What Is the P1491 Code?
Symptoms
Causes
Seriousness
Can I Still Drive?
Diagnose
Difficulty of Inspecting
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The P1491 code with the description “Secondary switch solenoid circuit malfunction” indicates an issue with the solenoid in your car. A solenoid is an electrical device within your vehicle that turns electricity into motion. Any issue with vehicle solenoids can throw the vehicle into disarray, creating malfunctions of many different kinds.
More About the P1491 Code
The P1491 code can be very specific to different manufacturers, and the description of “secondary switch solenoid circuit malfunction” tends to occur in the Citroen and Peugeot brands. Here are a few descriptions for other brands:
- Acura, Honda, Isuzu: Exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system
- Audi, Infiniti, Mercury, Nissan, Saab, Volkswagen: Evaporative emission (EVAP) canister purge control system
- Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Plymouth, Ram: Engine coolant blower motor relay
Remember that checking the description of a code can be just as important as checking for the code itself.
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What Are the Symptoms of a P1491 Code?
If solenoids in your car have actually failed, then it’s likely that you won’t be able to start the car at all. However, this error code can also occur because the connection between the solenoid and the powertrain control module (PCM) is somehow functioning improperly. In this case, you may only note that the check engine light is on.
What Are Some Causes of a P1491 Code?
It is possible that your solenoids can completely fail. In this case, you may need to replace it entirely. However, solenoid problems can also arise from the fact that the solenoid itself isn’t receiving the necessary electrical current. That means you can experience this code due to low battery power, issues with connections between a solenoid and the battery, and damaged cables elsewhere in your system.
How Serious Is the P1491 Code?
If the P1491 code is causing your vehicle to have a difficult time starting, then this code is, of course, very serious. Even if the problem is inconsistent and you’re still able to start the car every so often, you may end up stranded if you’re able to get somewhere else with no problems, but then your vehicle is unable to start. If the problems you’re experiencing are impeding your car’s ability to start, then it’s very important to visit an expert as soon as possible.
Can I Still Drive with a P1491 Code?
Whether or not the P1491 code is negatively impacting your ability to drive at all, it’s still a good idea to take your car in to see an expert. Even when the problem is only a check engine light, you never know what the problem actually is until you get an expert to look into your problem and see what’s happening.
How Easy Is It to Diagnose a P1491 Code?
The diagnosis process for a P1491 code mostly has to do with the problem of determining which type of code your vehicle is throwing. Because there are many different potential definitions for this code, you’ll need to know more about the make and model of your vehicle before you can start dealing with it. If you’re not comfortable determining it on your own, then it’s best to take your vehicle to an expert.
How Difficult Is It to Inspect a P1491 Code?
The inspection process for a P1491 code will usually consist of a lot of checking wires for corrosion and weak connections. While an expert will likely be able to help you do this, a DIYer might not know enough to differentiate corroded or weak connections from normal ones. If you’re unable to tell where the problem is, then a local expert can definitely help.
Need Additional Help with Your P1491 Code?
A P1491 code can mean a variety of things depending on the make and model of your vehicle, and if you’re receiving the problem as “Secondary switch solenoid circuit malfunction,” it’s best to talk to an expert about it. If you’re able to discuss the problem with a car repair expert, then they can look at your codes, figure out the base problem, and give you options for fixing them.
This means you need to start by finding a repair shop in your area with Kelley. No matter what preferences you have for the expert who takes a look at your car, you can find a great expert locally who can look into your vehicle and give you options for moving forward.
If you’re a DIYer or you just want to know more about the way your car sends you information about potential issues, then check out the OBD-II database from KBB. With a number of different common car codes, this database gives you more insight into your car’s checks and balances.
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