C2961 Ford Taunus Diagnostic Trouble Code

C2961 Ford Taunus code definition:
C2961 is a kind of OBD-II Diagnostic C-Chassis Diagnostic Trouble Code for Ford Taunus.

C2961 Ford Taunus 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. If the car doesn't start, they will proceed by testing the voltage at the fuel pump connector and see if the fuel pump relay, fuse, and PCM circuitry should be inspected.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a C2961 Ford Taunus diagnostic trouble code may include:

Faulty or damaged wiring
The engine oil will exhibit dilution from the ECUs attempts to increase engine temperature. Some vehicles advance the fuel injection timing slightly after top center to afterburn a small amount of fuel to increase exhaust temperatures. Some of this fuel enters the crankcase. When the ECU determines the necessity to regenerate the DPF, the service life of the oil be shortened significantly
Poor fuel economy
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)
A large vacuum leak would cause a massive amount of un-metered air to enter the intake manifold resulting in an overly lean mixture.

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 :

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. Look at the plug wires to make sure they are not burnt or laying on the exhaust.

Process Tips

Diagnostic trouble code C2961 Ford Taunus 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 C2961 Ford Taunus.

Fortunately, C2961 Ford Taunus is a fairly common OBD code, meaning that it applies to all makes and models of vehicles made after 1996.