Error Code P023A: What It Means & What To Do?

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If you are struggling with issues like reduced power form the engine, increased fuel consumption, irregular throttle response and Check Engine Light on, there it might be due the OBD Error Code P023A.

OBD-II Code Wiring issue is defined as a Charge Air Cooler Coolant Pump Control Circuit/Open.

A Charge Air Cooler is another term for what is known as an Intercooler usually found on turbocharged/supercharged vehicles. The air compressed by the turbocharger/supercharger becomes very hot due to high pressure. That hot air enters the Charge Air Cooler where it cools down. That cool air then enters the engine. If there was no Charge Air Cooler then the air entering the engine would be hot causing the engine to run very inefficiently and possibly causing engine knock.

OBD code P023A is stored in the PCM when the coolant pump control circuit in open. The major reason can be obstruction in the pump opening causing electrical value to go out of range or can be electrical wiring getting worn out. Thus, there can be both electrical and mechanical problems associated with this error.

What causes the problem with the Charge Air Cooler Coolant Pump Control Circuit Open?

• Faulty Charge Air Cooler Coolant Pump
• Charge Air Cooler Coolant Pump harness is open or shorted
• Charge Air Cooler Coolant Pump circuit poor electrical connection
• ECM (Engine Control Module) issue

1. Engine Control Module - OBD Error Code P023A can also be due to faulty ECMs. It’s better to get the faulty electricals replaced as soon as possible.
2. Air Cooler Coolant Pump - Sometimes the coolant pump can be faulty, thus giving wrong reading to the PCM by not functioning properly. Buy new pump and replace the old one now!
3. Air Cooler Coolant Pump Harness - If the harness is faulty/damaged, it will result in improper functioning of the pump. Replace it immediately.
4. Coolant Hoses/Pipes - Damaged hoses can be a mechanical issue that can be resolved to solve the problem. Repair or replace the hoses as required.
5. Intercoolers - An intercooler is an intake air cooling device commonly used on turbocharged and supercharged engines. An intercooler cools the air compressed by the turbo/supercharger, reducing its temperature and thereby increasing the density of the air supplied to the engine. Visit us to buy quality intercooler today!
6. Coolant/Antifreeze - Check for proper levels of antifreeze and of proper specification too. Keeps the levels full. Buy now!
7. Cooling System - Check for different types of auto cooling system and replace the faulty parts with new ones. Check the latest collection now!
8. Diagnostic Tool - In order to detect the error, one needs high grade diagnostic tools. Visit us today to grab amazing deals.

It is important to notice the symptoms before going for any type of diagnosis. Different symptoms can lead to an entirely different problem and an entirely different faulty component. Thus, proper tools need to be used by a technician to examine the vehicle before coming to the conclusion.

Common Symptoms

• Check Engine Light is On
• Vehicle running in Limp Mode for the protection of the engine
• Loss of engine power due to inefficient fuel combustion
• Increased fuel consumption

Some of the common fixes that can be used to counter the OBD Error Code P023A are as follows;

• Checking of the reference voltage side of the Sensor Circuit: Keep the ignition on and check for a 5-volt reference from the PCM at the charge air cooler temperature sensor terminals. Connect the meter set to ohms (with the ignition off) between the reference voltage pin on the CACT and the reference voltage pin on the PCM, if no reference signal was found. If the meter reads out of limits (OL) there is an open circuit between the PCM and sensor that needs to be located and repaired. If the meter reads a numeric value, there is continuity in the circuit.
• Next you have to check that there is 5-volts coming out of the PCM at the reference voltage terminal. If there is not, then the PCM is probably faulty.
• Checking the ground side of the circuit: With the ignition off, connect the circuit between the ground terminal on the charge air cooler temperature sensor and the ground terminal on the PCM. If the meter reads out of limits (OL) there is an open circuit between the PCM and sensor that will need to be located and repaired.
• Final check includes checking if the PCM has a good ground. It is done by attaching PCM ground terminal and the chassis ground. Once again, if the meter reads out of limits (OL) there is an open circuit between the PCM and ground that will need to be located and repaired.

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A qualified technician who has the knowledge of industrial grade diagnostic tools should be recommended for the diagnosis Error P023A. Proper checks of the wirings and connectors as well as sensors, ECM/PCM fuel delivery system, transmission system, etc., should be done. Following are some points to be taken care of during the diagnosis.

• First, locate the IC (Intercooler also known as Charge Air Cooler). Usually, these are located in a location where they can receive optimal air flow (e.g. front of radiator, inside front bumper, under hood). Once located, find the coolant lines/ pipes in order to trace back to the coolant pump. It could be difficult to find because they are generally mounted inline of coolant flow so keep that in mind. Given the temperatures that the coolant system is exposed to, inspect the harness around the area thoroughly for signs of melting harness' or things of that nature.
• Verify the integrity of your cooling system. Check your coolant levels and also the health of the coolant. Make sure it is clean and full before proceeding.
• Measure and record the integrity of the charge air cooler control circuit. Equipped with a multimeter and the appropriate wiring harness, independently test the control circuit. This may involve disconnecting the connector at the ECM (Engine Control Module) and the other end at the coolant pump. Refer to your wiring diagram for specific wiring colours and test procedures.
• Test the coolant pump depending on your particular system. Refer to service manual before proceeding, because this very well may not be applicable to you. Equipped with a 12-volt source and a good ground you could remove the coolant pump from the vehicle (this may include draining the system), and power it up to see if it fires up at all. If so, make sure it can transfer fluid as well.
• ECM diagnosing is always a last resort but sometimes it can be done with relative ease. It usually involves doing a pinout test at the ECM itself and compare your recordings to desired values. I will stress the point that every other diagnostic strategy should be exhausted beforehand.

Common Mistakes When Diagnosing OBD Code P023A

Some of the common mistakes done while changing diagnosing the OBD code P023A are:

• Improper assessment of the Intercooler pump and circuit
• Simply replacing the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) without considering other possibilities of problem
• Not noticing the damaged or loosened wiring and circuit problems