P02C3 Chevrolet El Camino Diagnostic Trouble Code

P02C3 Chevrolet El Camino code definition:
P02C3 is a kind of OBD-II Diagnostic P-Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code for Chevrolet El Camino.

P02C3 Chevrolet El Camino 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. As you drive and when specific conditions are slowly met, the vapors will gradually purge from the charcoal canister and will get burned within your engine.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a P02C3 Chevrolet El Camino diagnostic trouble code may include:

Poor fuel economy
Possible spark knock (detonation / pre-ignition)
Misfire
Hesitation upon acceleration

Possible Causes :

A plugged converter will cause of host of driveability problems as well as set this code. A severely plugged converter will result in the inability to increase rpm when under load. Look for a code such as P0421 -- catalytic converter efficiency below threshold if the converter indicating a faulty converter.
Dirty air cleaner element Damaged DPF
A large vacuum leak would cause a massive amount of un-metered air to enter the intake manifold resulting in an overly lean mixture.

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 :

Check to make sure they are not burnt or corroded. If in doubt, get some Electrical Contact cleaner at any parts store if cleaning of the terminals is needed. Look for damage to the tank indicating impact that may have damaged the fuel pump or sender.

Process Tips

Diagnostic trouble code P02C3 Chevrolet El Camino 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 P02C3 Chevrolet El Camino.

Fortunately, P02C3 Chevrolet El Camino is a fairly common OBD code, meaning that it applies to all makes and models of vehicles made after 1996.