AutoCodes – GMC – P133A 2015 GMC Sierra

P133A 2015 GMC Sierra Code - Cylinder 3 Glow Plug Offset Exceeded Learning Limit

Quick Answer

The Glow Plug Control Module has not learned the glow plug offset values. Common causes include Perform Glow Plug Learn procedure, Faulty Glow Plug 3, Glow Plug 3 harness is open or shorted. 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: P133A 2015 GMC Sierra indicates Cylinder 3 Glow Plug Offset Exceeded Learning Limit.
Common causes: Common causes include Perform Glow Plug Learn procedure, Faulty Glow Plug 3, Glow Plug 3 harness is open or shorted.
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 224

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 Sep 30, 2022

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Tech Notes
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code P133A 2015 GMC Sierra Description

The Glow Plug Control Module has not learned the glow plug offset values. If a glow plug has been replaced and the glow plug learn was not performed, or if the Glow Plug Control Module experiences an Electronically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM) error or data corruption, this Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) to set. The DTC will be set if the glow plug hot resistance is outside a predefined threshold.

OBDII Code P133A 2015 GMC Sierra - Cylinder 3 Glow Plug Offset Exceeded Learning Limit - AutoCodes.com — P133A 2015 GMC Sierra Code - Cylinder 3 Glow Plug Offset Exceeded Learning Limit

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P133A 2015 GMC Sierra?

Perform Glow Plug Learn procedure
Faulty Glow Plug 3
Glow Plug 3 harness is open or shorted
Glow Plug 3 circuit poor electrical connection

How to Fix the DTC P133A 2015 GMC Sierra?

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 does this mean?

Code Tech Notes

If a Glow Plug was replaced, perform a Glow Plug Learn procedure with a Scan Tool.

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P133A 2015 GMC Sierra 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 P133A 2015 GMC Sierra code?

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Need Help with the Code?

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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 P133A 2015 GMC Sierra Code

What does the OBDII code P133A mean for a 2015 GMC Sierra?

The OBDII code P133A indicates that the cylinder 3 glow plug offset has exceeded the learning limit, which can affect the performance of the diesel engine during cold starts.

What are the common symptoms of the P133A code?

Common symptoms may include rough idling, difficulty starting the engine, increased exhaust smoke, and a loss of power during acceleration.

What could cause the P133A code to trigger?

Possible causes include a faulty glow plug in cylinder 3, issues with the glow plug control module, bad wiring or connections, or problems with the engine control unit (ECU).

How can I diagnose the P133A code?

To diagnose the P133A code, use an OBDII scanner to confirm the code, inspect the glow plug and its connections in cylinder 3, and check the glow plug control module for faults.

What repairs are typically needed for the P133A code?

Repairs often involve replacing the faulty glow plug in cylinder 3, repairing or replacing damaged wiring, or addressing issues with the glow plug control module.

Can I drive my GMC Sierra with the P133A code?

While it may be possible to drive the vehicle, it is not advisable as it may lead to poor engine performance and potential damage over time. It's best to address the issue promptly.

Is there a way to reset the P133A code after repairs?

Yes, you can reset the P133A code using an OBDII scanner. However, the code may reappear if the underlying issue has not been resolved.

How much does it typically cost to fix the P133A code?

Repair costs can vary widely depending on the cause, but replacing a glow plug typically ranges from $100 to $300, including parts and labor.

Will the P133A code affect my vehicle's emissions?

Yes, if the glow plug system is not functioning properly, it can lead to increased emissions and may cause your vehicle to fail an emissions test.

What should I do if the P133A code keeps coming back?

If the code keeps returning, you should have a professional mechanic perform a thorough diagnosis to identify any underlying issues that may not have been addressed during initial repairs.