P053APCV Heater A Control Circuit/Open
- Generic OBD-II code · Powertrain
- Turns on the check-engine light
- Matters for the ITP
- How the car detects it
- The PCV heater is an electric element of a few ohms (Saab: 6–10 Ω) at the junction of the ventilation hose and the intake; it stops water in the blow-by gas from freezing and blocking the ventilation in frost. The module switches it to ground. P053A means its control circuit is open. GM's diesels of 2016 check it with 20 of 40 samples below 90 °C coolant without warning lamp, GM Europe's 2.0 CDTI in the Saab 9-5 with the lamp on the first trip – a difference even within GM. The heater then has no effect, which only matters in hard frost.
- What you may notice
- Often none, except in frost
- Check engine light (depending on the maker)
- In frost: oil leaks or loss of power from frozen ventilation
- Likely causes
- LikelyHeating element burnt out
- LikelyConnector or wire open, corrosion
- PossibleFuse of the ignition supply blown
- RareEngine module
- Inspection (ITP)
- Matters for the ITP. While the check-engine light is on, the car fails the emissions check.
- Repair
- Easy · Often possible to do yourself.Typical cost: €30 – €250
- Related codes
Explanation from obdex (CC0), exactly as the app shows it. Guidance only; confirm with a workshop.