P1071 (Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda, Seat) Incorrect signal in the heating control circuit of the nitrogen oxide (NOx) sensor
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P1071 – OBD-II Trouble Code Technical Description
Trouble code P1071 indicates an abnormal signal in the heating control circuit of the nitrogen oxide (NOx) sensor in Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda, Seat vehicles.
What does the fault code mean P1071?
Trouble code P1071 indicates a signal problem in the nitrogen oxide (NOx) sensor heat control circuit. The nitrogen oxide (NOx) sensor is part of the emissions control system that monitors and regulates the level of nitrogen oxide emissions from a vehicle's exhaust gases. NOx sensor heat control ensures optimal sensor performance under a variety of operating conditions, including cold starts and low temperatures. When code P1071 appears, the vehicle's control unit (ECU) has detected an incorrect or missing signal from the NOx sensor heat controller.
Possible reasons
Some possible reasons for the P1071 trouble code:
- Broken wiring: Open or damaged wiring between the nitrogen oxide (NOx) sensor and control module (ECU) may result in an incorrect or missing signal in the heat control circuit.
- Corrosion or oxidation of contacts: The presence of corrosion or oxidation on the pins of connectors and connections can create problems in the circuit, resulting in an incorrect or no signal.
- NOx sensor malfunction: The nitrogen oxide sensor itself may be faulty, resulting in an incorrect signal or no signal in the heat control circuit.
- Malfunction of the control module (ECU): Problems with the control module can cause signals from the NOx sensor to be misinterpreted or the heat to be controlled incorrectly, which will also cause the P1071 code to appear.
- Mechanical damage: Physical damage to the NOx sensor or its surrounding components may cause the heat control circuit to malfunction or fail.
- Power problems: Problems with the NOx sensor or control module power supply may cause the heat control to not operate properly and therefore cause the P1071 code to appear.
Careful diagnostics are necessary to accurately determine the cause of the P1071 error and subsequent troubleshooting.
What are the symptoms of a fault code? P1071?
If DTC P1071 is present, you may experience the following symptoms:
- Check Engine Light: One of the most obvious symptoms is the Check Engine light on your dashboard coming on. This light indicates a problem in the engine management system, including the nitrogen oxide (NOx) sensor heat control circuit.
- Loss of power: Improper operation of the emission control system caused by P1071 may result in loss of engine power. The vehicle may respond more slowly to the gas pedal and have limited speed and acceleration.
- Increased fuel consumption: Improper operation of the NOx sensor and its monitoring can lead to ineffective operation of the exhaust gas treatment system, which in turn can increase fuel consumption.
- Unstable idle: Improper operation of the emission control system may affect engine idle stability. This may manifest itself as the vehicle shaking or shaking when idling.
- Failure to comply with environmental standards: If P1071 is present, nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions may exceed acceptable limits, which may result in non-compliance with environmental standards and possibly an inspection failure.
If you notice any of these symptoms, especially if you have a Check Engine Light, it is recommended that you take it to an auto mechanic to diagnose and fix the problem.
How to diagnose a fault code P1071?
To diagnose DTC P1071, you can follow these steps:
- Scan error code: Use a diagnostic scanner to read the error code from the engine management system. This will allow you to determine the exact location and nature of the malfunction.
- Checking wiring and connections: Inspect the wiring and connectors connecting the nitrogen oxide (NOx) sensor to the control module (ECU). Make sure the wiring is intact, undamaged and well connected.
- NOx sensor resistance check: Use a multimeter to measure the resistance of the NOx sensor. The resistance must meet the manufacturer's specifications. Abnormalities may indicate a sensor malfunction.
- Checking the operation of the heating element: If the NOx sensor is equipped with a heating element, check its operation. Use a multimeter to make sure the heating element is receiving power and producing heat.
- Checking ECU Signals: Use a diagnostic tool to check the signals from the NOx sensor to the ECU. Verify that the signals are as expected and that there are no incorrect signals or interruptions in communication.
- Checking system pressure: In some cases, NOx sensor heat control problems may be related to intake or exhaust system pressure. Check your blood pressure and make sure it is within normal limits.
- Additional diagnostics: In some cases, additional diagnostics may be required on other emission control system components, such as oxygen (O2) sensors or injection systems. Check them if necessary.
After thoroughly diagnosing and determining the cause of error P1071, you can begin troubleshooting.
Diagnostic errors
When diagnosing DTC P1071, the following errors may occur:
- Misinterpretation of data: One of the common mistakes is the incorrect interpretation of data obtained during the diagnostic process. This may lead to incorrect determination of the cause of the malfunction and, as a result, to incorrect repairs.
- Insufficient wiring check: If the wiring is not checked carefully enough, there may be breaks, corrosion or other damage that may be causing P1071.
- Incorrect component testing: If components such as the Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) sensor or control unit (ECU) are not tested properly, it may result in a faulty part being missed or incorrectly replaced.
- Ignoring related problems: Diagnosis must be comprehensive, and sometimes the problem causing the P1071 code may be related to other emissions control system components, such as the oxygen (O2) sensors or fuel injection system. Missing these related problems may result in an incomplete diagnosis.
- Faulty hardware: Using outdated or inadequate diagnostic equipment can also lead to diagnostic errors because it does not provide sufficient accuracy or functionality to identify problems.
- Insufficient experience or knowledge: Inexperienced diagnostician may lead to incorrect data analysis and inability to correctly determine the cause of the P1071 error.
- Problems accessing componentsNote: Some components may be difficult to access or require specialized tools for inspection. Lack of such tools or skills may result in incomplete diagnosis.
In general, to successfully diagnose the P1071 error, you must conduct a thorough check of all possible causes and components, as well as have sufficient experience and knowledge to correctly interpret the data and identify the correct cause of the malfunction.
How serious is the fault code? P1071?
Trouble code P1071 should be considered serious, although its severity may depend on the specific situation and the reason that caused this error, there are several reasons why code P1071 can be considered serious:
- Potential environmental impact: Trouble P1071 is related to the emission control system, and if the problem is not corrected, it can lead to increased emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx), which are harmful to the environment and human health.
- Loss of power and efficiency: Improper operation of the emission control system can result in loss of engine power, increased fuel consumption and overall poor vehicle performance.
- Failure to comply with environmental standards: High nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions can lead to violations of environmental regulations and standards, which in some jurisdictions may result in fines or other penalties for vehicle owners.
- Failure of technical inspection: In some regions, a vehicle may not pass inspection if P1071 indicates that it does not meet environmental requirements.
- Potential additional damage: The problems that cause P1071 can also affect the performance of other engine and exhaust system components, which can ultimately lead to additional problems and increased repair costs.
Therefore, it is recommended that you contact a professional to diagnose and resolve the P1071 error as soon as possible to avoid possible negative consequences and ensure normal vehicle operation.
What repair will help eliminate the code? P1071?
Resolving the P1071 trouble code depends on the specific cause of this error; there are several possible repair methods:
- Replacing the Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) Sensor: If diagnostics indicate that the NOx sensor is faulty or failed, it should be replaced with a new or remanufactured one.
- Repair or replacement of wiring and connectors: If the problem is due to broken, corroded or otherwise damaged wiring or connectors, they will need to be repaired or replaced.
- Checking and replacing the NOx sensor heating element: If the NOx sensor is equipped with a heating element and the problem is due to a malfunction, the heating element must be checked and, if necessary, replaced.
- ECU Software Update: In some cases, the problem may be related to the software of the control unit (ECU). Updating the software to the latest version may help resolve the issue.
- Checking and replacing other related components: Sometimes the problem can be related to other components of the emissions control system, such as oxygen (O2) sensors or the fuel injection system. Check them and replace if necessary.
- Additional diagnostics: If the root causes of the problem are not identified, additional diagnostics may be required to identify the problem.
It is important to have P1071 diagnosed and repaired by a qualified mechanic or service center. After eliminating the cause of the problem, it is recommended to carry out a test run and re-diagnosis to ensure that the problem has been completely eliminated.
