P1A81 Dodge Kahuna Diagnostic Trouble Code

P1A81 Dodge Kahuna code definition:
P1A81 is a kind of OBD-II Diagnostic P-Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code for Dodge Kahuna.

P1A81 Dodge Kahuna is described as Oxygen Sensor Circuit No Activity Detected Bank 2 Sensor 1. This code appears when the PCM (powertrain control module, also known as ECM or engine control module in other brands) remains at or close the 0.450 set voltage point. 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 P1A81 Dodge Kahuna diagnostic trouble code may include:

Engine surge
Blown fuse (if applicable)
Lack of power
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.
Rarely - faulty Powertrain Control Module (PCM-programming required after replacement)

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 :

Once located, visually inspect the connectors and wiring. Look for rubbing, scraping, bare wires, worn spots or melted plastic connectors. 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. 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 P1A81 Dodge Kahuna 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 P1A81 Dodge Kahuna.

Fortunately, P1A81 Dodge Kahuna is a fairly common OBD code, meaning that it applies to all makes and models of vehicles made after 1996.