Chevrolet Fault Codes: Descriptions and Fixes

 

Your vehicle is a necessity; you require it to get around in everyday life. For this reason, you need to ensure your Chevy is always at its optimum. But how can you determine the condition of your vehicle by reading Chevrolet fault codes? More importantly, how can you learn about (and prevent) any diagnostic issues before they become bigger problems than they need to be? The answer to that question can be found in fault codes.

What are Chevrolet Fault Codes?

Chevy fault codes, also referred to as DTCs (diagnostic trouble codes), are unique codes that your vehicle's data processor produces when it detects a malfunction or impairment in your car. They are an alphanumeric combination that acts as a language, communicating between your car's diagnostic system and the technicians servicing it.

Chevy OBD-II Trouble Codes List

There are many Chevrolet fault codes, and unless you're a professional, trying to learn and understand them all is a tall order. However, you can easily familiarize yourself with some of the more common ones. Here's a small list of OBD-II trouble codes and their corresponding meanings:       

  • P0101: Problem with mass airflow sensor
  • P0102: Low mass airflow circuit
  • P0103: High mass airflow circuit
  • P0104: Mass airflow circuit intermittent
  • P0105: Manifold absolute pressure
  • P0106: Manifold absolute pressure/performance problem
  • P0107: Manifold absolute pressure/low barometric pressure circuit
  • P0108: Manifold absolute pressure/high barometric pressure circuit
  • P0109: Manifold absolute pressure/barometric pressure circuit intermittent
  • P0110: Intake air temperature circuit
  • P0111: Intake air temperature circuit range/performance problem
  • P0112: Low intake air temperature circuit
  • P0113: High intake air temperature circuit
  • P0114: Intake air temperature circuit intermittent
  • P0115: Engine coolant temperature circuit malfunction
  • P0116: Engine coolant temperature circuit range/performance problem
  • P0117: Low engine coolant temperature circuit
  • P0118: High engine coolant temperature circuit
  • P0119: Engine coolant temperature circuit intermittent
  • P0120: Throttle/pedal position sensor/switch "A" circuit malfunction
  • P0121: Throttle/pedal position sensor/switch "A" circuit range/performance problem
  • P0122: Throttle/pedal position sensor/switch "A" circuit low input
  • P0123: High throttle/pedal position sensor/switch "A" circuit
  • P0124: Throttle/pedal position sensor/switch "A" circuit intermittent
  • P0125: Insufficient coolant temperature for closed loop fuel control
  • P0126: Insufficient coolant temperature for stable operation
  • P0127: Intake air temperature too high
  • P0128: Coolant thermostat (coolant temperature below thermostat regulating temperature)
  • P0129: Barometric pressure too low
  • P0130: O2 sensor circuit malfunction (bank 1, sensor 1)
  • P0131: O2 sensor circuit low voltage (bank 1, sensor 1)
  • P0132: O2 sensor circuit high voltage (bank 1, sensor 1)
  • P0133: O2 sensor circuit slow response (bank 1, sensor 1)
  • P0134: O2 sensor circuit no activity detected (bank 1, sensor 1)
  • P0135: O2 sensor heater circuit malfunction (bank 1, sensor 1)
  • P0136: O2 sensor circuit malfunction (bank 1, sensor 2)
  • P0137: O2 sensor circuit low voltage (bank 1, sensor 2)
  • P0138: O2 sensor circuit high voltage (bank 1, sensor 2)
  • P0139: O2 sensor circuit slow response (bank 1, sensor 2)
  • P0140: O2 sensor circuit no activity detected (bank 1, sensor 2)

By understanding how to read your OBD-II trouble codes, you can diagnose your own vehicle issues, saving yourself time and money from having to go to the mechanic.

How to Read Chevy Check Engine Light Codes

To decipher check engine light codes, you need to understand that the first character in the code is always one of four letters (B, C, P, U). Here's what each letter represents:

  • B: Body system
  • C: Chassis system
  • P: Powertrain
  • U: Network and vehicle integration system

These letters help you understand which system in your vehicle is experiencing the mechanical issue that's causing the check engine light to appear.

Common Causes of a Check Engine Light

While there are many factors that can contribute to that stubborn check engine light, some of the most common mechanical issues include the following:       

  • Problems With the Fuel System: Whether it's a leak or damaged fuel line in your system, this is a common cause of a check engine light.
  • Faulty Oxygen Sensor: A faulty oxygen sensor imbalances the fuel-to-air mixture, which can lead to poor fuel economy and other internal issues.
  • Malfunctioning Catalytic Converter: Poor acceleration, a sluggish engine, and a persisting check engine light are a few signs of a malfunctioning catalytic converter.
  • Sensor Malfunction: Whether it's environmental factors or wear and tear over time, a sensor malfunction can result in the bright check engine light.
  • Problems With the Ignition System: Symptoms of an ignition system issue can include oil leaks, your vehicle failing to start, and, yes, the check engine light.

Repairing Chevy Check Engine Light Codes

A simple way to repair the Chevy check engine light code is to buy an OBD Reader, scan for codes, then search the codes (a Google search will do the trick), and diagnose which issue is at play. Then, you'll know what parts to remove and replace. After it's all said and done, erase the code to repair the check engine light code.

Service Your Chevy at Colonial Chevrolet

At Colonial Chevrolet, we are a team of specialists here to serve your automotive needs. We help you determine the cause of the Chevrolet fault code. So, if you need mechanical work, maintenance, repairs, wheel alignment, etc., then contact us today to get your Chevy serviced at Colonial Chevrolet.

Schedule Service