P03CA De Soto Fireflite Diagnostic Trouble Code

P03CA De Soto Fireflite code definition:
P03CA is a kind of OBD-II Diagnostic P-Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code for De Soto Fireflite.

P03CA De Soto Fireflite 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 P03CA De Soto Fireflite diagnostic trouble code may include:

Blown fuse (if applicable)
Engine surge
Reduction in engine performance, especially at low RPM levels
Rich or lean exhaust

Possible Causes :

Faulty IMRC actuator relay (if equipped)
A large air leak at or near the number one oxygen sensor would also cause a lean mixture.
Dirty air cleaner element Damaged DPF

Common Misdiagnoses

IC Circuit High Voltage Problem
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
PCM Stack Overrun Problem

Repair Processes :

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. 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 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.

Process Tips

Diagnostic trouble code P03CA De Soto Fireflite 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 P03CA De Soto Fireflite.

Fortunately, P03CA De Soto Fireflite is a fairly common OBD code, meaning that it applies to all makes and models of vehicles made after 1996.