P16AA Gaz M-21 Diagnostic Trouble Code

P16AA Gaz M-21 code definition:
P16AA is a kind of OBD-II Diagnostic P-Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code for Gaz M-21.

P16AA Gaz M-21 is defined as Cylinder 3 Injector Circuit Malfunction. This code means the PCM (powertrain control module, also known as ECM or engine control) has detected a problem in the injector or its wiring, or in injector circuit for cylinder 3. This is because the barometric pressure sensor is part of the MAF sensor. Sometimes, the MAF's sensing wire can accumulate and get covered with dirt, dust and/or oil residue, which can also lead to the error code.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a P16AA Gaz M-21 diagnostic trouble code may include:

Fuel pressure too high
Diminished fuel efficiency
Rich or lean exhaust
If the DPF is not cleared the ECU will revert to the "Limp Home Mode" until the situation is corrected

Possible Causes :

Fuel with a large percentage of sulfur will clog the DPF quickly
The Mass Airflow sensor will also cause this problem. Mass Airflow circuit malfunction.
Faulty IMRC actuator relay (if equipped)

Common Misdiagnoses

Vehicle Speed Output Circuit Problem
Cruise Control Servo Indicates Low Problem
A/C System High Pressure High Temperature Problem
PCM Stack Overrun Problem
Transmission Control Module Reprogrammable Memory Problem

Repair Processes :

Look for damage to the tank indicating impact that may have damaged the fuel pump or sender. 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. Now, clear the codes and test-drive the vehicle to see if the code is reset.

Process Tips

Diagnostic trouble code P16AA Gaz M-21 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 P16AA Gaz M-21.

Fortunately, P16AA Gaz M-21 is a fairly common OBD code, meaning that it applies to all makes and models of vehicles made after 1996.