P0309 American Tourist Diagnostic Trouble Code

P0309 American Tourist code definition:
P0309 is a kind of OBD-II Diagnostic P-Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code for American Tourist.

P0309 American Tourist is described as Oxygen Sensor Circuit No Activity Detected (Bank 1, Sensor 1). This means there's a problem in the front oxygen sensor on Bank 1, as the O2 sensor is inactive. This is because the barometric pressure sensor is part of the MAF sensor. Sometimes, the MAF's sensing wire can accumulate and get covered with dirt, dust and/or oil residue, which can also lead to the error code.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a P0309 American Tourist diagnostic trouble code may include:

Poor acceleration
Cherry red hot catalytic converter
Possible spark knock (detonation / pre-ignition)
The light may stay on or light intermittently as the DPF regenerates. The engine will be sluggish on 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

Vehicle Speed Output Circuit Problem
Cruise Control Servo Indicates Low Problem
A/C System High Pressure High Temperature Problem
PCM Stack Overrun Problem
Transmission Control Module Reprogrammable Memory Problem

Repair Processes :

Now, clear the codes and test-drive the vehicle to see if the code is reset. 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. Look at the plug wires to make sure they are not burnt or laying on the exhaust.

Process Tips

Diagnostic trouble code P0309 American Tourist 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 P0309 American Tourist.

Fortunately, P0309 American Tourist is a fairly common OBD code, meaning that it applies to all makes and models of vehicles made after 1996.