U0196 Diagnostic Trouble Code

U0196 is a kind of OBD-II Diagnostic U-Network 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 U0196 diagnostic trouble code may include:

Poor fuel economy
Possible spark knock (detonation / pre-ignition)
Misfire
Diminished fuel efficiency

Possible Causes :

Faulty IMRC actuator/sensor
A large vacuum leak would cause a massive amount of un-metered air to enter the intake manifold resulting in an overly lean mixture.
A large air leak at or near the number one oxygen sensor would also cause a lean mixture.

Repair Processes :

If the scan tool has that capability, and the scan tool can operate the IMRC valves, then the problem is either resolved and a simple code clearing is all that's left or a new PCM would be called for. 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. Find out what kind of system you have and verify that voltage to the fuel level sensor is present at the fuel pump wiring harness.

Process Tips

Diagnostic trouble code U0196 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 U0196.

Fortunately, U0196 is a fairly common OBD code, meaning that it applies to all makes and models of vehicles made after 1996.

U0196 Trouble Code For Specific Cars

U0196 Ford Ecosport Mass or Volume Air flow Circuit High Input
U0196 Daimler Sp Heated Backlite Relay Circuit Open
U0196 Panoz Q9 Driver Power Window Up Switch Circuit Failure
U0196 Opel Concept Decklid Release Circuit Failure
U0196 Peerless 33.8 Hp Drivers Seat Belt Buckle Switch Circuit Open
U0196 Toyota Hmv Oil Level Lamp Circuit Short To Ground
U0196 Denzel Sport Hydraulic Pump Relay Circuit / Open