Decoding 97 Probe OBD2 Codes: Your Guide to Troubleshooting

The ’97 Probe, like many vehicles of its era, utilizes an OBD2 (On-Board Diagnostics II) system to monitor and manage various aspects of vehicle performance and emissions. When your ’97 Probe encounters an issue, the OBD2 system often logs Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) to help pinpoint the problem area. Understanding these codes is the first step in effective vehicle maintenance and repair. This guide will delve into a range of OBD2 codes that might surface in your ’97 Probe, helping you to understand what they mean and how to approach troubleshooting.

Understanding Common OBD2 Codes for Your 97 Probe

OBD2 codes are standardized across most vehicles, but knowing the specifics for your ’97 Probe can be incredibly helpful. Below, we break down a list of potential OBD2 codes you might encounter, ranging from engine management to transmission issues. Remember, while these codes provide a starting point, professional diagnosis is always recommended for accurate repairs.

Engine and Emissions Related Codes

P1479 Fan Control (Condenser Primary) Circuit: This code indicates a problem within the primary fan control circuit, specifically for the condenser fan. This fan is crucial for your ’97 Probe’s air conditioning system and engine cooling at low speeds. Issues could range from wiring problems to a faulty fan relay or motor.
P1485 EGR Vacuum Solenoid Circuit, P1486 EGR Vent Solenoid Circuit, P1487 EGR-CHK (Boost) Solenoid Circuit: These codes point to malfunctions within the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system’s solenoid circuits. The EGR system is vital for reducing NOx emissions in your ’97 Probe. Problems here could affect emissions and potentially engine performance.
P1496, P1497, P1498, P1499 EGR Valve Motor Coil ‘1’ through ‘4’ Open or Shorted: These codes are more specific to the EGR valve motor itself, indicating open or short circuits in its coils. This directly impacts the EGR valve’s ability to function, leading to potential emissions and driveability problems in your ’97 Probe.
P1504 Idle Air Control Solenoid Circuit Intermittent: An intermittent issue in the Idle Air Control (IAC) solenoid circuit. The IAC valve controls engine idle speed. Problems can cause unstable idling, stalling, or incorrect idle speeds in your ’97 Probe.
P1505 Idle Air Control System at Adaptive Clip, P1506 Idle Air Control System Overspeed Detected, P1507 Idle Air Control System Underspeed Detected: These codes further relate to the IAC system, indicating the system is at its adaptive limit or detecting overspeed or underspeed conditions. These can be caused by vacuum leaks, a dirty IAC valve, or other engine management issues on your ’97 Probe.
P1508 Bypass Air Solenoid ‘1’ Circuit, P1509 Bypass Air Solenoid ‘2 Circuit: Problems within the bypass air solenoid circuits, which are often related to intake air management systems. These issues can affect engine performance and efficiency in your ’97 Probe.
P1512 VTCS Fault, P1569 VTCS Circuit Low Input, P1570 VTCS Circuit High Input: These codes are related to the Variable Tumble Control System (VTCS). This system optimizes air intake for better fuel efficiency and emissions. Faults can impact engine performance and fuel economy in your ’97 Probe.
P1521 VRIS Solenoid ‘1’ Circuit, P1522 VRIS Solenoid ‘2 Circuit: These codes signal problems in the Variable Resonance Induction System (VRIS) solenoid circuits. VRIS is designed to optimize engine torque across different RPM ranges. Issues here could affect the power delivery and responsiveness of your ’97 Probe.
P1523 VICS Solenoid Circuit: Similar to VRIS and VTCS, the Variable Induction Control System (VICS) solenoid circuit code indicates a problem with intake air management, potentially affecting performance in your ’97 Probe.
P1524 Charge Air Cooler Bypass Solenoid Circuit: If your ’97 Probe is equipped with a turbocharger or supercharger (depending on specific models and modifications), this code relates to the charge air cooler bypass solenoid. Issues can impact the efficiency of the forced induction system.
P1525 ABV Vacuum Solenoid Circuit, P1526 ABV Vent Solenoid Circuit, P1540 ABV System Fault: These codes relate to the Air Bypass Valve (ABV) system, often found in turbocharged vehicles. Problems can affect boost control and engine performance in modified or specific ’97 Probe models.
P1529 L/C Atmospheric Balance Air Control Valve Circuit: This code points to issues with the Lean Cruise Atmospheric Balance Air Control Valve circuit, potentially affecting fuel economy and emissions under lean cruise conditions in your ’97 Probe.

Vehicle Speed Sensor and Immobilizer Codes

P1500 Vehicle Speed Sensor Intermittent Signal, P1501 Vehicle Speed Sensor Out of Self Test Range, P1502 Vehicle Speed Sensor Circuit Error: These codes indicate problems with the Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS). The VSS is crucial for many vehicle systems, including speedometer, cruise control, and transmission shifting. Issues can lead to inaccurate speedometer readings, cruise control malfunctions, and transmission problems in your ’97 Probe.
P1602 Immobilizer System Communication Error with Powertrain Control Module, P1603, P1604, P1621, P1622, P1623, P1624 Immobilizer System Fault: These codes relate to the immobilizer system, which is designed to prevent theft. Faults can prevent the engine from starting and may require professional diagnosis and reprogramming in your ’97 Probe.

Powertrain Control Module (PCM) and Electrical System Codes

P1562 Powertrain Control Module +BB Voltage Low: Indicates low voltage at the PCM’s battery positive voltage supply. This can be due to a weak battery, poor connections, or wiring issues, potentially causing various electrical and engine management problems in your ’97 Probe.
P1601 Powertrain Control Module Communication Line to TCM Error, P1627, P1628 Powertrain Control Module (ECM/TCS) Line Communication Error: These codes indicate communication problems between the PCM (Powertrain Control Module), TCM (Transmission Control Module), or ECM (Engine Control Module) and TCS (Traction Control System). These communication issues can affect engine and transmission performance and require careful diagnosis of the CAN bus system in your ’97 Probe.
P1605 Powertrain Control Module Keep Alive Memory Test Error, P1608 Powertrain Control Module (ECM CPU) DTC Test Fault, P1609 Powertrain Control Module (ECM CPU) Knock Sensor Circuit: These codes suggest internal PCM faults or issues with its self-testing capabilities or specific circuits like the knock sensor circuit. PCM problems might necessitate module replacement or reprogramming in your ’97 Probe.
P1631 Generator Output Voltage Signal (No Output), P1632 Battery Voltage Monitor Circuit, P1633 Battery Overcharge Fault, P1634 Generator Terminal ‘B’ Circuit Open: These codes are related to the charging system. Problems here can indicate issues with the alternator, battery voltage monitoring circuit, or overcharging, which can affect the electrical system and overall reliability of your ’97 Probe.
P1650 Power Steering Pressure Switch Out of Range Fault, P1651, P1652 Power Steering Pressure Switch Circuit: These codes relate to the power steering pressure switch circuit. This switch provides feedback to the PCM about power steering load. Issues might affect idle control and power steering assist in your ’97 Probe.
P1794 Powertrain Control Module Battery Direct Power Circuit: Indicates a problem with the direct battery power supply to the PCM, similar to P1562 but potentially more specific to the direct power feed.

Transmission Related Codes

P1701 Transmission Range Sensor Reverse Engagement Error, P1702 Transmission Range Sensor Circuit Intermittent, P1705 Transmission Range Sensor out of Self Test Range: These codes point to issues with the Transmission Range Sensor (TRS), also known as the Neutral Safety Switch. This sensor tells the PCM what gear the transmission is in. Problems can cause incorrect gear indication, starting issues, and transmission shifting problems in your ’97 Probe.
P1703 Brake On/Off Switch Out of Self Test Range: This code indicates a problem with the brake on/off switch circuit, which is used by the transmission control system for torque converter clutch engagement and disengagement.
P1709 Clutch Pedal Position Switch Circuit: For manual transmission ’97 Probe models (if applicable in certain markets or modifications), this code relates to the clutch pedal position switch circuit. It’s used for engine control and potentially cruise control functions.
P1711 Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit out of Self Test Range, P1713, P1718 Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit, P1783 Transmission Fluid Temperature High Input: These codes signal problems with the Transmission Fluid Temperature (TFT) sensor. The TFT sensor is crucial for proper transmission operation and protection. Issues can lead to incorrect temperature readings, potentially causing shifting problems or transmission damage in your ’97 Probe.
P1714, P1715, P1716, P1717, P1751, P1756, P1761 Shift Solenoid ‘1’ through ‘4’ Mechanical Fault, P1752, P1757 Transmission Shift Solenoid ‘A’ and ‘B’ Circuit Shorted: These codes indicate mechanical faults or electrical shorts in various shift solenoids within the automatic transmission of your ’97 Probe. Shift solenoids control gear changes. Problems will lead to shifting issues, erratic shifting, or the transmission getting stuck in a gear.
P1720 Vehicle Speed Sensor ‘2’ Signal Error, P1900 Turbine Speed Sensor Circuit Intermittent: These codes relate to speed sensors within the transmission itself. These sensors are critical for proper shifting and transmission control. Problems can cause shifting issues and potentially transmission damage in your ’97 Probe.
P1729 Transmission 4×4 Low Switch Error, P1781 Transmission 4×4 Low Switch out of Range Fault: If your ’97 Probe is a 4×4 model (unlikely but possible in some markets or modifications), these codes relate to the 4×4 low switch circuit, indicating problems with the system’s ability to detect or engage low range.
P1740 Torque Converter Clutch Solenoid Mechanical Fault, P1741 Torque Converter Clutch Control Electrical Fault, P1742 Torque Converter Clutch Solenoid Shorted, P1743 Torque Converter Clutch Failed On – TCIL is On, P1744 Torque Converter Clutch Solenoid Mechanical Fault, P1767 Torque Converter Clutch Solenoid Circuit: These extensive codes all relate to the Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) solenoid and circuit. The TCC improves fuel economy and reduces heat in the transmission by creating a direct mechanical link between the engine and transmission at cruising speeds. Problems can lead to reduced fuel economy, transmission overheating, and shuddering in your ’97 Probe.
P1746 Electronic Pressure Control Solenoid Circuit Open, P1747 Electronic Pressure Control Solenoid Circuit, P1749 Electronic Pressure Control Solenoid Circuit Low: These codes indicate issues with the Electronic Pressure Control (EPC) solenoid circuit. The EPC solenoid controls transmission line pressure, which is vital for proper shifting and transmission health. Problems can cause harsh shifting, slipping, or transmission failure in your ’97 Probe.
P1754 Transmission Coast Clutch Solenoid Electrical Fault: This code points to an electrical fault in the coast clutch solenoid circuit. The coast clutch is involved in specific gear changes and engine braking.
P1762 Transmission SS3/SS4/OD Band Fault, P1765 Transmission 3-2 Timing Solenoid Valve, P1788 3-2T/CCS Circuit Open, P1789 3-2T/CCS Circuit Shorted: These codes are more specific to older automatic transmission designs and relate to band faults and timing solenoid issues involved in specific gear changes like 3-2 downshifts and overdrive control in your ’97 Probe.
P1771 Throttle Position Sensor Circuit Open to Transmission Control Module, P1772 Throttle Position Sensor Circuit Shorted to Transmission Control Module: These codes indicate problems with the Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) signal to the TCM. The TPS signal is used by the TCM to determine engine load and adjust shifting accordingly. Issues can lead to incorrect shifting patterns in your ’97 Probe.
P1780 Transmission Control Switch Circuit, P1780 Overdrive Off Switch not Cycled during the Self Test, P1797 P/N Switch Open or Short Circuit: These codes relate to the transmission control switch (like an overdrive off switch), indicating circuit problems or switch malfunction. The P/N switch (Park/Neutral switch) is related to starting safety and gear selection indication.

Diagnosing Your 97 Probe OBD2 Codes

When you encounter an OBD2 code on your ’97 Probe, the first step is to use an OBD2 scanner to confirm the code and retrieve any additional codes. While this list provides a general understanding, always consult a repair manual specific to your ’97 Probe for detailed diagnostic procedures and troubleshooting steps. For complex issues, especially those involving the transmission or PCM, seeking professional diagnosis from a qualified mechanic is highly recommended. They possess the tools and expertise to accurately pinpoint the root cause and perform the necessary repairs to get your ’97 Probe back on the road.

This guide should give you a solid starting point in understanding OBD2 codes for your ’97 Probe. By being informed and proactive, you can keep your classic vehicle running smoothly for years to come.