P02E3

What it means

P02E3 means the engine control unit has detected a high voltage or signal condition in the control circuit for the diesel intake air flow actuator (circuit 'A'), typically the intake throttle or air flow valve. The control unit commands the actuator and monitors the circuit, and it set the code because the signal or feedback was higher than expected. The exact actuator and how it is monitored depend on the vehicle and engine.

Symptoms

• Engine warning light on
• Reduced power or the car going into limp mode
• Poor or uneven idle
• Rough running or hesitation under load
• Engine stalling or difficulty restarting
• Excess smoke or higher fuel consumption

Possible causes

• Faulty intake air flow or throttle actuator (internal motor or position sensor fault)likely
• Damaged, chafed or corroded wiring to the actuator, including a short to voltagelikely
• Poor connection at the actuator or control unit connector (corrosion, bent or loose pins)likely
• Actuator seized or sticking due to carbon and soot build-uppossible
• Low or unstable supply voltage or poor earth affecting the circuitpossible
• Faulty engine control unit driver circuitrare
• Outdated control unit software where the manufacturer has a known fixrare

How to diagnose

1. Read all stored and pending codes and record the freeze frame data, noting any other air flow, boost or supply voltage codes.
2. Visually inspect the actuator, its wiring and connectors for chafing, heat damage, oil contamination, corrosion and bent pins.
3. Check the battery condition and charging voltage, as low or unstable voltage can cause control circuit faults.
4. Use a scan tool with live data to compare the commanded and actual actuator position, and run the actuator test if the vehicle supports it.
5. Check the actuator for sticking or heavy carbon deposits and make sure it moves freely through its full range.
6. With the connector disconnected, test the wiring for shorts to voltage, open circuits and high resistance, and check the earths, following the manufacturer's wiring diagram.
7. Measure the actuator's supply, signal and earth at the connector and check its resistance against the manufacturer's specification.
8. Check for any applicable software updates or technical bulletins for the model and engine.

How to fix

• Repair or replace damaged wiring and fix any short to voltage.
• Clean or repair corroded or loose connectors and terminals.
• Clean the actuator and intake passages if carbon build-up is the cause, or replace the actuator if it is worn or faulty.
• Replace the intake air flow or throttle actuator if it fails electrical or movement tests.
• Repair charging or earth faults found in the supply checks.
• Update the control unit software if the manufacturer lists it as a fix for this fault, or repair or replace the control unit only once all other causes are ruled out.

Can I keep driving?

Nearby codes

• P02E2GenericDiesel Intake Air Flow A Control Circuit Low
• P02E4GenericDiesel Intake Air Flow A Control Stuck Open