P0356 Volkswagen Fox Diagnostic Trouble Code

P0356 Volkswagen Fox code definition:
P0356 is a kind of OBD-II Diagnostic P-Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code for Volkswagen Fox.

P0356 Volkswagen Fox 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 P0356 Volkswagen Fox diagnostic trouble code may include:

Vacuum leak on the engine
Reduction in engine performance, especially at low RPM levels
Engine surge
The light may stay on or light intermittently as the DPF regenerates. The engine will be sluggish on acceleration.

Possible Causes :

Low fuel pressure caused by a clogged filter, failing fuel pump, failed fuel pressure regulator or clogged or leaking injectors.
Low fuel pressure caused by a clogged filter, failing fuel pump, failed fuel pressure regulator or clogged or leaking injectors.
Rarely - faulty Powertrain Control Module (PCM-programming required after replacement)

Common Misdiagnoses

Control Module Throttle Actuator Position Performance Problem
Air Conditioning (A/C) Clutch Feedback Circuit High Voltage Problem
Cruise Vehicle Speed/Set Speed Difference Too High Problem
Kick-Down Switch Failed Short Problem
Park/Neutral Postion (PNP) Switch Circuit Engine Torque Signal Circuit Problem

Repair Processes :

Look for damage to the tank indicating impact that may have damaged the fuel pump or sender. Replace the oxygen sensor that is downstream from the catalytic converter on the side of the engine that does not contain cylinder #1. Also, if a oxygen sensor code stating "heater circuit malfunction" the sensor has most probably failed. If all testing has passed so far yet you still have the same code, check your scan tool and see if it can open and close the IMRC valve.

Process Tips

Diagnostic trouble code P0356 Volkswagen Fox 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 P0356 Volkswagen Fox.

Fortunately, P0356 Volkswagen Fox is a fairly common OBD code, meaning that it applies to all makes and models of vehicles made after 1996.