P1000 code – Causes, information & Fix

 The P1000 error code is commonly found in Ford and Jaguar vehicles. It indicates different things for different vehicles. The most common meaning P1000 code is an incomplete system diagnosis which is associated with Ford and Jaguar cars

The P1000 error code is a different error code compared to others. Unlike the rest, this error code represents a manufacturer specific error code. This means that it means different things in different vehicles.

For this article, we are going to focus on what the code represents in Jaguar and Ford where the error code is commonly found. This error code is defined as: onboard diagnostic system readiness test not complete. What this means is that the PCM has not completed a full diagnosis cycle.

When the OBD II scanner scans your vehicle’s onboard computer to check for trouble codes, it should do a complete diagnosis cycle. If it does not complete this cycle, a P1000 error code is generated. A lot of things can cause this to happen with the most common reason being a loss of power to the PCM.

With most error codes, you cannot expect them to go away on their own unless fixed. Well the P1000 code, can disappear on its own without fixing.

What Are the Symptoms of the P1000 CODE?

The P1000 error code represents a problem with the diagnostics rather than the vehicle itself. It alerts the car owner that a scan failed due to lack of its completion. The only symptom for this code is the engine light on the dash comes on.

What Are the Causes of P1000 error code?

Since this error code represents a problem with the diagnostics rather than the vehicle itself, the causes for this problem do not indicate a problem with the car. The following are the causes of onboard diagnostics failing.

Disconnected battery

The OBD II scanner reads information from the vehicle’s onboard computer system. When the battery is dead or disconnected, the onboard system is not powered. A P1000 error code will be generated by the scanner since the scan cannot complete without power to the onboard computer

The PCM is disconnected

The PCM is the onboard computer found in cars that is linked to the engine to control and monitor its various operations. When the PCM is disconnected, the scanner is not able to communicate with the system causing a P1000 error

Vehicle is new from the factory

A factory new car means that the car is so new that the PCM has not been setup. The PCM has to be setup to communicate with the OBD II scanner. If it is not setup, the OBD II scanner reads a P100 error code since the scan was incomplete

Previously uncleared error codes

If there were any other error codes on the scanner when testing, a P1000 error code is generated because the held error code has not been cleared yet. Always clear the current error codes from the scanner before starting a new scan.

How to diagnose P1000 error code

For this process you will need an OBD II scanner too and a screwdriver. If the vehicle is brand new, drive it for a few minutes and wait a day or two for the error code to clear.

Use the OBD II scanner to test for other error codes and fix those issues first. Inspect the battery and its terminals and make sure they are firmly connected. It is important to realize that if the positive terminal is loose, you should remove the negative cable before putting the negative back on.

Find the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) using the car owner’s manual. Inspect all the connections and ensure that there is no broken or disconnected component. Replace any broken wires and components. After doing this, do a diagnostic test using the scanner and record the live data to ensure the scanner is reporting.

How to fix P1000 error code

The most common fix for this problem is to drive your car for a while and the code will clear in a day or two. If the P1000 error code persists even after taking a short drive, a running drive cycle is recommended. Fortunately, a running drive cycle is similar for all vehicles. A running drive cycle is performed using the following steps.

1. Ensure that your gas tank is between a ¼ and ¾ way full. The battery should also be strong to be able to complete a drive cycle. Let the car sit for at least 8 hours before beginning this process. This is done to ensure that the temperature in the engine is the same to the temperature of the surrounding atmosphere.
2. Start the engine and allow it to sit at idle for about 3 minutes. After this, check the operations of the headlights and heater
3. Drive the car for about 20 minutes at normal speed of between 30 and 40mph. Do this as you slow down to a complete stop before continuing the drive. Repeat this for the above mentioned time period
4. Build up the speed to about 60mph for at least five miles. If your car has cruise control, engage it to get the best out of this fix
5. Exit the highway to allow your car to lose some speed. If the car is of manual transmission, avoid changing the gears for as long as you can.
6. Finally, repeat the third step and allow the car to idle for a minute before turning off the engine.

Conclusion

The P1000 is not a common error code. When it happens, the problem is almost always an undercharged battery if the vehicle is not factory new. This means that some diagnostic tests will not be available if the battery level is below the required level.

Always ensure that you have a strong battery. Practice proper battery maintained by changing the battery every five years and testing it regularly. With this you will be able to prevent a P1000 error code.