared the ECU will revert to the "Limp Home Mode" until the situation is corrected
Reduction in engine performance, especially at low RPM levels

Possible Causes :

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.
Some aftermarket accessories and performance modifications
Fuel with a large percentage of sulfur will clog the DPF quickly

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 the scan tool has that capability, and the scan tool can operate the IMRC valves, then the problem is either resolved and a simple code clearing is all that's left or a new PCM would be called for. If the engine displays a miss and there wasn't a code, determine which cylinder is misfiring. If the exhaust manifold is visible, spay or pour a small amount of water on each cylinder exhaust port. Water will evaporate immediately on good cylinders and slowly on the missing cylinder. If this can't be accomplished pull the plugs and check the condition.

Process Tips

Diagnostic trouble code C0276 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 C0276.

Fortunately, C0276 is a fairly common OBD code, meaning that it applies to all makes and models of vehicles made after 1996.

C0276 Trouble Code For Specific Cars

C0276 Brough Superior 4-litre Cruise Control Coast Signal Malfunction
C0276 Maserati Granturismo Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch D Circuit Low
C0276 Bmw 228 Camshaft Position Sensor Circuit Low Input
C0276 Bertone 4x4 Brake Fluid Level Sensor Input Short Circuit To Ground
C0276 Skoda 1202 Key Off Voltage High
C0276 Buick Skyhawk Damper High Side Front Circuit Short To Battery
C0276 Renault Sandero High Clutch Drum Speed Sensor Intermittent