C1538 Diagnostic Trouble Code

C1538 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 C1538 diagnostic trouble code may include:

Poor acceleration
Cherry red hot catalytic converter
Possible spark knock (detonation / pre-ignition)
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.
A large air leak at or near the number one oxygen sensor would also cause a lean mixture.

Repair Processes :

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. Look for missing ground strap or a rusty ground where the fuel tank is grounded to the frame. Check for damage to the wiring harness connector. Use the DVOM to test resistance and continuity on all system circuits if actuator and sensor resistance levels are in compliance with manufacturer's specifications.

Process Tips

Diagnostic trouble code C1538 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 C1538.

Fortunately, C1538 is a fairly common OBD code, meaning that it applies to all makes and models of vehicles made after 1996.

C1538 Trouble Code For Specific Cars

C1538 Skoda 430 Keyless Entry Circuit Failure
C1538 Seat Mii Injector High Side Short To GND Or VBATT - Bank 2
C1538 Mercedes-benz 180 Air Bag Memory Clear Circuit Failure
C1538 Lotus 49 Torque Converter Clutch System Performance
C1538 Lifan 620 Throttle Control Unit Modulated Command Malfunction
C1538 Austro-daimler 27 Aux Heater Blower Faulted
C1538 Fiat Doblo Lamp Park Input Circuit Failure