C1397 American Gadabout Diagnostic Trouble Code

C1397 American Gadabout code definition:
C1397 is a kind of OBD-II Diagnostic C-Chassis Diagnostic Trouble Code for American Gadabout.

C1397 American Gadabout or the Evaporative Emission Control System Incorrect Purge Flow is the set whenever the computer sees that there is a problem with the flow coming from the purge valve or the purge flow is not enough within the EVAP system. Other symptoms that may indicate this problem are when the Check Engine Light illuminates and when there is a visible lack of engine power.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a C1397 American Gadabout diagnostic trouble code may include:

Cherry red hot catalytic converter
Poor acceleration
The light may stay on or light intermittently as the DPF regenerates. The engine will be sluggish on acceleration.
Hesitation upon acceleration

Possible Causes :

Some aftermarket accessories and performance modifications
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.
An air leak forward of the DPF will change the sensor readings resulting in the code

Common Misdiagnoses

TP Sensor Learn Not Complete Problem
Low Coolant Circuit Problem
Cruise Control System - Vehicle Accel Too High Problem
TFP Valve Position Switch-Drive Without Drive Ratio Problem
Problem

Repair Processes :

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. 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. You might continue by connecting the scanner to the vehicle diagnostic connector and retrieving all stored codes and freeze frame data.

Process Tips

Diagnostic trouble code C1397 American Gadabout 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 C1397 American Gadabout.

Fortunately, C1397 American Gadabout is a fairly common OBD code, meaning that it applies to all makes and models of vehicles made after 1996.