C3251 Diagnostic Trouble Code

C3251 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 C3251 diagnostic trouble code may include:

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
Faulty or damaged wiring
Hesitation upon acceleration
Rich or lean exhaust

Possible Causes :

Faulty IMRC actuator relay (if equipped)
A large air leak at or near the number one oxygen sensor would also cause a lean mixture.
Defective ECU strategies or components will prevent proper regeneration

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. 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.

Process Tips

Diagnostic trouble code C3251 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 C3251.

Fortunately, C3251 is a fairly common OBD code, meaning that it applies to all makes and models of vehicles made after 1996.

C3251 Trouble Code For Specific Cars

C3251 Ac 5 AAI Circuit Malfunction
C3251 Bugatti Type 18 Cylinder #8 High To Low Side Short
C3251 Ferrari Scuderia Keyless Entry Circuit Failure
C3251 Pontiac Ventura Front Crash Sensor Mount Fault
C3251 Kaiser Manhattan Seat Horizontal Forward/Rearward Potentiometer Feedback Circuit Short To Battery
C3251 Bugatti Eb118 Cylinder #5 High To Low Side Open
C3251 Mercedes C 32 ABS Inlet Valve Coil LR Circuit Short To Battery