P003A code is the most common DTC for diesel vehicles with Duramax engines. However majority number of car owners don’t know what is P003A Code Duramax. Most of you become frustrated and confused after getting the trouble code on scanner’s display. The P003A code is stored on the car’s computer when the VGT vanes can’t move open to closed position quickly.
It can happen due to plenty of reasons including faulty VGT position sensor and Turbocharger vane position sensor. Though you can continue driving your car with the P003A code, it’s better to solve the issue cheaper before it damages the other valuable parts.
Article Summary
What is P003A Error Code of Duramax Engine
The P003A trouble code on the Duramax engine stands for turbocharger or supercharger boost control A position exceeded. It also indicates that the ECM (Electronic Computer Module) detects an issue in the supercharger system or the turbocharger. More specifically if the reading becomes more than the acceptable parameters regarding the engine’s boost, the P003A error codes can store in the car’s display.
It can cause the engine to rev up and can damage other system components like rockers or push pads due to an inaccurate range of motion. Boost conditions can also cause a loss of control over the boost. So the car can activate limp mode to avoid engine damage.
The severity of P003A ranges from moderate to high. So ignoring the issue too long can damage your car’s internal engine parts significantly. To avoid the consequences, check the vehicle with an expert mechanic after retrieving the error code.
Common Causes of P003A Code Duramax
When the ECM detects an inaccurate range of motion within the supercharger or turbo, it registers the P003A error code and triggers a check engine light. The t4rouble code can register due to plenty of reasons including VGT turbocharger beyond calibration, failure of Turbocharger vane control actuator solenoid, PCM, internal turbocharger, or Turbocharger vane position sensor.
1. Faulty VGT Position Sensor
If your car’s check engine light comes on and off periodically and the P003A code is registered, it can be the result of sticking a unison ring within the turbo. If the turbo is stuck, the vanes won’t move after getting the direction of the engine computer. It can occur if the VGT (Variable Geometry Turbocharger) position sensor is gummed up with carbon or soot.
To fix the problem, you’ll have to monitor what the engine computer is requesting and the relation of the turbo vanes to those prompts using a tech 2 scan. If the test finds that the VGT position sensor is faulty, you have to replace it.
You will also perform VGT Learn. If the VGT sensor doesn’t recalibrate, the unison ring is moving the turbo vanes at a time. To fix the issue, remove the turbo and clean the unison ring or replace the turbo. It may take an hour to clean the turbo and let you drive another 40,000 miles without the P003A code. Replacing the turbo may take 8 to 10 hours and cost around $2500.
2. Vane Position Sensor Malfunction
Another common reason that causes the P003A code on Duramax is a faulty turbocharger van position sensor. However, before checking the vane position sensor, you must ensure all the circuits are okay.
If the sensor is faulty, you have to get it relearned at an auto repair shop or replace the sensor. Though it’s easier to replace the faulty vane position sensor, still the service center can charge around $650.
3. Bad Engine Control Module (ECM)
If you have recently replaced the turbocharger of your vehicle with Duramax and notice the P003A code stored on the computer, check the ECM. The ECM can cause this issue if it struggles to accept the new unit. To fix this problem, you have to dyno-tune the car so the ECM can accept the new unit. In this case, you’ll require an expert’s help.
4. Defective Vane Control Solenoid
Some cars with Duramax experience reduced engine performance due to faulty vane control solenoids. It can store the P003A error code on the car’s computer. To fix the issue, you have to replace the bad solenoid.
However, before replacing the solenoid, try solving the issue by cleaning the unit. The code should disappear if only the sticky turbo vane triggered it.
Symptoms of P003A Duramax Engine Code
The main symptom of P003A is an activated check engine light. The car with a Duramax engine may show various other symptoms like:
- Activate Imp mode
- Reduced fuel economy
- Poor drivability
- Unusual stopping and odd noise from the idle engine
- Decreased throttle response
- Erratic power levels
- Trouble driving uphill
How to Diagnose P003A Error Code?
To diagnose the causes of P003A physically, start and run the car’s engine to an operating temperature. Now check the turbocharger vane position control solenoid valve’s resistance and it should be around 3 to 7 ohms. If it’s in good condition, perform the turbo learn using a scan tool. If the code still exists, inspect the vane position sensor while commanding boost with a scanner.
Make sure the original vane position matched the required vane position. If the original oscillates over 5% before stabilizing the required position, check the turbocharger’s oil pressure. Then inspect the solenoid for gunk or sludge build-up. If you find the solenoid valve faulty, replace it.
If the original position doesn’t increase to 100% as you command, perform the test a couple of times. Another thing to check is the place where the original position stops. If it stops close to the same value, check the turbo’s unison ring.
It can be stuck in place. If so, you have to replace the turbo. However, testing the underlying issues of the P003A can be difficult particularly if you have limited skill and tools. So it’s better to seek the aid of a mechanic.
Mistakes while Diagnosing P003A Duramax Error Code
When diagnosing the P003A code Duramax, many car owners or even some mechanics forget to verify the P003A. Some people also fail to check the supercharger or turbocharger physically. Some car owners also make silly mistakes like forgetting to clear the error code after repairing the vehicle.
Cost of Diagnosing P003A Code
Problems with Duramax engine can show P003A error code due to plenty of reasons. So it needs to diagnose the exact reasons that trigger the trouble code. However, the cost of diagnosing the P003A code varies depending on the vehicle’s makes, models, and years.
It also varies depending on the service center where you take the car for diagnosis. For example, Yourmechanic charges $159.99 to diagnose Ford, and Toyota charges $164.99 to diagnose BMV. However, they also provide 12 month or 12,000-mile warranty.
How to Fix the P003A Duramax Code
After validating the P003A error code using the scanning tool, you may need to make some repairs to fix the code. For a temporary fix, remove the turbo, disassemble it, and clean the rust between the cartridge and unison ring.
This way you can keep running the vehicle without having a P003A code. However, the code can come out if the turbo rusted again. To fix the problem permanently, you may need to replace the faulty turbo and install extra pins to keep the unison ring and boost longevity.
You may also make sure that the solenoid or vane position sensor is moving freely and aren’t stuck. Then inspect the solenoid and position sensor wiring for malfunctioning due to high pressure. If the P003A trouble code still exists, you may need to fix the turbocharger or its internal issue. If you can’t clear the error code, bring the car to a license service center
FAQs on P003A Error Code
Can You Keep Driving the Vehicle with P003A Code?
Your vehicle will run even after registering the P003A trouble code on the computer. But the vane’s excessive range of motion with the supercharger or turbocharger can harm various components like a rocker or push pad. So you shouldn’t continue driving the car with the P003A error code. Instead, diagnose the car and fix the issue with the aid of a professional mechanic before it brings worse consequences.
How much does it Cost to Fix P003A?
It varies depending on the car’s model, symptoms, and service center. However, most auto repair shop charges between $75 and $150 per hour to fix the P003A error code.
What does P003A Code 6.6 Duramax Mean?
It means the unison ring inside the turbo of the 6.6-liter LBZ Duramax is sticking and preventing the vanes from moving following the engine computer’s direction. Hence the P003A diagnostic trouble code (DTC) is stored on the computer.
Final Words
If your vehicle with Duramax engine showing the P003A code, check the condition of the turbocharger or supercharger. If you find the VGT turbine vanes can’t move from 0% to 100% fast enough, bring it to the nearest service center. Though ignoring the error code won’t cause immediate harm, waiting for too long will increase the cost of repair.
