Catalytic converters must be warm before they can work properly. On a cold start the PCM provides a rich mixture to keep the cold engine running.
All that extra fuel goes into the catalytic converter. But the exhaust isn't very hot, because, ah, the engine is pretty cold. GM has employed several strategies to fire up the catalytic converter quicker and reduce cold start emissions. One way is to use a secondary air pump that pumps outside air directly into the catalytic converter.
A good starting point in your diagnosis is checking all system fuses and fusible links. This can be done using the DVOM on the voltage setting. You will want to test the fuses with circuits loaded. Some fuses will appear normal until a load is placed on their respective circuit; at which point they will fail. This has been the cause of many 'phantom malfunctions'. Consult your vehicle information source for fuse and fusible link locations. If all fuses are in working order, you may want to check TCM relay operation by swapping identical relays. Usually the horn relay, starter relay, fuel pump relay, air conditioning clutch relay, and controller relays are similar enough in design to swap for diagnostic purposes.
Difficulty Level (Expert)
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Repair Time (60 Min.)
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| Cost Prediction : $ 70-220 |
If your vehicle failed a C3950 test and the C3950 Check Engine Light is NOT on, chances are you have a problem with the OBDII system, a burned out MIL lamp, or a faulty catalytic converter. The converter is essentially an afterburner that cleans up the exhaust after it exits the engine. The OBDII system uses air suspension rr air spring/shock solenoid output circuit open a ownstream oxygen sensor to monitor the efficiency of the converter, and it should detect a drop in converter efficiency if the converter has been contaminated or is failing (ignition misfiring, leaky exhaust valves, and oil burning can all damage the converter). What you want to look air suspension rr air spring/shock solenoid output circuit open: Any conditions that might cause ignition misfire, an overly rich or lean fuel condition, or loss of compression. Use your OBD Express DIY to look at the oxygen sensor outputs, coolant temperature, airflow, calculated engine load, and inlet air temperature.
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C3950 is a kind of Chassis Trouble Code
Diagnosing chassis noises can be one of the most frustrating problems technicians face. Fortunately, manufacturers have engineered noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) diagnostic techniques and equipment to find the source of the noise. |
You can view according C3950 DTC for your car model. We selected several models to see obd2 solutions click and view it.
| +C3950 Suzuki Forenza | +C3950 Suzuki Vitara Iv | +C3950 Giannini 1000 | +C3950 Dodge Viper | +C3950 Nissan President |
Engine OBD 2 Codes website is a freeware resource center for engine trouble codes.
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