P120A Alfa Romeo Gp159 Diagnostic Trouble Code

P120A Alfa Romeo Gp159 code definition:
P120A is a kind of OBD-II Diagnostic P-Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code for Alfa Romeo Gp159.

P120A Alfa Romeo Gp159 is defined as Ignition Coil B Primary/Secondary Circuit Malfunction.This code is a generic trouble code, meaning it applies to all vehicles equipped with OBD-II tool, or vehicles made since 1996 up to present. As you drive and when specific conditions are slowly met, the vapors will gradually purge from the charcoal canister and will get burned within your engine.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a P120A Alfa Romeo Gp159 diagnostic trouble code may include:

Excessive exhaust leak
Hesitation upon acceleration
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illuminated
If the DPF is not cleared the ECU will revert to the "Limp Home Mode" until the situation is corrected

Possible Causes :

A large air leak at or near the number one oxygen sensor would also cause a lean mixture.
Faulty IMRC actuator relay (if equipped)
Low fuel pressure caused by a clogged filter, failing fuel pump, failed fuel pressure regulator or clogged or leaking injectors.

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 :

Look for rubbing, scraping, bare wires, worn spots or melted plastic connectors. Pull the connectors apart and carefully look at the terminals (the metal parts) inside the connectors. With the valve disconnected, the red voltmeter lead should be attached to the IMRC valve power wire and the black voltmeter lead connected to ground. Oxygen sensors signal the engine management computer the amount of oxygen present in the exhaust, which is used in determining and controlling the fuel ratio.

Process Tips

Diagnostic trouble code P120A Alfa Romeo Gp159 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 P120A Alfa Romeo Gp159.

Fortunately, P120A Alfa Romeo Gp159 is a fairly common OBD code, meaning that it applies to all makes and models of vehicles made after 1996.