P053A OBD II Trouble Code Positive Crankcase Ventilation Heater Control Circuit /Open

How to quickly diagnose, repair, and causes of a P053A diagnostic code which indicates a detected general malfunction or open electrical condition in the PCV positive crankcase ventilation heater control circuit.

Symptoms of P053A OBD II Trouble Code

  • Excessive oil consumption
  • Sludge in engine oil
  • Engine misfire
  • Reduced fuel economy
  • Engine oil leak
  • A failed PCV valve may cause noise such as a whistle, whine, or other low moaning noises.

Common Causes of P053A OBD II Trouble Code

  • PCV valve that stuck open
  • Wiring issue causing an open/short/out of range condition in the positive crankcase ventilation heater control circuit
  • ECM (engine control module) issue (i.e. internal short, open, etc.)
  • Contaminated inline PCV air filter (possibly internal)
  • Oil contamination on electrical connector and/or harnesses involved causing electrical connection issue
  • PCV heater defective

Severity of P053A OBD II Trouble Code

In this case, medium-high severity, which is why dealing with the problem is crucial, because once the PCV system fails due to sludge build up and oil leaks occur, you could cause damage to your engine to a certain extent. A plugged PCV valve due to sludge will cause many other possible engine problems. Pressure will start to build that could cause the gaskets and oil seal to fail.