AutoCodesPontiac – P1396 Pontiac

P1396 Pontiac Code - Wheel Speed Sensor Circuit

Quick Answer

The road situation is estimated with the help of a wheel speed sensor. Common causes include Faulty Wheel Speed Sensor, Wheel Speed Sensor harness is open or shorted, Wheel Speed Sensor 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
P1396 Pontiac indicates Wheel Speed Sensor Circuit.
Common causes
Common causes include Faulty Wheel Speed Sensor, Wheel Speed Sensor harness is open or shorted, Wheel Speed Sensor 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 3,518
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Aug 17, 2019
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Code P1396 Pontiac Description

The road situation is estimated with the help of a wheel speed sensor. The wheel speed sensor generates an AC voltage that increases with wheel speed every time there is a wheel rotation.
The frequency of the AC signal is used by the Electronic Body Control Module (EBCM) to calculate wheel speed. Engine Control Module (ECM) misfire detection diagnostic will be automatically deactivated once the wheel speed sensor detects a rough road condition.
OBDII Code P1396 Pontiac - Wheel Speed Sensor Circuit - AutoCodes.com
P1396 Pontiac Code - Wheel Speed Sensor Circuit

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P1396 Pontiac?

  • Faulty Wheel Speed Sensor
  • Wheel Speed Sensor harness is open or shorted
  • Wheel Speed Sensor circuit poor electrical connection

How to Fix the DTC P1396 Pontiac?

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 P1396 Pontiac 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.

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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 P1396 Pontiac Code

1. What does the OBDII code P1396 mean for a Pontiac?

P1396 indicates an issue with the wheel speed sensor circuit, which monitors the rotational speed of the wheels for systems like ABS and traction control.

2. What are common symptoms of code P1396 in a Pontiac?

Symptoms include ABS and traction control warning lights, poor braking performance, and possible loss of traction control functionality.

3. What causes the P1396 code on a Pontiac?

Common causes include a damaged wheel speed sensor, corroded or disconnected wiring, or a faulty sensor harness.

4. How can I diagnose the P1396 code on my Pontiac?

Use a multimeter to check the sensor’s electrical resistance and inspect the wiring and connectors for damage or corrosion.

5. Can I drive my Pontiac with the P1396 code active?

Driving is possible but not recommended, as ABS and traction control systems may be disabled, increasing the risk of accidents in slippery conditions.

6. How do I fix the P1396 code on a Pontiac?

Repairs typically involve replacing the faulty wheel speed sensor, repairing damaged wiring, or cleaning corroded connectors.

7. How much does it cost to repair a P1396 code on a Pontiac?

Repair costs can range from $100 to $300, depending on whether a simple sensor replacement or wiring repair is needed.

8. Will clearing the P1396 code solve the issue on a Pontiac?

Clearing the code without addressing the root cause will result in the code reappearing, as the underlying problem remains unresolved.

9. What tools are needed to repair the P1396 code on a Pontiac?

Basic tools include a diagnostic scanner, multimeter, and possibly a jack for accessing the wheel speed sensor.

10. Can a dirty wheel speed sensor trigger the P1396 code on a Pontiac?

Yes, dirt or debris on the sensor can interfere with its signal and lead to this code being triggered. Cleaning the sensor may resolve the issue.

Discuss the causes and fixes for P1396 Pontiac OBDII Code

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