P0396 Diagnostic Trouble Code

P0396 is a kind of OBD-II Diagnostic P-Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code.

It is considered generic because it applies to all makes and models of vehicles, although specific repair steps may be different depending on your car model.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a P0396 diagnostic trouble code may include:

The engine oil will exhibit dilution from the ECUs attempts to increase engine temperature. Some vehicles advance the fuel injection timing slightly after top center to afterburn a small amount of fuel to increase exhaust temperatures. Some of this fuel enters the crankcase. When the ECU determines the necessity to regenerate the DPF, the service life of the oil be shortened significantly
Faulty or damaged wiring
Hesitation upon acceleration
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.
Defective ECU strategies or components will prevent proper regeneration

Repair Processes :

Pack the connector cavity with dielectric silicone compound (same stuff they use for light bulb sockets and spark plug wires) and reassemble. 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.

Process Tips

Diagnostic trouble code P0396 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 P0396.

Fortunately, P0396 is a fairly common OBD code, meaning that it applies to all makes and models of vehicles made after 1996.

P0396 Trouble Code For Specific Cars

P0396 Toyota Gaia Oil Change Reset Button Circuit Failure
P0396 Mercedes-benz 230 Air Bag Passenger Circuit Open
P0396 Mazda Axela Ii Transmission Transfer Case Counter Clockwise Shift Relay Coil Circuit Failure
P0396 Hudson Jet Right Front Center Sensor Circuit Short to Vbat
P0396 Champion 400 Door Lock Cylinder Circuit Failure
P0396 Mg Rv11 Air Temperature External Sensor Circuit Short To Ground
P0396 Peugeot Rifter Engine Oil Pressure Sensor/Switch Circuit Malfunction