P0659 OBD-II Trouble Code: Actuator Supply Voltage "A" Circuit High

P0659 code definition

The P0659 trouble code indicates an issue with the vehicle’s actuator supply voltage “A” circuit. The powertrain control module may have detected this fault. Alternately, one of the supporting control modules could have detected this fault, such as: The instrument panel control module, the antilock brake control module, the traction control module, the fuel injection control module, or any number of others.

What the P0659 code mean?

The P0658 trouble code indicates an issue or malfunction with the actuator supply voltage “A” in your vehicle, some vehicle models will require up to eight full drive cycles before symptoms or failures begin to show and/or the vehicle’s check engine light is illuminated. The P0659 code identifies the affected area of the circuit; “A”, but does not always correspond to the same component in every application.

What causes the P0659 code?

Causes of this issue most often include:

• Shorted, open, or damaged wiring and connectors between control modules or powertrain control module input circuitry

• Internal powertrain control module issues and malfunctions

What are the symptoms of the P0659 code?

Beyond the storage of the P0659 trouble code in the vehicle’s PCM, other potential symptoms include decreased fuel efficiency, misfire, and even lack of electrical power throughout the vehicle. More often than not, the Check Engine light will illuminate on your vehicle’s dashboard.

How does a mechanic diagnose the P0659 code?

A qualified technician will use an OBD-II scanner capable of retrieving the factory readings from the OBD-II system and displaying them for the technician to see. The information shown to the technician will include the time that the P0659 code was stored and will also show any of the other accompanying codes that may have appeared at or around the same time. After the technician views this information, the vehicle will be taken for a test drive to determine the extent of the issues.

If the P0659 code appears once again during the test drive, then there is conclusively a problem with that part of the circuit and the problem isn’t simply an intermittent issue. The technician will also test various points on the circuitry in the affected area with a voltmeter to ensure that proper amounts of current are flowing through the affected circuits.

Common mistakes when diagnosing the P0659 code:

While the main cause of the P0659 code that is accurately stored is an issue with the vehicle’s actuator supply voltage “A,” the code may have been improperly or inaccurately stored due to a malfunction within the powertrain control module system. Because of this, any qualified mechanic will attempt repairs within the actuator supply voltage system and interior wiring before considering an issue with the powertrain control module (unless, of course this code comes in simultaneously with other powertrain control module issues.)

How serious is the P0659 code?

Because the storage of the P0659 code may indicate or precede power failure throughout your vehicle, it is best that the vehicle is diagnosed and repaired by a qualified mechanic at the first notice of any symptoms, listed above.

What repairs can fix the P0659 code?

The most common repairs to address the P0659 code are as follows:

• Repair or replace powertrain control module
• Repair or replace supporting control module
• Replace faulty connections between control modules
• Replace missing or damaged wires surrounding “A” area of circuit

Additional comments for consideration regarding the P0659 code

If the cause of the P0659 trouble code in your vehicle is related to wiring, your mechanic may use an OBD-II scanner that may determine the source of the problem more efficiently and cost-effective than disconnected and testing every piece of wiring. If the cause of this code in your vehicle is related to malfunctioning wiring or power input signals, talk with your mechanic about your options before determining the best repair option for your specific vehicle model.

Need help with a P0659 code?

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