{"id":86282,"date":"2023-06-28T21:52:51","date_gmt":"2023-06-29T04:52:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogv2prod.wpenginepowered.com\/blog\/?p=86282"},"modified":"2024-12-19T06:06:37","modified_gmt":"2024-12-19T14:06:37","slug":"p1604-code-startability-malfunction","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/p1604-code-startability-malfunction\/","title":{"rendered":"P1604 Code: Startability Malfunction"},"content":{"rendered":"<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC \"-\/\/W3C\/\/DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional\/\/EN\" \"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/TR\/REC-html40\/loose.dtd\">\n<html><body><span class=\"span-reading-time rt-reading-time\" style=\"display: block;\"><span class=\"rt-label rt-prefix\">Reading Time: <\/span> <span class=\"rt-time\"> 3<\/span> <span class=\"rt-label rt-postfix\">minutes<\/span><\/span><style>.kadence-column86282_cf8011-d9 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column86282_cf8011-d9 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column86282_cf8011-d9 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column86282_cf8011-d9 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column86282_cf8011-d9 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column86282_cf8011-d9 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column86282_cf8011-d9{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column86282_cf8011-d9 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column86282_cf8011-d9 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column86282_cf8011-d9 inner-column-1 qk-look-widget\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-ultimate-post-row ultp-block-9a823a  qk-main-wrap\"><div class=\"ultp-row-wrapper\"><div class=\"ultp-row-content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-ultimate-post-column ultp-block-4215d8\"><div class=\"ultp-column-wrapper\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading86282_387e5d-96, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading86282_387e5d-96[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading86282_387e5d-96\"]{text-align:center;font-size:20px;font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading86282_387e5d-96 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading86282_387e5d-96[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading86282_387e5d-96\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-family:Inter;font-weight:500;font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading86282_387e5d-96 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading86282_387e5d-96[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading86282_387e5d-96\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"kt-adv-heading86282_387e5d-96 summary-title wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading86282_387e5d-96\"><span>Summary<\/span><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The P1604 code stands for &ldquo;Startability Malfunction.&rdquo; It&rsquo;s set when the PCM detects the engine isn&rsquo;t starting or is taking too long to start.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Some common triggers include battery issues, clogged fuel filters, and low-quality fuel.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Symptoms to watch out for include an illuminated check engine light, an engine that doesn&rsquo;t start, and stalling.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/my-car-wont-start-what-should-i-do\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"&ldquo;no-start&rdquo; condition\">&ldquo;no-start&rdquo; condition<\/a> isn&rsquo;t uncommon. There&rsquo;s a plethora of reasons why a vehicle wouldn&rsquo;t start, and it can be hard to guess which one is causing your ride not to start. Fortunately, on-board diagnostic codes can help you identify the root cause of the issue. For example, P1604 is a diagnostic trouble code related to a startability malfunction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Does the P1604 Code Mean?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/search-obd2-codes-list\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Diagnostic trouble code\">Diagnostic trouble code<\/a> (DTC) P1604 stands for &ldquo;Startability Malfunction.&rdquo; It&rsquo;s set when the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/engine-control-module\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"powertrain control module\">powertrain control module<\/a> (PCM) detects that the engine is not starting or taking too long to start.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/car-pcm-triggers-p1604-code-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"car pcm triggers p1604 code\" class=\"wp-image-86283\" style=\"width:1024px;height:682px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/car-pcm-triggers-p1604-code-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/car-pcm-triggers-p1604-code-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/car-pcm-triggers-p1604-code-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/car-pcm-triggers-p1604-code-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/car-pcm-triggers-p1604-code-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/car-pcm-triggers-p1604-code-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/car-pcm-triggers-p1604-code-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/car-pcm-triggers-p1604-code.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">P1604 code is set when the powertrain control module (PCM) detects that the engine is not starting or taking too long to start.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">P1604 is an inconclusive code that&rsquo;s often logged alongside other trouble codes. It&rsquo;s mostly logged on newer <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/toyota\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Toyota\">Toyota<\/a> models.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If your scan tool retrieved a P1604 code, check other codes that come with it to pinpoint what&rsquo;s causing the issue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Note that most vehicles don&rsquo;t log P1604. On many modern vehicles, the starter is operated by a relay controlled by the PCM whenever you turn the key to the start position. On these platforms, the PCM automatically uses the relay it controls to spin the starter and then releases it when the engine starts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Note that most vehicles don&rsquo;t log P1604. On many modern vehicles, the starter is operated by a relay controlled by the PCM whenever you turn the key to the start position.<\/p>\n<cite><em>&ndash;<\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/author\/richardmccuistian\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Richard McCuistian, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician\">Richard McCuistian, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician<\/a><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But even when the starter is directly controlled by the ignition switch, the PCM knows when start is commanded and it also knows how long the engine spins before it starts. If the engine controller&rsquo;s algorithms are programmed to set a code when the engine fails to start as expected, this code will be set.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>Note:<\/em><\/strong><em> The definition of code P1604 may be different depending on the vehicle manufacturer. Consult the appropriate repair manual or repair database for the exact code definition.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Are the Common Causes of the P1604 Code?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/5-signs-of-a-bad-battery\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Battery\">Battery<\/a> and starting system issues<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/here-are-the-top-4-signs-of-a-bad-fuel-filter\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Clogged fuel filter\">Clogged fuel filter<\/a> (this, however, almost never causes a no-start)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/7-reasons-why-your-car-stalls-after-getting-gas\/#Low-Quality_Fuel\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Low-quality fuel\">Low-quality fuel<\/a>, contaminated fuel, or out of fuel<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/car-pcm-meaning-symptoms-of-failure-and-more\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Faulty PCM\">Faulty PCM<\/a> or electrical issues related to the PCM<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ignition system issues (fouled spark plugs, etc.)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Issues with certain PCM input sensors<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mechanical engine issues<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Are the Common Symptoms of the P1604 Code?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/check-engine-light-flashing\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Illuminated check engine light\">Illuminated check engine light<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Engine doesn&rsquo;t start<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Engine starts but stalls<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"article-search-widget\">\n<div class=\"cp-search\">\n<div align=\"center\">\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cld.partsimg.com\/image\/upload\/w_auto,dpr_auto\/carparts\/logos\/badge_wordmark\/full_color\/CP_LOGO_COLOUR_RGB\" alt=\"CarParts.com\" width=\"300\" height=\"56\">\n<\/div>\n<form id=\"cpsearchform\" name=\"cpsearchform\" action=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/search\" method=\"get\" target=\"_blank\" accept-charset=\"character_set\" aria-label=\"search CarParts.com\">\n    <input type=\"text\" class=\"keyword\" name=\"q\" placeholder=\"Search for parts on CarParts.com\" value=\"\" aria-label=\"Search CarParts.com\"><input type=\"submit\" class=\"btn-search\" value=\"Search\" aria-label=\"Search\">\n<\/form>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Diagnose the P1604 Code<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Code P1604 doesn&rsquo;t have a universal diagnostic procedure that would work for all vehicles. After all, car structures tend to vary depending on their manufacturer and model.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you&rsquo;re not sure how to diagnose the issue, it&rsquo;s best to take your vehicle to an auto repair shop for a proper diagnosis. Otherwise, you can do it yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Fix the P1604 Code<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Resolving a P1604 isn&rsquo;t easy, especially if you don&rsquo;t have in-depth knowledge of the fuel management system. Your best option is to let a licensed mechanic fix the problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But if you&rsquo;re confident that you can resolve the trouble code on your own, make sure to read up about this trouble code before starting. Resources like Chilton can give you vehicle-specific information that can help you fix code P1604.<\/p>\n<\/body><\/html>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p><span class=\"span-reading-time rt-reading-time\" style=\"display: block;\"><span class=\"rt-label rt-prefix\">Reading Time: <\/span> <span class=\"rt-time\"> 3<\/span> <span class=\"rt-label rt-postfix\">minutes<\/span><\/span>A &ldquo;no-start&rdquo; condition isn&rsquo;t uncommon. There&rsquo;s a plethora of reasons why a vehicle wouldn&rsquo;t start, and it can be hard&#8230; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/p1604-code-startability-malfunction\/\" rel=\"nofollow\">Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":86284,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":true,"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1314],"tags":[1323],"ppma_author":[2607,2985],"class_list":["post-86282","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-obd-ii-trouble-codes","tag-engine-control-module-2","entry"],"acf":{"adrotate_specific_mobile_ad":"","adrotate_specific_desktop_ad":""},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.2 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>P1604 Code: Startability Malfunction - In The Garage with CarParts.com<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Did your scan tool log a P1604 code? Find out what it means, the symptoms it might exhibit, and the issues that could cause it.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/p1604-code-startability-malfunction\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"P1604 Code: Startability Malfunction - In The Garage with CarParts.com\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Did your scan tool log a P1604 code? 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He has produced a coffee table book of digital watercolors called \u201cMemories of South Alabama\u201d created from his personal photos, along with a dozen Christian fiction short original novels and a collection of short stories, all available in Kindle or softcover format. 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