Error Code P003A: What It Means & What To Do?

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Is your vehicle’s instrument panel flashing Check Engine Light? Is your vehicle giving you serious drivability issues or are you facing problems going up the hill?? All these issues are related to obd error code P003A. OBD error code P003A might also give you abnormal power levels and even low throttle response. For a problem related to so many issues, its needed that you have a deeper knowledge.

Wondering what this alien word obd P003A actually means? Well, in a layman language we can say that it is code indicating a problem with turbocharger/supercharger boost control “A” position. Whenever your vehicle will have an OBD error code P003A, your engine control module will flash a check engine light or CEL. P003A will be activated when the ECM detects that the position of the “A” boost control arm is out of the desired range. To understand this problem further, we need to have a look at some common causes.

What causes this problem with the Turbocharger/Supercharger Boost Control “A” Position?

• Your vehicle’s boost control solenoid might be defective or damaged such as lever being stuck, broken, bent and so on.
• Corrosion of connectors, pins, grounds etc that will cause a high resistance.
• There might be some wiring issues such as frayed, open, short to power, short to ground and so on.
• Some internal issues with engine control module (ECM).
• Some problems with the exhaust systems such as the exhaust leak, incorrect boost levels.
• Issues with boost control module.

1. Turbocharger or supercharger - It will definitely be a good idea replace the defective ones with brand new ones, considering that P003A code indicates issues with your vehicle’s turbocharger or supercharger.
2. Turbo boost control solenoid - Replacing your turbocharger might not be enough to get rid of the issue, you might also have to replace the damaged turbo boost control solenoid.
3. Engine control module - if you need engine control module to correct your obd error code P003A then you can simply browse PartsAvatar Canada and get your hands on the best selection parts available.
4. Boost control module - if you are facing P003A error code with your turbocharger boost control “A” position then you will need Boost Control module for your vehicle.
5. Throttle Body - When it comes to car repairs, there are chances that not only one but several parts are damaged and demand replacement. So is the case with fixing obd code P003A, you might need throttle body and hardware parts to get rid of the issue.
6. Powertrain Control Module - P003A code might not end with just damaging your Turbocharger it might also damage the PCM of your vehicle. You can find powertrain control module with us.
7. Exhaust Parts - Exhaust Leak? It's one of the common symptoms for this code. You will need few exhaust parts to put a stop to those leaks.
8. Wiring Harness - Even your vehicle’s wirings might get damaged. Let’s just replace them to solve the issue completely.
9. Diagnostic Tool - In order to be that DIY guy, you need to few diagnostic tools to get your car problems pointed out easily. Our diagnostic tools collection will come handy to do so, so why not have a look?

Knowing the symptoms of a problem is really important. It will help you not only to understand the problem but also in its easy diagnosis. We at PartsAvatar have worked out a list of few common symptoms related to the error code P003A. Read through this section to learn more about this error code.

Common Symptoms

• You might experience erratic or abnormal power levels.
• Your vehicle might start showing poor drivability symptoms.
• There might be a decrease or fall in throttle response.
• You might experience trouble driving up hills.
• Vehicle may enter the Limp mode.

In order to correct this OBD Code P003A you will need to undergo the following steps and might need the following parts.

• You will need to replace the damaged wiring harnesses.
• You might also need to repair the exhaust leak after diagnosing the damaged exhaust parts or the reason behind the leak.
• Undergo Powertrain Control Module replacement.
• Considering the problem is with the turbocharger or supercharger you will need to get rid off the damaged part with a new one as soon as possible.

Next, you will need to adjust the Turbocharger/Supercharger vanes to proper specifications

In case the problem persists and you need parts to fix it you can easily find them with us. We have stocked a wide range of best priced parts to help you out in fixing your car.

If you really want to be that DIY guy and want to diagnose your vehicle’s problem yourself you will need to keep in mind the following precautions

• Take into consideration that the forced induction system generates a dangerous amount of heat and can potentially burn your skin.
• If you can manually move the lever from the solenoid to the charger housing, you can consider that as a good in sign.
• Take care of the charger components, DO NOT damage them as they are quite expensive.
• Pay proper attention to the harnesses going to the boost solenoid.

Common mistakes when diagnosing the P003A code

Few of the common mistakes that you can commit while diagnosing this P003A generic obd codes are listed as follows:

• Failing to verify the P003A OBD Error Code.
• Failed inspection of the turbocharger or supercharger
• Not clearing the P003A code after making repairs

P003B - Turbocharger/Supercharger Boost Control "B" Position Exceeded Learning Limit