AutoCodes – Chevrolet – P0381 2016 Chevrolet Silverado

P0381 2016 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 2016 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 250

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 2016 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 2016 Chevrolet Silverado - Wait To Start Indicator Control Circuit - AutoCodes.com — P0381 2016 Chevrolet Silverado Code - Wait To Start Indicator Control Circuit

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0381 2016 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 2016 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 2016 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 2016 Chevrolet Silverado code?

Need more information on how to fix the P0381 2016 Chevrolet Silverado code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the P0381 2016 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 2016 Chevrolet Silverado Code

1. What is OBDII code P0381 in a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado?

OBDII code P0381 in a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado relates to the Wait To Start Indicator Control Circuit, indicating an issue with the glow plug/heater indicator circuit.

2. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P0381 in a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado?

Common symptoms of OBDII code P0381 include the "Wait to Start" light not illuminating on the dashboard, difficulty starting the engine, or the engine taking longer to start than usual.

3. What are the possible causes of OBDII code P0381 in a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado?

Possible causes of OBDII code P0381 can include a faulty glow plug relay, damaged wiring in the glow plug circuit, a defective glow plug module, or a malfunctioning PCM (Powertrain Control Module).

4. How can I diagnose OBDII code P0381 in a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado?

Diagnosing OBDII code P0381 involves checking the glow plug relay, inspecting the wiring for damage, testing the glow plugs for proper operation, and scanning the PCM for any related fault codes.

5. How can I repair OBDII code P0381 in a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado?

Repairing OBDII code P0381 may involve replacing the glow plug relay, repairing any damaged wiring, replacing faulty glow plugs, or addressing any issues with the glow plug module or PCM as needed.

6. Can I still drive my 2016 Chevrolet Silverado with OBDII code P0381?

It is not recommended to drive your 2016 Chevrolet Silverado with OBDII code P0381, as it can lead to starting issues and potential engine damage if not addressed promptly.

7. Will OBDII code P0381 in a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado affect fuel efficiency?

Yes, OBDII code P0381 can affect fuel efficiency in your 2016 Chevrolet Silverado, as starting issues and improper combustion due to faulty glow plug operation can impact fuel consumption.

8. Is it possible to reset OBDII code P0381 in a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado by disconnecting the battery?

While disconnecting the battery may clear the code temporarily, it is not a recommended method as the underlying issue causing OBDII code P0381 will still need to be diagnosed and repaired to prevent it from reoccurring.

9. How much does it typically cost to fix OBDII code P0381 in a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado?

The cost to fix OBDII code P0381 in a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado can vary depending on the specific cause of the issue, but it may range from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars, including parts and labor.

10. Can I prevent OBDII code P0381 in my 2016 Chevrolet Silverado?

Regular maintenance of the glow plug system, such as replacing glow plugs at recommended intervals and checking the glow plug relay and wiring for damage, can help prevent OBDII code P0381 in your 2016 Chevrolet Silverado.