P23DA code meaning
Cylinder 3 Fuel Heater Control Circuit High
Powertrain system Generic code P23xx codes Check engine light
What P23DA means
P23DA tells that the control side of the cylinder 3 heater sits at a high level. The likely pictures are a control wire touching a positive feed, so voltage stays on the line when the channel is off, or an output stage that has failed conducting, so heater 3 runs without command. The second case is the costly one: Bosch rates one heat circuit at about 260 W at 12 V, which is more than 20 A, and a heater that keeps running after the engine is shut off will drain the battery within a few hours. A heater 3 that is still warm long after switch-off, or an unexplained flat battery, fits this code. No manufacturer publishes P23DA; CARB requires the circuit to be monitored. Low fault: P23DB, open: P23D9, cylinder 2 counterpart: P23D6.
P23DA at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyMedium
- Typical labor0.5 to 2.5 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P23DA
- Flat battery after the car has stood for some hours
- Heater at cylinder 3 warm long after switch-off
- Engine warning lamp, depending on manufacturer
Common causes of P23DA
- Most likelyChannel 3 output stage failed conducting
- PossibleCylinder 3 control wire shorted to a positive feed
- Less likelyHeater supply relay contacts welded
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Fuel heater cyl 3
What each part of P23DA means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 2 | Generic code (second SAE range): it means the same on every make. |
| 3 | Area: ignition system or misfire. |
| DA | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P23DA and any other codes stored with it: several codes together often point to one cause.
- Check for loose connectors and damaged wiring around the parts the code names.
- Check open recalls for your car: some faults are fixed for free by the dealer. Enter your VIN.
- Clear the code only after the repair. If it comes back, the fault is still there.
Buying a used car? Scan it for stored codes before you pay. A recently cleared memory can hide a problem.
Questions about P23DA
What does P23DA mean?
P23DA means "Cylinder 3 Fuel Heater Control Circuit High". P23DA tells that the control side of the cylinder 3 heater sits at a high level. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P23DA?
Usually yes, for a short time, if the check engine light is steady and the car drives normally. If the light flashes or the car runs badly, stop and have it checked.
Will P23DA fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P23DA is emissions-related, so most inspection programs fail a car while it is stored or while the check engine light is on.
How hard is P23DA to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 2.5 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P23DA clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.