AutoCodes – Mercury – P163D Mercury

P163D Mercury Code - Secondary Generator Field Terminal Circuit High

Quick Answer

With the engine running, the charging system warning indicator is off. Common causes include Faulty Generator (Alternator), Generator harness is open or shorted, Generator 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: P163D Mercury indicates Secondary Generator Field Terminal Circuit High.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Generator (Alternator), Generator harness is open or shorted, Generator 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 1,024

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 Jan 05, 2020

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 P163D Mercury Description

With the engine running, the charging system warning indicator is off. The circuit from the battery B+ to the generator regulator is 13-15 volts. This voltage feedback is used by the regulator to maintain the battery voltage at the desired set-point. The S (stator) circuit (internal to the generator) is used to monitor generator operation. This circuit and other regulator internal conditions are checked by the regulator to allow the PCM to turn off the charging system warning indicator by sending a message over the Controller Area Network (CAN) bus to the Instrument Cluster (IC). The positive battery output (B+) circuit is the generator output supplied to the battery and electrical system. For dual generator systems, these circuits are duplicated. Both generator regulators send a signal to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) to allow the PCM to turn off the charging system warning indicator. In dual generator systems, the PCM keeps the secondary generator in a standby state where it does not generate current unless the primary generator is generating full power and more current is needed to support the vehicle loads. This may make it appear that the secondary generator is not working when vehicle loads are not large. It is important to note that a normal operational state of the charging system is for the secondary generator to not produce current.

OBDII Code P163D Mercury - Secondary Generator Field Terminal Circuit High - AutoCodes.com — P163D Mercury Code - Secondary Generator Field Terminal Circuit High

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P163D Mercury?

Faulty Generator (Alternator)
Generator harness is open or shorted
Generator circuit poor electrical connection
Faulty Powertrain Control Module (PCM)

How to Fix the DTC P163D Mercury?

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 P163D Mercury 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 P163D Mercury code?

Need more information on how to fix the P163D Mercury code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the P163D Mercury 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 P163D Mercury Code

1. What are common symptoms of OBDII code P163D in a Mercury vehicle?

The common symptoms of OBDII code P163D in a Mercury vehicle may include issues with the secondary generator system, such as the battery not charging properly, dimming lights, or the vehicle stalling.

2. What does the OBDII code P163D Mercury - Secondary Generator Field Terminal Circuit High indicate?

The OBDII code P163D in a Mercury vehicle indicates a high voltage condition in the secondary generator field terminal circuit, which can lead to charging system malfunctions.

3. What are possible causes of the OBDII code P163D in a Mercury vehicle?

Possible causes of the OBDII code P163D in a Mercury vehicle include a faulty generator, damaged wiring or connectors in the field terminal circuit, or issues with the voltage regulator.

4. How can I diagnose the OBDII code P163D in my Mercury vehicle?

To diagnose the OBDII code P163D in your Mercury vehicle, you may need to perform a thorough inspection of the generator system, check the wiring and connectors for damage, and test the voltage regulator for proper functioning.

5. What are some repair tips for fixing the OBDII code P163D in a Mercury vehicle?

Repair tips for fixing the OBDII code P163D in a Mercury vehicle may include repairing or replacing damaged wiring and connectors, testing and replacing the generator if necessary, and ensuring proper voltage regulator operation.

6. Can I drive my Mercury vehicle with the OBDII code P163D?

It is not recommended to drive your Mercury vehicle with the OBDII code P163D, as it can lead to charging system failures and potential stalling of the vehicle. It is best to address the issue as soon as possible.

7. How much does it typically cost to repair the OBDII code P163D in a Mercury vehicle?

The cost of repairing the OBDII code P163D in a Mercury vehicle can vary depending on the extent of the issue and the specific repairs needed. It is advisable to consult a professional mechanic for an accurate estimate.

8. Is the OBDII code P163D a common issue in Mercury vehicles?

The OBDII code P163D related to the secondary generator field terminal circuit high is not extremely common in Mercury vehicles but can still occur due to various reasons such as component failures or wiring issues.

9. Can a DIY enthusiast fix the OBDII code P163D issue in a Mercury vehicle?

While some DIY enthusiasts may have the skills to diagnose and repair the OBDII code P163D in a Mercury vehicle, it is recommended to seek professional help, especially when dealing with the complex charging system components.

10. How can I prevent the OBDII code P163D from occurring in my Mercury vehicle?

To prevent the OBDII code P163D from occurring in your Mercury vehicle, it is essential to regularly inspect and maintain the charging system components, including the generator, wiring, and voltage regulator, to ensure proper functioning.