C0996 Oldsmobile Eighty-eight Diagnostic Trouble Code

C0996 Oldsmobile Eighty-eight code definition:
C0996 is a kind of OBD-II Diagnostic C-Chassis Diagnostic Trouble Code for Oldsmobile Eighty-eight.

C0996 Oldsmobile Eighty-eight is described as Intake Air Temperature (IAT) Circuit Malfunction. It's actually a general trouble code for a problem on IAT electrical circuit sensor, as it sends incorrect voltage input signals to the PCM. The spark should have a light tan color. If the sensor probe comes with white and chalky parts, this means it has been lagging between switching phases, and should be replaced.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a C0996 Oldsmobile Eighty-eight diagnostic trouble code may include:

Engine surge
Blown fuse (if applicable)
Lack of power
Rich or lean exhaust

Possible Causes :

Faulty IMRC actuator relay (if equipped)
A large air leak at or near the number one oxygen sensor would also cause a lean mixture.
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 :

Pack the connector cavity with dielectric silicone compound (same stuff they use for light bulb sockets and spark plug wires) and reassemble. 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.

Process Tips

Diagnostic trouble code C0996 Oldsmobile Eighty-eight 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 C0996 Oldsmobile Eighty-eight.

Fortunately, C0996 Oldsmobile Eighty-eight is a fairly common OBD code, meaning that it applies to all makes and models of vehicles made after 1996.