AutoCodesBuick – P0697 Buick

P0697 Buick Code - 5 Volt Reference 3 Circuit

Quick Answer

The Engine Control Module (ECM) has four (4) internal 5 Volt reference circuits (Some models have two (2) internal 5 Volt reference circuits). Common causes include Faulty Sensor on 5 Volt circuit, Sensor on 5 Volt circuit harness is open or shorted, Sensor on 5 Volt 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
P0697 Buick indicates 5 Volt Reference 3 Circuit.
Common causes
Common causes include Faulty Sensor on 5 Volt circuit, Sensor on 5 Volt circuit harness is open or shorted, Sensor on 5 Volt 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.
AI answers can be wrong. Verify repairs with testing. Open full chat
Code Popularity 2,646
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Jul 17, 2022
💬 Need more help? Ask Coddy for instant answers — it's free!

Code P0697 Buick Description

The Engine Control Module (ECM) has four (4) internal 5 Volt reference circuits (Some models have two (2) internal 5 Volt reference circuits). Each internal reference circuit provides external 5 Volt reference circuits for more than one sensor. A short to ground or short to voltage on one external 5 Volt reference circuit can affect all the components connected to the same internal 5 Volt reference circuit. The Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) will be set when the ECM detects a short to voltage or ground on any of the 5 Volt reference circuits for greater than 0.5 s.
OBDII Code P0697 Buick - 5 Volt Reference 3 Circuit - AutoCodes.com
P0697 Buick Code - 5 Volt Reference 3 Circuit

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0697 Buick?

  • Faulty Sensor on 5 Volt circuit
  • Sensor on 5 Volt circuit harness is open or shorted
  • Sensor on 5 Volt circuit poor electrical connection
  • Faulty Engine Control Module (ECM)

How to Fix the DTC P0697 Buick?

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.

Code Tech Notes

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P0697 Buick 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 P0697 Buick code?

Need more information on how to fix the P0697 Buick code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the P0697 Buick 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 P0697 Buick Code

1. What does the OBDII code P0697 mean on a Buick?

The P0697 code indicates a fault in the 5-volt reference 3 circuit, which supplies voltage to certain sensors in the vehicle.

2. What are the common symptoms of the P0697 code in a Buick?

Symptoms may include the check engine light turning on, poor engine performance, erratic sensor readings, or issues with fuel efficiency.

3. What causes the P0697 code to appear on a Buick?

Common causes include a damaged or shorted 5-volt reference wire, a faulty sensor, corrosion in electrical connectors, or a malfunctioning engine control module (ECM).

4. Which sensors rely on the 5-volt reference 3 circuit in a Buick?

The affected sensors vary by model but may include throttle position sensors, MAP sensors, or other engine-related sensors.

5. Can I drive my Buick with the P0697 code active?

Driving with this code is not recommended as it can cause performance issues and may damage other components over time.

6. How do I diagnose the P0697 code on my Buick?

Start by inspecting the 5-volt reference wiring and connectors for damage or corrosion, then test the sensors and ECM for proper operation.

7. What tools are needed to fix the P0697 code on a Buick?

You may need a multimeter to check voltage, an OBDII scanner to clear the code, and basic tools to inspect or replace wiring and sensors.

8. How much does it cost to repair the P0697 code on a Buick?

Repair costs vary but can range from $100 to $500 depending on whether it’s a simple wiring repair or requires replacing a sensor or ECM.

9. Can a faulty ECM cause the P0697 code on a Buick?

Yes, a malfunctioning ECM can fail to send the proper 5-volt reference signal, triggering the P0697 code.

10. How do I prevent the P0697 code from recurring in my Buick?

Regularly inspect and maintain the wiring, connectors, and sensors in your vehicle to prevent future issues with the 5-volt reference circuit.

Discuss the causes and fixes for P0697 Buick OBDII Code

Code P0697 Buick comments

No comments found for this page.

AutoCodes App

Fix Your Car Smarter

Try the New AutoCodes App!

Get complete OBDII diagnostics, repair solutions, and cost estimates, plus AI chat support on demand.

AutoCodes App on Google Play