AutoCodes – Buick – P3051 Buick

P3051 Buick Code - DC/DC Converter Actuator Voltage Sensor Circuit 1 Low Voltage

Quick Answer

The Power Supply Transformer is used to boost battery voltage to sensitive loads during engine restart. Common causes include Faulty Power Supply Transformer, Power Supply Transformer harness is open or shorted, Power Supply Transformer 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: P3051 Buick indicates DC/DC Converter Actuator Voltage Sensor Circuit 1 Low Voltage.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Power Supply Transformer, Power Supply Transformer harness is open or shorted, Power Supply Transformer 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.

Save to My Repairs My Repairs

AI answers can be wrong. Verify repairs with testing. Open full chat

Code Popularity 1,309

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

Repair Importance Level

Urgent (Diagnose now) (3 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Advanced (Pro) (3 / 3)

What is this?

Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on May 16, 2019

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
Add Comment

💬 Need more help? Ask Coddy for instant answers — it's free!

Code P3051 Buick Description

The Power Supply Transformer is used to boost battery voltage to sensitive loads during engine restart. It provides two voltage outputs that provide the boosted voltage. The Power Supply Transformer communicates to the Engine Control Module (ECM). When the engine is not cranking, the Power Supply Transformer passes through voltage from the two supply circuits. The ECM receives data about the sensed output voltages provided by the Power Supply Transformer.

OBDII Code P3051 Buick - DC/DC Converter Actuator Voltage Sensor Circuit 1 Low Voltage - AutoCodes.com — P3051 Buick Code - DC/DC Converter Actuator Voltage Sensor Circuit 1 Low Voltage

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P3051 Buick?

Faulty Power Supply Transformer
Power Supply Transformer harness is open or shorted
Power Supply Transformer circuit poor electrical connection

How to Fix the DTC P3051 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.

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P3051 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 P3051 Buick code?

Need more information on how to fix the P3051 Buick code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the P3051 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 P3051 Buick Code

1. What does the P3051 code mean on a Buick?

The P3051 code indicates a low voltage issue in the DC/DC Converter Actuator Voltage Sensor Circuit 1, which is part of the vehicle's hybrid or electrical system.

2. What are the common symptoms of the P3051 code?

Symptoms may include illuminated warning lights (like the check engine or hybrid system light), reduced fuel efficiency, limited hybrid system performance, or difficulty starting the vehicle.

3. What causes the P3051 code to appear?

Common causes include a faulty DC/DC converter, damaged voltage sensor wiring, loose or corroded electrical connections, or a failing actuator voltage sensor.

4. Can I drive my Buick with the P3051 code?

Itâ€™s not recommended to drive with this code active, as it may lead to further damage to the electrical or hybrid system and could cause the vehicle to lose power unexpectedly.

5. How do you diagnose the P3051 code?

Diagnosis typically involves checking the wiring and connections related to the DC/DC converter, testing the actuator voltage sensor for proper operation, and scanning for related codes.

6. How is the P3051 code fixed?

Repairs may involve replacing the DC/DC converter, repairing or replacing damaged wiring, cleaning or tightening connections, or replacing the actuator voltage sensor.

7. What tools are needed to diagnose the P3051 code?

Youâ€™ll need an OBDII scanner, a multimeter for testing voltage and continuity, and potentially a service manual for your Buickâ€™s electrical system.

8. How much does it cost to fix the P3051 code?

Repair costs can vary but may range from $100 to $1,500 depending on whether the issue is simple wiring repair or a full DC/DC converter replacement.

9. Can a weak 12V battery cause the P3051 code?

Yes, a weak or failing 12V battery may contribute to low voltage issues and trigger this code, so itâ€™s worth testing the battery as part of the diagnosis.

10. Does the P3051 code affect only hybrid Buicks?

Yes, this code is typically associated with hybrid or electrically assisted vehicles, as it relates to the DC/DC converter system used in such models.