P0384 Ford Ka Diagnostic Trouble Code

P0384 Ford Ka code definition:
P0384 is a kind of OBD-II Diagnostic P-Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code for Ford Ka.

P0384 Ford Ka 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. Other serious codes may cause this code to pop up, and they may come with dangerous drivability issues that may expose you to safety risks and cause damage to the engine in the long run.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a P0384 Ford Ka diagnostic trouble code may include:

Hesitation upon acceleration
Excessive exhaust leak
Rich or lean exhaust
Lack of power

Possible Causes :

Some aftermarket accessories and performance modifications
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.
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 :

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. 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 you find a related TSB, the information will often help in diagnosing the code in question as TSBs are crested from many thousands of repairs.

Process Tips

Diagnostic trouble code P0384 Ford Ka 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 P0384 Ford Ka.

Fortunately, P0384 Ford Ka is a fairly common OBD code, meaning that it applies to all makes and models of vehicles made after 1996.