P1496

What it means

P1496 on a Plymouth means the powertrain control module (PCM) has detected that the regulated 5 volt reference supply it sends to its sensors is too low. Many engine sensors share this supply, so a fault on it can upset several readings at once. The code sets when the monitored 5 volt output falls below the expected range, typically from a short to ground on a sensor circuit, a faulty sensor pulling the supply down, or a problem inside the PCM.

Symptoms

• Malfunction indicator lamp on
• Poor running, hesitation or lack of power
• Rough or unstable idle
• Engine stalling or hard starting
• Several other sensor fault codes stored at the same time
• Car may run in limp-in mode

Possible causes

• A sensor on the shared 5 volt supply has failed internally and is pulling the voltage down (for example throttle position, MAP, or other 5 volt sensors, depending on model and engine)likely
• Wiring short to ground on the 5 volt supply circuit, from chafed or damaged harness insulationlikely
• Water ingress, corrosion or damaged pins in a sensor or PCM connectorpossible
• Short between the 5 volt supply and a sensor signal or ground wirepossible
• Poor PCM ground or low battery or system voltage affecting the regulated outputpossible
• Internal fault in the PCM 5 volt regulatorrare

How to diagnose

1. Read all stored and pending codes and note freeze frame data; look for other sensor circuit codes that point to a shared supply fault
2. Check battery and charging voltage, and inspect the PCM and engine ground connections for security and corrosion
3. Visually inspect the engine harness and sensor connectors for chafing, melted insulation, water, corrosion or pushed-out pins
4. With the ignition on, measure the 5 volt reference at the sensors on the shared supply, using the wiring diagram for the specific model and engine
5. Unplug the sensors on the 5 volt supply one at a time and watch whether the voltage recovers; the sensor that restores it is the faulty one
6. With the PCM and sensors disconnected, test the supply wire for a short to ground or to other circuits
7. If the wiring and sensors are all sound, check PCM power and ground supplies before suspecting the PCM itself
8. After repair, clear the codes and road test to confirm the code does not return

How to fix

• Replace the sensor that is pulling the 5 volt supply down
• Repair or replace the damaged section of wiring causing the short
• Clean or replace corroded or damaged connectors and terminals
• Repair poor battery, charging or ground connections
• Replace or have the PCM repaired or reprogrammed only once all wiring and sensors are proven good

Can I keep driving?

This code for other makes

• P1496Dodge5 Volt Supply Output Too Low
• P1496Jeep5 Volt Supply Output Too Low
• P1496KiaEGR Stepper Motor Malfunction Circuit 1 1.8L
• P1496Mitsubishi5 Volt Supply Output Too Low
• P1496Pontiac5 Volt Supply Output Too Low

Nearby codes

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