P0197 Imperial Custom Diagnostic Trouble Code

P0197 Imperial Custom code definition:
P0197 is a kind of OBD-II Diagnostic P-Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code for Imperial Custom.

P0197 Imperial Custom 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. 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 P0197 Imperial Custom diagnostic trouble code may include:

Rich or lean exhaust
Fuel pressure too low
Engine surge
Poor acceleration

Possible Causes :

Rarely - faulty Powertrain Control Module (PCM-programming required after replacement)
Rough running engine due to misfiring plugs. Many engines have misfire codes to indicate the cylinder effected, such as P0307 for number 7.
Faulty IMRC actuator relay (if equipped)

Common Misdiagnoses

Exhaust Gas Recirculation System Valve 1 Problem
BBV Sensor Circuit Low Voltage Problem
Transmission Engaged At High Throttle Angle Problem
Cruise Inhibit Control Circuit Problem
TFP Valve Position Switch-Drive Without Drive Ratio Problem

Repair Processes :

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. 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.

Process Tips

Diagnostic trouble code P0197 Imperial Custom 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 P0197 Imperial Custom.

Fortunately, P0197 Imperial Custom is a fairly common OBD code, meaning that it applies to all makes and models of vehicles made after 1996.