C3171 Chevrolet Equinox 3 Diagnostic Trouble Code

C3171 Chevrolet Equinox 3 code definition:
C3171 is a kind of OBD-II Diagnostic C-Chassis Diagnostic Trouble Code for Chevrolet Equinox 3.

C3171 Chevrolet Equinox 3 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. Other serious codes may cause this code to pop up, and they may come with dangerous drivability issues that may expose you to safety risks and cause damage to the engine in the long run.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a C3171 Chevrolet Equinox 3 diagnostic trouble code may include:

Faulty PCM
The light may stay on or light intermittently as the DPF regenerates. The engine will be sluggish on acceleration.
Poor acceleration
Hesitation upon acceleration

Possible Causes :

An air leak forward of the DPF will change the sensor readings resulting in the code
Rusty exhaust systems, cracked exhaust manifolds or damaged or missing gaskets or donuts will cause air leaks.
A large air leak at or near the number one oxygen sensor would also cause a lean mixture.

Common Misdiagnoses

IC Circuit High Voltage Problem
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
PCM Stack Overrun Problem

Repair Processes :

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. 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 damage to the tank indicating impact that may have damaged the fuel pump or sender.

Process Tips

Diagnostic trouble code C3171 Chevrolet Equinox 3 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 C3171 Chevrolet Equinox 3.

Fortunately, C3171 Chevrolet Equinox 3 is a fairly common OBD code, meaning that it applies to all makes and models of vehicles made after 1996.