Is your Buick’s check engine light illuminated? If yes, it indicates that the onboard computer has detected an issue in your vehicle’s engine emission system. To identify and resolve the issue, you need a code. With the help of the code, the problem can be easily identified.
In this blog article, we discuss the complete list of Buick check engine light codes and provide a description for each code.
Buick check engine light code details:
Below are detailed descriptions of Buick check engine light codes.
1: Loose Gas Cap:
1.1: P0442: Evaporative Emission Control System, with each code m Leak Detected (Small Leak): The PCM (Powertrain Control Module) has detected a small leak in the evaporative emission control system. This often occurs due to a loose gas cap or small leaks in the system.
1.2: P0456: Evaporative Emission System Leak Detected (Very Small Leak): The PCM has detected a very small leak in the evaporative emission system. This can be caused by issues such as a loose or damaged gas cap.
2: Faulty Oxygen Sensor:
2.1: P0130: Oxygen Sensor Circuit Malfunction (Bank 1, Sensor 1): The oxygen sensor circuit has malfunctioned in the first bank, the first sensor. This indicates a problem with the oxygen sensor or its circuit.
2.2: P0131: Oxygen Sensor Circuit Low Voltage (Bank 1, Sensor 1): The voltage from the oxygen sensor in the first bank, the first sensor, is too low. This may indicate a faulty sensor or a wiring issue.
2.3: P0135: Oxygen Sensor Heater Circuit Malfunction (Bank 1, Sensor 1): The heater circuit in the oxygen sensor in the first bank, the first sensor has malfunctioned. This often points to a problem with the sensor’s heating element.
3: Malfunctioning Mass Air Flow Sensor:
3.1: P0101: Mass or Volume Air Flow Circuit Range/Performance Problem: The mass air flow sensor is reporting a range or performance issue. This can be due to problems with the sensor or issues affecting airflow.
3.2: P0102: Mass or Volume Air Flow Circuit Low Input: The mass air flow sensor is reporting a low input. This may be caused by a malfunctioning sensor or problems with the air intake system.
3.3: P0103: Mass or Volume Air Flow Circuit High Input: The mass air flow sensor is reporting a high input. This can indicate issues such as a clogged air filter or problems with the sensor itself.
4: Faulty Spark Plugs:
4.1: P0300: Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected: The PCM has detected misfires in multiple cylinders. This can be caused by various factors, including faulty spark plugs, ignition coils, or fuel delivery issues.
4.2: P0301 – P0312: Cylinder Misfire Detected (Cylinder 1 – Cylinder 12): The PCM has detected misfires in the specified cylinder. This can be caused by problems with spark plugs, ignition coils, fuel injectors, or compression issues.
5: Bad Catalytic Converter:
5.1: P0420: Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1): The catalytic converter in Bank 1 is not operating at the expected efficiency level. This may indicate a problem with the converter, such as clogging or deterioration.
5.2: P0430: Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 2): The catalytic converter in Bank 2 is not operating at the expected efficiency level. Similar to P0420, this points to potential issues with the converter on the other bank.
Conclusions:
In conclusion, understanding and addressing Buick check engine light codes are crucial for maintaining the health and performance of your vehicle. If your check engine light is illuminated, it serves as an alert that the onboard computer has identified an issue within the engine emission system.
This comprehensive guide has provided detailed descriptions for common Buick check engine light codes, including those related to a loose gas cap, faulty oxygen sensor, malfunctioning mass air flow sensor, faulty spark plugs, and a bad catalytic converter. Each code comes with a specific definition, aiding in the identification of potential problems and guiding you toward appropriate solutions.
It’s recommended to use an OBD-II scanner to retrieve the specific trouble code and consult the provided descriptions. Seeking assistance from a qualified mechanic or referencing a repair manual for your specific Buick model can further ensure accurate diagnosis and appropriate resolution.
