P0496 Diagnostic Trouble Code

P0496 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 P0496 diagnostic trouble code may include:

Poor acceleration
Cherry red hot catalytic converter
Possible spark knock (detonation / pre-ignition)
Engine surge

Possible Causes :

Rarely - faulty Powertrain Control Module (PCM-programming required after replacement)
Rough running engine due to misfiring plugs. Many engines have misfire codes to indicate the cylinder effected, such as P0307 for number 7.
A large air leak at or near the number one oxygen sensor would also cause a lean mixture.

Repair Processes :

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. 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.

Process Tips

Diagnostic trouble code P0496 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 P0496.

Fortunately, P0496 is a fairly common OBD code, meaning that it applies to all makes and models of vehicles made after 1996.

P0496 Trouble Code For Specific Cars

P0496 Chevrolet Astrovette Driver Door Handle Circuit Failure
P0496 Jaguar Ss Seat Driver Front Down Circuit Short To Battery
P0496 Oldsmobile Achieva Cylinder 6 Contribution/Balance Fault
P0496 Mitsubishi 380 Audio CD/DJ Internal Fault
P0496 Toyota 700 No Communication With Traffic MasterModule
P0496 Renault Laguna 3 Hazard Flash Output Circuit Failure
P0496 Mitsubishi 3000 ASM Mode Circuit Range/Performance