C0488 Thames 80 Diagnostic Trouble Code

C0488 Thames 80 code definition:
C0488 is a kind of OBD-II Diagnostic C-Chassis Diagnostic Trouble Code for Thames 80.

C0488 Thames 80 is defined as Camshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Low. This means the CMP (camshaft position) sensor circuit on engine bank 1 sends an irregular reading. There are two wires dedicated for each coil; one is battery feed which usually comes from the distribution center, and the other one for the coil driver circuit from the PCM. The PCM grounds or ungrounds the circuit to activate or deactivate the coil.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a C0488 Thames 80 diagnostic trouble code may include:

Engine surge
Blown fuse (if applicable)
Lack of power
If the DPF is not cleared the ECU will revert to the "Limp Home Mode" until the situation is corrected

Possible Causes :

A large air leak at or near the number one oxygen sensor would also cause a lean mixture.
Faulty IMRC actuator relay (if equipped)
Rarely - faulty Powertrain Control Module (PCM-programming required after replacement)

Common Misdiagnoses

IC Circuit High Voltage Problem
Control Module Throttle Actuator Position Performance Problem
Air Conditioning (A/C) Clutch Feedback Circuit High Voltage Problem
Cruise Vehicle Speed/Set Speed Difference Too High Problem
PCM Stack Overrun Problem

Repair Processes :

You might continue by connecting the scanner to the vehicle diagnostic connector and retrieving all stored codes and freeze frame data. 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. Oxygen sensors signal the engine management computer the amount of oxygen present in the exhaust, which is used in determining and controlling the fuel ratio.

Process Tips

Diagnostic trouble code C0488 Thames 80 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 C0488 Thames 80.

Fortunately, C0488 Thames 80 is a fairly common OBD code, meaning that it applies to all makes and models of vehicles made after 1996.