U0197 Ford Thunderbird Diagnostic Trouble Code

U0197 Ford Thunderbird code definition:
U0197 is a kind of OBD-II Diagnostic U-Network Diagnostic Trouble Code for Ford Thunderbird.

U0197 Ford Thunderbird is defined as Camshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Low. This means the CMP (camshaft position) sensor circuit on engine bank 1 sends an irregular reading. 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 U0197 Ford Thunderbird diagnostic trouble code may include:
Place of U0197 in engine

Possible Causes :

  • Some aftermarket accessories and performance modifications
  • A faulty oxygen sensor. This will set a code in itself, however, a faulty oxygen sensor does not automatically condemn the sensor. The code just means that the sensor signal was not within specifications. An air leak or any of the above will cause an erroneous signal. There is a multitude of O2 codes relating to O2 performance which gives a clue to the problematic area.
  • Rough running engine due to misfiring plugs. Many engines have misfire codes to indicate the cylinder effected, such as P0307 for number 7.

Common Misdiagnoses

  1. IC Circuit High Voltage Problem
  2. Control Module Throttle Actuator Position Performance Problem
  3. Air Conditioning (A/C) Clutch Feedback Circuit High Voltage Problem
  4. Cruise Vehicle Speed/Set Speed Difference Too High Problem
  5. PCM Stack Overrun Problem

Repair Processes :

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. 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. 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.

Process Tips

Diagnostic trouble code U0197 Ford Thunderbird 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 U0197 Ford Thunderbird.

Fortunately, U0197 Ford Thunderbird is a fairly common OBD code, meaning that it applies to all makes and models of vehicles made after 1996.

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