Code P03A1 - what is it?

cobracide

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The reason of P03A1 OBD-II Engine Trouble Code is Fuel Rail Pressure Sensor Circuit Malfunction.
P03A1 DTCs may also be triggered by engine faults earlier down the line. For example, a dirty MAF sensor might be causing the car to overcompensate in its fuel-trim adjustments. As a result, oxygen sensors are likely to report fuel mixture problems.
 

5.0 Hatch

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I have a pretty bad miss and I think it's dumping a lot of fuel as well. Rail sensor would make sense but it's not leaking from the vacuum line and the vacuum line doesn't smell like fuel
 

Vinnie_B

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Its a generic fault code and not a ford specific for 2001 cobra. What scan tool are you using to get your fault codes? This might hamper you from going straight to the problem. My guess is your getting a Misfire Detection Monitor fault for some reason. I'd try to scan with a tool that can read ford capable code faults like FORScan.
 
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Vinnie_B

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My guess is it's a PO301 Misfire Detection Monitor


The misfire detection monitor is designed to monitor engine misfire and identify the specific cylinder in which the misfire has occurred. Misfire is defined as lack of combustion in a cylinder due to absence of spark, poor fuel metering, poor compression, or any other cause.

Check the following:

Ignition system
Fuel injectors
Running out of fuel (Check fuel filter)
EVAP canister purge valve
Fuel pressure
Evaporative emission system


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PM Me or [email protected]
Remote or Local (On Site) Technical Repair
 
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5.0 Hatch

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Thanks. I was using torque app. I couldn't get my obd scanner to connect to forscan. I just ordered a new one.

I'm about fed up with this car.
 

Vinnie_B

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No problem! Yea, I understand. Cars can sometimes be PINTA. Hey it might just be a simple fix. If you need some more help just let us know.
 

hotcobra03

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I also agree with the others on this code not proper for this year.

You maybe be able to use instrument cluster to scan .

03 does a self test .

Some have had issues with connection at coils not clicking together

Sure when you get proper codes you will get car back to normal
 

5.0 Hatch

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Finally got forscan going.

Right away I had a p1132 - o2 sensor
Then p0172 - bank 1 too rich

The O2 is brand new so I don't think anything is wrong with it.

The next startup gave me a rail pressure sensor code p0190

Is it safe to say the problem is the rail sensor?
 
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Vinnie_B

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Finally got forscan going.

Right away I had a p1132 - o2 sensor
Then p0172 - bank 1 too rich

The O2 is brand new so I don't think anything is wrong with it.

The next startup gave me a rail pressure sensor code.

Is it safe to say the problem is the rail sensor?

What fault did you get for the pressure switch? Did all your faults clear? What fault code is still present even after you cleared them?
 

Vinnie_B

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P0190 - Fuel Rail Pressure Sensor Circuit Malfunction (FRP)


The comprehensive component monitor (CCM) monitors the FRP sensor to the PCM for VREF voltage. The test fails when the VREF voltage from the PCM drops to a voltage less than a minimum calibrated value


Verify VREF voltage between 4.0 and 6.0V.


If it isnt, you got a harness,sensor or PCM issue: Check the following possibilities

  • VREF open in harness. (Bad wiring or broken wire in harness)
  • VREF open in sensor. (Bad Fuel Rail Pressure Sensor)
  • VREF open in PCM. (Bad PCM)
 
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5.0 Hatch

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I manually cleared the codes and then ran the mode 6 test. It returned p1132, p1152. I then went to the dtc section and it showed p0190.

I don't know if this helps but frp voltage is 2.77 at idle and frp kPa is 276 at idle

Really appreciate the help. Btw, 0 misfires
 

Vinnie_B

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Ok. Start with the Permanent DTC first P0190. Rule out any issue with your VREF. Than move on to the other 2.
 
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Vinnie_B

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The other 2 fault conditions are your 02 sensors trying to correct from an issue.
 

Vinnie_B

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p1132, p1152 check for unmetered air getting in the pvc system - ie leaks, bad grommets ect. but yeah chase the other code first.
Yes sir that is correct! But there are also many possible causes. Too many, so he will need to isolate them one at a time.
 

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