P0000 Fault Code (Causes & Fixes) No DTCs Detected
Updated: Feb 5
✔ This article has been fact checked.
Not many OBD reading devices display the P0000 fault code. It can mean that no fault codes have been detected, usually it indicates scanner tool incompatibility but i may be concealing another fault code underneath.
If a DTC is associated to the powertrain, an OBD scanner will read it as starting with P, thus the letter "P". Generic fault codes are those of the format P0xxx.
Table of Contents:
The Meaning of a P0000 Fault Code
The P0000 fault code can be a confusing one to diagnose because it essentially means that there are no detected diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) present.
If you see this code displayed on your on-board diagnostic (OBD) scan tool, it could be an indication that you are using an incompatible scanner or that there is a hidden fault code that your scanner is unable to detect.
When the computer in your vehicle detects a problem, it will activate the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL), also known as the check-engine light, on your dashboard. This is a visual indication that something is not functioning properly.
When a problem is detected, most cars will go into an open loop mode, also known as "limp mode", which limits the power and performance of the engine in order to prevent further damage.
If this happens there is likely an issue being hidden by the P0000 fault code and you will need a more advanced scan tool to uncover the fault code.
How to Diagnose a P0000 Code
To diagnose and fix any problems with your car, a mechanic will use an OBD scan tool to retrieve any DTCs stored in the engine control unit (ECU) memory.
The ECU is a computer that controls the engine and other systems in your vehicle, and it may contain up to 10,000 DTC P-codes in its system memory. Knowing a specific DTC can help to narrow down the possible causes of the problem and make it easier to fix.
The P0000 code is a bit different, because it indicates that there are no DTCs present. If your OBD scan tool is functioning properly, it should not display this code.
Additionally, when a scan tool is connected, the screen will usually remain blank if there are no MIL or drivability problems.
Therefore, if you see the P0000 code on your scan tool, it is likely that you are using an incompatible scanner or that there is a hidden fault code that your scanner is unable to detect.
In either case, it is recommended to upgrade to a professional OBD scan tool to accurately diagnose the problem.
Is It Serious?
The P0000 fault code is generally not considered to be a serious issue. This code is a generic code that indicates that there are no diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) detected by the on-board diagnostic (OBD) system.
While this code can be confusing to diagnose, it is usually not indicative of a serious problem with your car.
If you see the P0000 code displayed on your OBD scan tool, it could be an indication that you are using an incompatible scanner or that there is a hidden fault code that your scanner is unable to detect.
If there are no other underlying fault codes responsible for the P0000 code, it is likely that there will be no functional or drivability issues with your car.
However, if there is a fault code that your OBD scanner is unable to detect and it is being replaced by the P0000 code, there may be signs of a fundamental problem. In this case, it is important to have the underlying issue checked.
If your MIL is not lit and your car is running normally, it is likely that your OBD scan tool is defaulting to the P0000 code.
However, if the MIL is lit or you are experiencing drivability issues, it is possible that your scan tool is not compatible with your car and that there is another fault code hidden underneath.
Overall, the P0000 fault code is not typically considered to be a serious issue, in the case the p0000 fault code is hiding another fault and there are obvious drivability issues, you should avoid driving or starting the vehicle until a professional scan tool is used.
Potential Causes
There are a few possible causes for the P0000 code.
Inadequate scan tool. One possible cause of a P0000 code is the use of an inadequate OBD scan tool. This may include using a less expensive or less competent scan tool, or a scan tool that is not compatible with your car's system. This is common with the use of a multipurpose scanner that is not able to accurately detect certain types of fault codes.
Incompatible scan tool. In some cases, the P0000 code may act as a generic code in place of a fault code that is specific to a particular vehicle. This can occur if you are using an OBD scanner that is not able to detect certain manufacturer-specific DTCs. For example, the motor or battery controller in an electric or hybrid vehicle may not be able to be accurately diagnosed by some scan tools.
Overall, the most common cause of a P0000 fault code is the use of an incompatible or inadequate OBD scan tool. To accurately diagnose and fix any problems with your car, it is important to use a professional-grade OBD scan tool that is compatible with your car's system.
If there are no other underlying fault codes responsible for the P0000 code, it is likely that there will be no functional or drivability issues with your car.
However, if there is a fault code that your OBD scanner is unable to detect and it is being replaced by the P0000 code, there may be signs of a fundamental problem.
Since most significant DTCs are generic and can be detected by almost any OBD scanner, it should be safe to continue driving your car normally if there are no immediately obvious problems.
The causes of an issue hidden by the p0000 code could be anything, until you know the actual issue (by using a more advanced OBD scanner) you will not know the cause of the problem.
However, if there is a hidden issue, the most likely causes are as follows.
Sensors malfunctioning
Electrical issues (low battery, wiring issues, etc.)
Faulty emissions control components (loose fuel cap, faulty catalytic converter, etc.)
How to Fix a P0000 Fault Code
To fix the P0000 code, it is best to use a professional OBD scan tool to be sure what the actual fault code is.
In some cases, the P0000 code may act as a generic code in place of a fault code that is specific to a particular vehicle.
This can occur if you are using an OBD scanner that is not able to detect certain manufacturer-specific DTCs. For example, the motor or battery controller in an electric or hybrid vehicle may not be able to be accurately diagnosed by some scan tools.
In this case, it is important to have your car tested by a professional OBD scanning tool that is compatible with your car's system.
Usually a P0000 code is simply fixed by using a compatible scan tool and will typically not appear when using one.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the P0000 fault code can be a confusing one to diagnose because it indicates that there are no DTCs present.
If you see this code displayed on your OBD scan tool, it could be an indication that you are using an incompatible scanner or that there is a hidden fault code that your scanner is unable to detect.
To fix the P0000 code, it is best to use a professional OBD scan tool to accurately diagnose the problem and ensure that it is fixed correctly.
If there are no immediately obvious issues with your car's performance, it is probably safe to continue driving normally.
However, if you are experiencing any problems, it is best to have your car checked by a professional mechanic as soon as possible to prevent any potential damage.