C3290 Diagnostic Trouble Code

C3290 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 C3290 diagnostic trouble code may include:

Rich or lean exhaust
Fuel pressure too low
Engine surge
Reduction in engine performance, especially at low RPM levels

Possible Causes :

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.
Some aftermarket accessories and performance modifications
Faulty IMRC actuator relay (if equipped)

Repair Processes :

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. If the scan tool has that capability, and the scan tool can operate the IMRC valves, then the problem is either resolved and a simple code clearing is all that's left or a new PCM would be called for. 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.

Process Tips

Diagnostic trouble code C3290 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 C3290.

Fortunately, C3290 is a fairly common OBD code, meaning that it applies to all makes and models of vehicles made after 1996.

C3290 Trouble Code For Specific Cars

C3290 Fiat X1 Left Rear Backup Lamp Circuit Failure
C3290 Berkeley Twosome Brake Fluid Level Sensor Input Short Circuit To Battery
C3290 Chrysler 1610 Engine Oil Pressure Sensor/Switch High Voltage
C3290 Lada Tarzan Shift Solenoid C Control Circuit Range/Performance
C3290 Mercury Messenger Air Suspension Rear Height Sensor High (SE) Signal Circuit Open
C3290 Rover Streetwise Ignition Cylinder Sensor Open Circuit
C3290 Peugeot Kart Engine Coolant Level Switch Circuit Short to Ground