Catalog
OBD-II codes
Look up a code your scanner returned. Each entry covers the generic meaning, the system it points to, the common causes, and the order to check them in.
P0101 Code: MAF Sensor Range / Performance
P0101 means the MAF reading is implausible — usually a dirty sensor, intake leak, or restriction. Cleaning the wire often fixes it for the price of a $8 can of cleaner.
P0171 Code: System Too Lean (Bank 1) — Causes, Diagnosis, and Fixes
P0171 means the engine is running lean and the PCM is adding extra fuel to compensate. About 40% of cases trace to a vacuum leak, 25% to a dirty MAF sensor. Most fixes land between $0 and $300.
P0174 Code: System Too Lean (Bank 2) — V6 and V8 Diagnostic Patterns
P0174 is the Bank 2 sister to P0171 and only appears on V6 and V8 engines. P0171 and P0174 together usually mean a shared cause (intake plenum, big vacuum leak, weak fuel pump). Either code alone points to a bank-specific cause.
P0300 Code: Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire — Causes, Diagnosis, and Fixes
P0300 means the PCM detected misfires on multiple cylinders or could not isolate which cylinder. About half of cases trace to ignition (coils, plugs, wires), 20% to fuel delivery. A flashing check engine light alongside P0300 means stop driving.
P0301 Code: Cylinder 1 Misfire — Causes, Diagnosis, and Fixes
P0301 means the PCM detected misfires only on cylinder #1. Causes range from a $4 spark plug to a $300 injector — here's how to isolate the failure cylinder-by-cylinder.
P0335 Code: Crankshaft Position Sensor Circuit Malfunction
P0335 means the PCM lost the crankshaft position signal. The car may not start, may stall randomly, or may run with intermittent misfires. Here's how to confirm sensor vs wiring vs reluctor.
P0420 Code: Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold — Causes, Diagnosis, and Fixes
P0420 means the catalytic converter is not cleaning exhaust gases efficiently. Causes range from a $100 O2 sensor to a $2,000 catalyst replacement — here's how to tell which fix you need.
P0430 Code: Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 2) — V6 and V8 Engines
P0430 is the Bank 2 sister to P0420 and only appears on V6 and V8 engines. The diagnosis is identical except for which side of the engine you investigate. Causes, costs, and the P0420 + P0430 combination explained.
P0562 Code: System Voltage Low — Causes and Fixes for the Charging System
P0562 means the PCM measured system voltage below about 10 V. The single most common cause is alternator failure. Often appears alongside the battery warning light. Most fixes land between $130 and $750.
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