C12E0 Lancia Zeta Diagnostic Trouble Code

C12E0 Lancia Zeta code definition:
C12E0 is a kind of OBD-II Diagnostic C-Chassis Diagnostic Trouble Code for Lancia Zeta.

C12E0 Lancia Zeta is defined as Cylinder 3 Injector Circuit Malfunction. This code means the PCM (powertrain control module, also known as ECM or engine control) has detected a problem in the injector or its wiring, or in injector circuit for cylinder 3. 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 C12E0 Lancia Zeta diagnostic trouble code may include:

Carbon Buildup on O2 Sensor
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illuminated
Hesitation upon acceleration
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.
Some aftermarket accessories and performance modifications

Common Misdiagnoses

Exhaust Gas Recirculation System Valve 1 Problem
BBV Sensor Circuit Low Voltage Problem
Transmission Engaged At High Throttle Angle Problem
Cruise Inhibit Control Circuit Problem
TFP Valve Position Switch-Drive Without Drive Ratio Problem

Repair Processes :

Look for damage to the tank indicating impact that may have damaged the fuel pump or sender. 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. It should be pretty close to battery voltage (12 volts). If not, then this is the circuit that has the problem.

Process Tips

Diagnostic trouble code C12E0 Lancia Zeta 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 C12E0 Lancia Zeta.

Fortunately, C12E0 Lancia Zeta is a fairly common OBD code, meaning that it applies to all makes and models of vehicles made after 1996.