P173A Austin Sports Diagnostic Trouble Code

P173A Austin Sports code definition:
P173A is a kind of OBD-II Diagnostic P-Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code for Austin Sports.

P173A Austin Sports is a DTC or a diagnostic trouble code. It is a check engine light code which indicates that the catalyst's system efficiency is less than the required threshold. In simple terms, it means that more pollution is added into the air than what was supposed to be because of your car. The PCM then uses this data to provide the right strategies for the fuel delivery and ignition timing of the engine.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a P173A Austin Sports diagnostic trouble code may include:

The light may stay on or light intermittently as the DPF regenerates. The engine will be sluggish on acceleration.
Faulty PCM
If the DPF is not cleared the ECU will revert to the "Limp Home Mode" until the situation is corrected
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.
An air leak forward of the DPF will change the sensor readings resulting in the code

Common Misdiagnoses

TP Sensor Learn Not Complete Problem
Low Coolant Circuit Problem
Cruise Control System - Vehicle Accel Too High Problem
TFP Valve Position Switch-Drive Without Drive Ratio Problem
Problem

Repair Processes :

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

Process Tips

Diagnostic trouble code P173A Austin Sports 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 P173A Austin Sports.

Fortunately, P173A Austin Sports is a fairly common OBD code, meaning that it applies to all makes and models of vehicles made after 1996.