Chrysler PT Cruiser Computer Codes

Getting the codes

All Chrysler vehicles with fuel injection have had some form of "error checking." In many older vehicles, a person could easily turn the key back and forth a few times to get a two-digit code. With the PT Cruiser, a longer code seems to be used. In addition, as with all vehicles sold in the United States, the system is OBDC3 compatible, so that a standard diagnostic device can be plugged into a standard jack to get computer codes.

When some problems are found, the computer lights up the "engine light;" others are ignored until a mechanic asks for them. The "engine light" stays on when a serious emissions or engine problem is found, until the code is erased.

Chrysler vehicles have a "limp in" mode which reverts to a pre-programmed "guessing map" for timing, fuel delivery, etc. when a critical sensor fails. Those who have been in other cars when their oxygen sensor failed can feel grateful for this feature, though it can be confusing - for example, in some (maybe all) models, the automatic transmission is limited to second gear! The engine light also turns itself on for two seconds every time the car is started so you will know the bulb still works.

The "engine light" may shut itself off if there are no problems for three consecutive trips, or three consecutives engine misfire or fuel system tests with no problems.

To get the codes, move the key from Run to Off to Run to Off to Run within five seconds. It does not always work the first time. (Run is JUST before Start). The code will show up in the odometer - thank your lucky stars for this, since the codes used to get blinked on the engine light. Alan Borgolotto noted that “if you do it too quickly it doesnt work (got to wait to see the odometer light up” and that if you have no codes, the odometer will say “done.” 

Another method which may in most cars just test the instrument panel is to put the key into the ignition, push down the odometer reset button, then turn the key to RUN with your finger on the button - and then release the button. The odometer will go through 1111111 through 999999, then display the car's serial number and some other, irrelevant information, then show the error codes starting with P. Note that this method may not work. It's easier but not necessarily better.

You can also get the codes using an OBDC III scan tool. That's the best way to do it, but not everyone wants to spend the cash on these tools.

No matter which method you use, some codes will not appear - codes specific to Chrysler such as individual transmission malfunction codes. Dealers and some specialty shops can get these using a terribly expensive scan tool.

Information source: http://www.mypage.onemain.com/gh1006517/ptcruiser/diagnostics.htm (may no longer be up)

The codes and what they mean

Not all codes are relevant to the PT Cruiser! Codes may start with a "P" in your odometer.

Code	What it means
30	Sensor heater relay problem
36	Sensor heater relay problem
106	MAP sensor voltage out of range detected at startup
107	MAP sensor voltage too low
108	MAP sensor voltage too high
112	Intake air temperature sensor voltage low
113	Intake air (charge) temperature sensor voltage high
116	Coolant temparature sensor reading doesn't make sense
117	Engine coolant temperature sensor voltage low
118	Engine coolant temperature sensor voltage high
121	Throttle position sensor and MAP sensor disagree with each other
122	Throttle position sensor voltage low
123	Throttle position sensor voltage high
125	Taking too long to reach proper operating temparature and switch to energy-efficient mode
129	Bad barometric pressure sensor (thanks, John King)
130	Sensor heater relay problem
131	Oxygen sensor seems to be shorted out or broken
147	Oxygen sensor heater element not working properly (this device helps to reduce emissions more quickly)
151	Oxygen sensor voltage problem - short circuit to ground?
152	Oxygen sensor voltage problem - short circuit to active 12V?
153	Oxygen sensor response too slow
154	Oxygen sensor does not show either a rich or lean condition - may need replacement
155	Oxygen sensor heater element not working properly (this device helps to reduce emissions more quickly)
157	Oxygen sensor voltage problem - short circuit to ground?
158	Oxygen sensor voltage problem - short circuit to active 12V?
159	Oxygen sensor response too slow
160	Oxygen sensor does not show either a rich or lean condition - may need replacement
161	Oxygen sensor heater element not working properly (this device helps to reduce emissions more quickly)
171	The oxygen sensor is saying that the system air/fuel mix is far too lean (too much fuel is being added as a correction).
172	The oxygen sensor is saying that the system air/fuel mix is far too rich (too much air is being added as a correction).
174	The oxygen sensor is saying that the system air/fuel mix is far too lean (too much fuel is being added as a correction).
175	The oxygen sensor is saying that the system air/fuel mix is far too rich (too much air is being added as a correction).
176	Flex fuel sensor can't be seen
178	Flex fuel sensor problem
179	Flex fuel sensor problem
182	Compressed natural gas temperature sensor problem
183	Compressed natural gas temperature sensor problem
201	Injector #1 control circuit problem (open or shorted)
202	Injector #2 control circuit problem (open or shorted)
203	Injector #3 control circuit problem (open or shorted)
204	Injector #4 control circuit problem (open or shorted)
300	Misfire detected in multiple cylinders.
301	Misfire detected in cylinder #1.
302	Misfire detected in cylinder #2.
303	Misfire detected in cylinder #3.
304	Misfire detected in cylinder #4.
320	Crankshaft position sensor reference signal cannot be found while the engine is cranking.
325	Knock sensor (#1) signal is wrong.
330	Knock sensor (#2) signal is wrong.
340	No camshaft signal being received by the computer
350	A coil is drawing too much current.
351	Coil #1 is not reaching peak current at the right time
352	Coil #2 is not reaching peak current at the right time
353	Coil #3 is not reaching peak current at the right time
354	Coil #4 is not reaching peak current at the right time
401	A required change in air/fuel mixture was not detected during diagnostic test.
403	An problem was detected in the EGR solenoid control circuit.
404	The EGR sensor's reported position makes no sense
405	EGR position sensor voltage wrong.
406	EGR position sensor voltage wrong.
412	The secondary air solenoid control circuit seems bad (this is used for the aspirator).
420	The catalyst seems inefficient (#1).
432	The catalyst seems inefficient (#2).
440	Evaporative emissions system leak (that's the gas tank fuel vapor recovery system) - usually a loose or bad gas cap.
441	Evaporative purge flow system not working properly
442	A leak has been detected in the evaporative system!
443	Evaporative purge flow system solenoid not working properly
455	A large leak has been detected in the evaporative system!
456	A small leak has been detected in the evaporative system!
460	The fuel level sender is not reporting any change over a long distance. Something seems wrong.
461	The fuel level sender is not reporting any change over a long time. Something seems wrong.
462	Fuel level sender voltage wrong.
463	Fuel level sender voltage wrong.
500	Haven't heard from the speed sensor lately.
505	The idle speed air control motor doesn't seem to be working correctly.
522	Oil pressure sensor problems
523	Oil pressure sensor problems
551	The power steering switch may not be working. (Neons: high pressure is showing up at high speed)
600	Oh-oh! The coprocessors aren't talking to each other within the computer!
601	Internal computer error!
604	Internal computer error! (RAM check)
605	Internal computer error! (ROM)
615	Starter relay circuit problem
622	Generator field control problem
645	A/C clutch relay circuit problem.
700	The automatic transmission computer has a problem - ask it what's going on. I don't know. All I know is that the transmission asked me to turn on the MIL (malfunction indicator light). I did it, didn't I? So why are you bugging ME? ... you may have error code 1776, too. I'd check for that. It's patriotic and more informative.
703	Brake switch circuit information seems wrong.
711	Based on the transmission temperature and its operations, it looks like the transmission temperature sensor's gone bad.
712	Transmission fluid temperature sensor voltage wrong.
713	Transmission fluid temperature sensor voltage wrong.
720	The Output Shaft Speed Sensor doesn't match the reported vehicle speed.
740	The engine's running faster than it should for these speeds, so I think thetorque convertor clutch lock-up system is bad
743	Torque converter clutch (part throttle unlock) solenoid circuit problem - shift solenoid C electrical fault
748	Governor Pressure Solenoid circuit problem (Transmission relay circuit problem in Jeep RE transmissions)
751	Overdrive override switch has been pressed for over five minutes. Just thought you should know.
753	Overdrive solenoid control circuit problem (transmission relay circuit in Jeep RE transmissions.)
756	Shift solenoid B (2-3) fault
783	The overdrive solenoid can't go from 3rd gear to the overdrive gear.
801	Transmission reverse gear lockout solenoid circuit problem!
833	Problem with the clutch-released switch circuit?
1192	Inlet air temperature sensor voltage is wrong
1193	Inlet air temperature sensor voltage is wrong
1194	Oxygen sensor heater performance is faulty
1195	Oxygen sensor is slow
1196	The oxygen sensor switched too slowly (bank 2).
1197	The oxygen sensor switched too slowly (bank 1).
1198	Radiator coolant temperature sensor voltage is wrong.
1199	Radiator coolant temperature sensor voltage is wrong.
1281	The engine is staying cold too long - check your thermostat.
1282	The fuel pump relay circuit seems to be having a problem.
1288	The intake manifold short runner tuning valve circuit seems to be having a problem.
1289	There's a problem in the manifold tuning valve solenoid control circuit.
1290	Compressed natural gas system pressure is too high
1291	The heated air intake sensor does not seem to be working.
1292	Natural gas pressure sensor issue
1293	Natural gas pressure sensor issue
1294	Can't get to target engine speed, check for vacuum leaks and idle speed motor issues.
1295	The throttle position sensor doesn't seem to be getting enough electricity.
1296	The MAP sensor doesn't seem to be getting enough electricity.
1297	The MAP sensor doesn't change its reading when the engine is running!
1298	During wide-open throttle, the engine runs lean.
1299	MAP Sensor and Throttle Position Sensor signals don't match, check for a vacuum leak.
1388	Auto shutdown relay circuit problems?
1389	No Z1 or Z2 voltage seen by the computer when the auto shutdown relay is used.
1390	Cam and crank signals don't match - did the timing belt skip a tooth?
1391	Sometimes, I can't see the crank or cam sensor signal.
1398	I can see the Crank Sensor's signal when I prepare for Misfire Diagnostics. Try replacing it.
1399	Problem in the Wait to Start Lamp circuit - (diesels only?)
1403	EGR position sensor not getting (enough) voltage.
1476	Too little secondary air injection during aspirator test.
1477	Too much secondary air injection during aspirator test.
1478	Battery temperature sensor voltage wrong.
1479	Transmission fan relay circuit problems?
1480	PCV solenoid circuit problems?
1481	Transmission RPM pulse generator signal for misfire detection seems wrong.
1482	Catalyst temperature sensor circuit shorted low.
1483	Catalyst temperature sensor circuit shorted high.
1484	The catalyst seems to be overheating!
1485	Air injection solenoid circuit problems.
1486	Pinched or blocked hose in the evaporative hose system.
1487	Control circuit of the #2 high-speed radiator fan control relay is having problems.
1488	Auxiliary 5-volt sensor feed is too low.
1489	High speed radiator fan control circuit problem.
1490	Low speed radiator fan control circuit problem.
1491	Radiator fan control circuit problem (may be solid state relays as well as other circuits).
1492	Ambient or battery temperature sensor voltage wrong
1493	Ambient or battery temperature sensor voltage wrong
1494	Leak Detection Pump (LDP) pressure switch problem - electrical or the pump itself.
1495	Leak Detection Pump (LDP) pressure switch problem - the solenoid circuit.
1496	Sensor feed is below an acceptable limit. (under 4v for 4 seconds - should be 5v).
1498	High speed radiator fan control circuit problem. (#3 control relay)
1594	Voltage too high in charging system.
1595	Speed control vacuum or vent solenoid control circuits shorted or lost.
1596	Speed control switch always high
1597	Speed control switch always low
1598	A/C pressure sensor voltage high
1599	A/C pressure sensor voltage low
1681	No messages received from the cluster control module (dashboard computer).
1682	Charging system doesn't seem to be working well. Check alternator, etc.
1683	Speed control servo power control circuit problem.
1684	The battery has been disconnected within the last 50 starts.
1685	Invalid key received from the Smart Key Immobilizer Module.
1686	No messages received from the Smart Key Immobilizer Module.
1687	No messages received from the Mechanical Instrument Cluster module.
1693	The companion engine control module has shown a fault.
1694	No messages received from the powertrain control module-Aisin transmission.
1695	No messages received from the body control module.
1696	Unsuccessful attempt to write to an EEPROM location!
1697	Unsuccessful attempt to update Service Reminder Indicator (SRI or EMR) mileage!
1698	No messages received from the electronic transmission control module or the Aisin transmission controller.
1719	Transmission 2-3 gear lockout solenoid control circuit problem.
1740	Either the tcc solenoid or overdrive solenoid systems doesn't seem to be making much sense.
1756	Transmission control pressure not equal to target. (Mid pressure problem)
1757	Transmission control pressure not equal to target. (Zero pressure problem)
1762	The Governor Pressure Sensor input was too high or too low for 3 consecutive park/neutral calibrations.
1763	The Governor Pressure Sensor input is too high
1764	The Governor Pressure Sensor input is too low.
1765	Open or short in the Transmission Relay control circuit.
1776	Chrysler Solenoid Switch Valve Latched in LR Position (this is a transmission issue which may involve replacing the valve body and solenoid pack; on some models there is a TSB on this problem so be firm with your dealer / Chrysler).
1899	The Park/Neutral switch seems to be stuck!