C3111 Volkswagen Parati Diagnostic Trouble Code

C3111 Volkswagen Parati code definition:
C3111 is a kind of OBD-II Diagnostic C-Chassis Diagnostic Trouble Code for Volkswagen Parati.

C3111 Volkswagen Parati 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 C3111 Volkswagen Parati diagnostic trouble code may include:

Corroded or damaged connector
If the DPF is not cleared the ECU will revert to the "Limp Home Mode" until the situation is corrected
Lack of power
Diminished fuel efficiency

Possible Causes :

Faulty IMRC actuator/sensor
A large vacuum leak would cause a massive amount of un-metered air to enter the intake manifold resulting in an overly lean mixture.
Rough running engine due to misfiring plugs. Many engines have misfire codes to indicate the cylinder effected, such as P0307 for number 7.

Common Misdiagnoses

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
Kick-Down Switch Failed Short Problem
Park/Neutral Postion (PNP) Switch Circuit Engine Torque Signal Circuit 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. Look for damage to the tank indicating impact that may have damaged the fuel pump or sender.

Process Tips

Diagnostic trouble code C3111 Volkswagen Parati 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 C3111 Volkswagen Parati.

Fortunately, C3111 Volkswagen Parati is a fairly common OBD code, meaning that it applies to all makes and models of vehicles made after 1996.