AutoCodes – Chevrolet – P0381 2017 Chevrolet Silverado

P0381 2017 Chevrolet Silverado Code - Wait To Start Indicator Control Circuit

Quick Answer

Ignition voltage is supplied directly to the Wait To Start indicator. Common causes include Faulty Instrument Cluster, Instrument Cluster harness is open or shorted, Instrument Cluster circuit poor electrical connection. Severity is High - diagnose this code as soon as possible. Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

What it means: P0381 2017 Chevrolet Silverado indicates Wait To Start Indicator Control Circuit.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Instrument Cluster, Instrument Cluster harness is open or shorted, Instrument Cluster circuit poor electrical connection.
Severity: High - diagnose this code as soon as possible.
Can I drive?: Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

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Code Popularity 1,325

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

Repair Importance Level

Urgent (Diagnose now) (3 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Intermediate (2 / 3)

What is this?

Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Jun 17, 2022

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code P0381 2017 Chevrolet Silverado Description

Ignition voltage is supplied directly to the Wait To Start indicator. The Engine Control Module (ECM) controls the lamp by grounding the control circuit via an internal switch called a driver. The primary function of the driver is to supply the ground for the component being controlled. Each driver has a fault line which is monitored by the ECM. When the ECM is commanding a component ON, the voltage of the control circuit should be low, near zero volts. When the ECM is commanding the control circuit to a component OFF, the voltage potential of the circuit should be high, near battery voltage. The Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) will be set when the ECM detects an open circuit on the Wait To Start Indicator Control circuit for greater than 0.2 s.

OBDII Code P0381 2017 Chevrolet Silverado - Wait To Start Indicator Control Circuit - AutoCodes.com — P0381 2017 Chevrolet Silverado Code - Wait To Start Indicator Control Circuit

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0381 2017 Chevrolet Silverado?

Faulty Instrument Cluster
Instrument Cluster harness is open or shorted
Instrument Cluster circuit poor electrical connection
Faulty Engine Control Module (ECM)

How to Fix the DTC P0381 2017 Chevrolet Silverado?

Review the 'Possible Causes' above and visually examine the corresponding wiring harness and connectors. Check for damaged components and inspect connector pins for signs of being broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded.

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P0381 2017 Chevrolet Silverado code, it typically requires 1.0 hour of labor. Rates vary by location, vehicle, and shop. Many shops charge between $80–$150 per hour; dealerships and metro areas may be higher, independents may be lower.

Need more information about the P0381 2017 Chevrolet Silverado code?

Need more information on how to fix the P0381 2017 Chevrolet Silverado code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the P0381 2017 Chevrolet Silverado code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

About the author: William Orellana is a Master Mechanic and Mechanical Engineer with over 30 years of experience diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Learn more about his background.

Frequently Asked Questions about P0381 2017 Chevrolet Silverado Code

1. What does the OBDII code P0381 mean on a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado?

P0381 indicates an issue with the Wait to Start Indicator Control Circuit, which is related to the glow plug system in diesel engines. The circuit may not be functioning properly.

2. What are the common symptoms of code P0381 in a 2017 Silverado?

Symptoms may include the Wait to Start indicator not illuminating, hard starting in cold weather, and possibly reduced engine performance in colder conditions.

3. What causes P0381 to appear on a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado?

Common causes include a faulty Wait to Start indicator bulb, damaged wiring or connectors in the control circuit, a malfunctioning glow plug control module, or a blown fuse.

4. Can I drive my 2017 Silverado with the P0381 code?

Yes, you can usually drive with this code, but it may affect engine starting in cold weather. Itâ€™s best to address the issue promptly to avoid further complications.

5. How can I diagnose the P0381 code on my Silverado?

Start by checking the Wait to Start indicator bulb, inspecting the associated wiring and connections, and testing the glow plug control module for faults.

6. How do I fix the P0381 code in a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado?

Repairs may include replacing a burned-out Wait to Start indicator bulb, repairing damaged wiring, replacing a faulty glow plug control module, or addressing blown fuses.

7. Is a faulty glow plug control module a common cause of P0381 in a Silverado?

Yes, a malfunctioning glow plug control module is a common cause, as it directly manages the Wait to Start indicator circuit.

8. What tools are needed to troubleshoot the P0381 code?

Youâ€™ll need an OBDII scanner, a multimeter to test electrical connections, and potentially basic tools to access and inspect wiring and components.

9. Can a weak battery trigger the P0381 code in a 2017 Silverado?

Itâ€™s unlikely, but a weak battery could indirectly affect the glow plug systemâ€™s performance. Ensure the battery is in good condition while diagnosing the issue.

10. How much does it cost to repair the P0381 code on a Chevrolet Silverado?

Repair costs vary but could range from $50 for replacing an indicator bulb to over $300 if the glow plug control module needs replacement. Labor costs may vary depending on the repair shop.