Pontiac OBD2 codes
Codes where we have reviewed, vehicle-specific evidence for this make.
Pontiac's notes are few: a GM bulletin telling technicians to disregard an older serial data code on the 2003 to 2005 Grand Am, and owner reports of an airbag light on the 2008 and 2009 G8 that dealers traced to the passenger presence module. The bulletin's status is not verified and the G8 reports are owner-reported.
C0050 with the ABS light on rear wheel speed sensor circuits
GM bulletins summarised by NHTSA tie C0050 to the ABS light with rear wheel speed sensor circuits, connectors, debris on the tone ring or module reprogramming. Row notes mention oil on a rear sensor and a wire pulling out of a connector on some vans. This is a brake system, so have it inspected by a qualified shop. We read only the NHTSA summaries. We have not confirmed the bulletin is still current, so this is labelled vehicle data rather than confirmed by bulletin.
C0161 with brake lights stuck on and cruise off
GM bulletin SB-08-05-22-005 links C0161 on the 2008 to 2009 Pontiac G8 to brake lights that stay on, cruise control that does not work and a stability off message. GM says to calibrate the brake pedal position sensor with a Tech 2, and that the condition may be intermittent. We only read the NHTSA summary. We have not confirmed the bulletin is still current, so this is labelled vehicle data rather than confirmed by bulletin.
C0161 with faulty brake lights and cruise control
GM bulletin SB-08-05-22-009A covers intermittent brake lights, extra pedal travel to shift out of park and cruise control that does not work, with C0161 stored, on 2004 to 2009 mid-size cars. The ABS computer is flagging the brake pedal switch signal. The summary does not describe the repair. Brake system faults are safety-critical, so have the vehicle inspected before relying on it. We have not confirmed the bulletin is still current, so this is labelled vehicle data rather than confirmed by bulletin.
C0186 and C0550 from a chafed brake module harness
GM bulletin PIT-4756 covers ABS and StabiliTrak lights with C0186 and C0550 on 2007 to 2009 Equinox, Torrent and Vue. It says the cause can be the wire harness to the brake module chafing on the transmission mount or a metal bracket. Brake system faults are safety-critical, so have the vehicle inspected before relying on it. We have not confirmed the bulletin is still current, so this is labelled vehicle data rather than confirmed by bulletin.
C0196 from a chafed harness to the brake module
GM bulletin PIT-4756 says a wire harness to the brake control module (EBCM) chafing on the transmission mount or a metal bracket can set C0196 with other chassis and network codes on the 2009 Pontiac Torrent. Look at where the harness runs near those points. The brake system is safety-critical, so have the brakes inspected by a qualified shop. We have not confirmed the bulletin is still current, so this is labelled vehicle data rather than confirmed by bulletin.
C0277 read as a brake pedal position sensor fault in an owner complaint
An owner complaint on a 2008 Pontiac G6 says a shop read C0277 as a defective brake pedal position sensor, with the brake lights staying on, the traction light on and cruise control inoperative. The fault returned after the sensor was replaced. The brake system is safety-critical, so have it inspected by a qualified shop. The source is owner reports, so this is labelled vehicle data rather than a confirmed fix.
C0550 among power steering codes
GM bulletin 07-02-32-007 lists C0550 among the codes for a power steering that is inoperative or hard to turn on the Ion, Cobalt, HHR and G5. It gives diagnostic tips for a power steering message. We only read the NHTSA summary. Steering is safety critical, so have it inspected by a qualified shop. We have not confirmed the bulletin is still current, so this is labelled vehicle data rather than confirmed by bulletin.
P0385 on an engine that cranks but does not start
GM bulletin 040604060 covers an engine that cranks without starting and has no injector pulses, with P0385 among the codes listed. It names 2004 to 2005 DeVille and Bonneville and the 2004 Seville. The NHTSA summary does not give the repair. We have not confirmed the bulletin is still current, so this is labelled vehicle data rather than confirmed by bulletin.
P0461 with a fuel gauge reading empty
Pontiac bulletin 060849018 covers a fuel gauge that reads empty with fuel in the tank, plus a low fuel message and P0461, on 2007 Cobalt, G5 and Ion. Only the NHTSA summary was read. Check the fuel level sender first. We have not confirmed the bulletin is still current, so this is labelled vehicle data rather than confirmed by bulletin.
P0620 with a no-start or low voltmeter reading
GM bulletin 000604055 describes a no-start or intermittent start, a voltmeter reading in the low red zone or a check charge system message, and possibly P0620. Our notes cover the 2000 to 2001 Bonneville. The summary does not give the repair. We only read the NHTSA summary, not the full bulletin. We have not confirmed the bulletin is still current, so this is labelled vehicle data rather than confirmed by bulletin.
P0742 with firm shifts and shudder
GM bulletin 02-07-30-039 links firm shifts, a shudder or chuggle and no downshift on deceleration to P0742 on 2003 models, including the Venture and Bonneville. It points to a torque converter clutch that stays applied. We only read the NHTSA summary, not the bulletin itself. We have not confirmed the bulletin is still current, so this is labelled vehicle data rather than confirmed by bulletin.
P0753 with slipping or erratic shifts, 2003 Bonneville
GM bulletin 030730045 describes slipping, no upshift or erratic shifts with P0753 on the 2003 Pontiac Bonneville. We only read the NHTSA summary, so the repair is not stated. Check the fluid level and condition first. We have not confirmed the bulletin is still current, so this is labelled vehicle data rather than confirmed by bulletin.
P182E and the circuit and system verification steps
GM bulletin 17-NA-084 covers a check engine light with P182E on 2009 to 2018 Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC models. It gives a procedure to complete the circuit and system verification steps. Only the NHTSA summary was read. We have not confirmed the bulletin is still current, so this is labelled vehicle data rather than confirmed by bulletin.
P2103 with reduced power on the Vibe
GM bulletin 3704 says a service engine soon light and reduced power with P2103 on the 2005 to 2006 Pontiac Vibe may be due to a momentary loss of ignition voltage at the PCM connector, in the throttle actuator control ignition voltage circuit. We only read the NHTSA summary. We have not confirmed the bulletin is still current, so this is labelled vehicle data rather than confirmed by bulletin.
P2181 that point to the thermostat heater
GM bulletin PIP4599D says to test the engine coolant thermostat heater when P2181 is set on the 2009 Pontiac G3. If the coolant does not reach 195 F (90 C) within 5 minutes, it says to replace the thermostat and check that calibrations are up to date. We have not confirmed the bulletin is still current, so this is labelled vehicle data rather than confirmed by bulletin.
P2187 and exhaust leaks at the turbocharger and converter joints
GM PIP4075A supplements the service-manual diagnosis for P2187 on the 2007 Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky. It tells the technician to inspect the turbocharger and catalytic converter mating surfaces for exhaust leakage. Only the NHTSA summary was read. We have not confirmed the bulletin is still current, so this is labelled vehicle data rather than confirmed by bulletin.
P2723 with slipping in reverse or third
GM bulletin 09-07-30-004F covers slipping in reverse or third gear and delayed reverse or drive engagement on 2006 to 2009 six-speed models, with P2723 among the codes stored. It says to inspect the 1-2-3-4 and 3-5-R housing and the pump seal rings first. Check the fluid level and condition before that. We only read the NHTSA summary, not the bulletin itself. We have not confirmed the bulletin is still current, so this is labelled vehicle data rather than confirmed by bulletin.
U0102 with erratic gauges and steering lock-up
A 2007 Pontiac Torrent owner told NHTSA (ODI 10783716) about erratic gauges, doors cycling and the steering wheel locking up, with U0102 in the history codes. The dealer replaced the body control module without a fix, so replacing that module alone may not solve it. This is a steering system, so have it inspected by a qualified shop rather than repairing it yourself. The source is owner reports, not a bulletin. It needs testing to confirm.
U0170 with the airbag light from the passenger presence module
Pontiac G8 owners report the airbag light with U0170 and a passenger presence code, and dealers read it as the passenger seat presence module and replaced it. One dealer said the airbag system will not work while the code is set, so have it inspected promptly rather than working on it yourself. This comes from owner reports, not a bulletin, and has not been verified.
U1000 that GM says to disregard
GM bulletin PIC3557 says diagnostics for the Class 2 communication code U1000 on the 2003 to 2005 Malibu, Grand Am and Alero may not lead to a repair, and technicians should disregard it whether it is current or in history. Diagnose any other codes first. We have not confirmed the bulletin is still current, so this is labelled vehicle data rather than confirmed by bulletin.
C0050: Right rear wheel speed sensor circuit fault (GM)
- G6 2008 · Supported by vehicle data · 1 bulletin
- Solstice 2006–2008 · Supported by vehicle data · 2 bulletins
- Torrent 2006–2007 · Supported by vehicle data · 1 bulletin
C0161: ABS computer does not trust the brake pedal switch signal
- G6 2005–2009 · Supported by vehicle data · 1 bulletin
- G8 2008–2009 · Supported by vehicle data · 1 bulletin
C0186: Sideways (lateral) acceleration sensor signal faulty or not believable
- Torrent 2007–2009 · Supported by vehicle data · 1 bulletin
C0196: Stability system sees a sensor or motion fault (GM)
- Torrent 2009 · Supported by vehicle data · 1 bulletin
C0277: Brake pedal position sensor fault (GM)
- G6 2008 · Supported by vehicle data
C0550: A chassis control module reports an internal fault
- G5 2007–2008 · Supported by vehicle data · 1 bulletin
- Pursuit 2005–2006 · Supported by vehicle data · 1 bulletin
- Torrent 2007–2009 · Supported by vehicle data · 2 bulletins
P0385: Crankshaft position sensor B circuit malfunction
- Bonneville 2004–2005 · Supported by vehicle data · 1 bulletin
P0461: Fuel level signal not changing as expected
- G5 2007 · Supported by vehicle data · 1 bulletin
P0620: Generator (alternator) control circuit fault: the engine computer sees a problem in the circuit that controls how much the alternator charges
- Bonneville 2000–2001 · Supported by vehicle data · 1 bulletin
P0742: Torque converter clutch stuck on
- Bonneville 2003 · Supported by vehicle data · 1 bulletin
P0753: Shift solenoid A electrical fault
- Bonneville 2003 · Supported by vehicle data · 1 bulletin
P182E: Internal mode switch reports an invalid range in a GM automatic transmission
- G6 2009 · Supported by vehicle data · 1 bulletin
- Torrent 2009 · Supported by vehicle data · 1 bulletin
P2103: The computer sees a high voltage condition in the circuit that drives the throttle motor
- Vibe 2005–2006 · Supported by vehicle data · 1 bulletin
P2181: Cooling system not holding its expected temperature
- G3 2009 · Supported by vehicle data · 1 bulletin
P2187: Engine computer sees a lean mixture on bank 1 at idle: too much air for the fuel being delivered
- Solstice 2007 · Supported by vehicle data · 1 bulletin
P2723: Pressure control solenoid E stuck off or performing poorly
- G8 2008–2009 · Supported by vehicle data · 1 bulletin
U0102: U0102 is a generic network code: a module lost communication with the transfer case control module on a four-wheel or all-wheel-drive vehicle
- Torrent 2007 · Supported by vehicle data
U0170: Lost communication with restraints system sensor A
- G8 2008–2009 · Supported by vehicle data
U1000: Manufacturer code: on Nissan and Infiniti a module saw an error on the CAN network; on older GM vehicles it is a Class 2 serial data fault
- Grand AM 2003–2005 · Supported by vehicle data · 1 bulletin
Sources and review
- GM bulletins naming C0050 (cache summaries)
- GM SB-08-05-22-005: brake lights stay on, cruise inoperative, stability off message, DTC C0161 (2008-2009 Pontiac G8)
- GM SB-08-05-22-009A: intermittent brake lights, extended travel to shift out of park, cruise inoperative, DTCs C0161/C0277
- GM PIT-4756: ABS and StabiliTrak lights on, U0121, C0550, C0186, C0196, C0710, C0252 (2007-2009 Equinox, Torrent, Vue)
- GM PIT-4756: ABS and Stabilitrak lights on, DTCs U0121 C0550 C0186 C0196 C0710 C0252
- NHTSA complaint ODI 10400984: 2008 Pontiac G6, C0277 brake pedal position sensor
- GM 07-02-32-007: power steering inoperative or hard to turn, C0176, C0475, C0476, C0550, U2105, U2107 (Ion, Cobalt, HHR, G5)
- GM 040604060: Engine cranks but does not start, no injector pulses, DTCs including P0385 (2004-2005 DeVille, Bonneville, 2004 Seville)
- Pontiac 060849018, Inaccurate fuel gauge with P0461, Cobalt, G5 and Ion
- 000604055: No start or intermittent start, low voltmeter or check charge message, P0620 may set
- TSB 02-07-30-039: Firm shifts, shudder, no downshift on deceleration, DTC P0742
- Pontiac 030730045: Transmission slips or erratic shifts with P0753 and P1860
- GM 17-NA-084: check engine light on with DTC P182E
- GM bulletin 3704 (NHTSA 10019452)
- PIP4599D: P2181 set; test the thermostat heater
- GM PIP4075A: supplement to the P2187 diagnosis (turbocharger and catalytic converter exhaust mating surfaces)
- TSB 09-07-30-004F: Slips in reverse or third, delayed engagement, DTCs P0776, P2715, P2723
- NHTSA complaint ODI 10783716: 2007 Pontiac Torrent
- NHTSA complaint 10583422: 2009 Pontiac G8 airbag light, U0170 and B0081
- GM PIC3557: Class 2 DTC U1000 may not lead to a repair (2003-2005 Malibu, Grand Am, Alero)
- GM PIP-4478A: all wheel drive inoperative with DTC C0550 (2007-2011 Acadia, Enclave, Outlook, Equinox, Traverse and others)
- NHTSA complaint 10678862: 2009 Pontiac G8 passenger presence module replaced, U0170
- NHTSA complaint 10549703: 2009 Pontiac G8 flashing SRS light, U0170 and B0081
- NHTSA complaint 11164627: 2008 Pontiac G8 passenger seat not registering, U0170
- Last reviewed
- Written by
- Saurabh K.
- Editorial review
- Pending
- Technician review
- Technician review pending
This page explains what a code usually means; it is not a substitute for a professional inspection. How we source and review · Report an error