How To Fix “C0800 03 Control Module Power Circuit Low Voltage”?

The "C0800:03 Control Module Power Circuit Low Voltage" can be a major pain to diagnose. Unfortunately, googling about the issue does not seem to yield enough useful information that zeroed in on the true cause of the problem.

C0800-03 code highlights

• Level of urgency:High
• Possible culprits:Voltage problems, PCM issues, wiring issues
• Price for repair:$150 - $750
• If neglected:Different glitches may show up
• DIY repairs:Impossible
• Can you drive?Yes

Locating the Most Possible Sources of the Problem

Based on dedicated forums of people who have encountered and fixed the "C0800:03 Control Module Power Circuit Low Voltage" error code without resorting to some sort of sorcery, the most likely areas where the problem may come from are the following:

1. Battery Shortage

When your car's battery is running low or if it's been overcharged, it can cause problems with the power control module (PCM). One of the most common problems is a fault code displaying "C0800 03 Control Module Power Circuit Low Voltage."

This code indicates that there is an issue with the power supply to the PCM. The most likely cause is either a low battery or an overcharged battery.

If you're experiencing this problem, the first thing you should do is check your car's battery. Make sure it has enough juice and that it isn't overcharged.

You can use a multimeter to check your battery's charge. Just connect the probes of the device to the battery's terminals and read the voltage. If the reading is below 12 volts while the engine is off, the battery is already low on power and needs to be charged. If it's above 14 volts, it's overcharged and should be drained. Should either fail, have the battery replaced immediately.

In some cases, a faulty connection between the battery terminals and cables can also cause this problem. If you suspect this is the case, see to it the cables are in proper contact with the terminals. Should you see an accumulation of soot, corrosion, or any kind of dirt build-up in the parts, have them cleaned using a soft cloth or cleaning solution if needed. Consult a mechanic should any of these fails to determine whether or not the said parts can still be repaired or replaced.

If you're having trouble with your car's power control module, make sure to start your search with the battery. In most cases, this is the root of the problem. However, if the issue persists, proceed with the other factors shown on this list.

2. Defective Battery Sensor

If your car has a defective battery sensor, it can send wrong signals to the PCM and cause problems like the fault code "C0800 03 Control Module Power Circuit Low Voltage" error on the dash.

The symptoms of battery sensor problems may also include the car not starting, lights flickering, and a wide array of other electrical issues. The problem can come as a result of a faulty battery, loose wiring, or a bad connection.

However, if you really suspect that your sensor is the root of all your troubles, you can confirm your suspicion via a multimeter. To do this, you'll need to check the sensor's resistance first. The resistance reading on the device should be within acceptable levels with values at or close to 0.5 ohms. If not, then it needs to be replaced.

Bad battery sensors can cause all sorts of electrical problems in your car. To fix this, you'll need to replace the sensor. This is a simple process that can be done with the right tools or by a professional.

The process simply involves disconnecting the negative terminal of the battery. Then, the old sensor connected to it should be removed, and the new one should be installed. After that, the negative terminal of the battery should be reconnected. If this is the only cause of the error, the problem should be gone the next time you start your car or after you have driven it for nearly a hundred miles.

A defective battery sensor can cause serious problems and should be fixed as soon as possible. The best way to do this is through the help of a professional mechanic who is more skilled and better equipped at detecting sensor issues.

3. Faulty PCM

Addressing the elephant in the room based on the description of the fault code "C0800 03 Control Module Power Circuit Low Voltage", the issue can mean that there is a problem with the power supply to the PCM. This can be caused by a number of things, but the most common cause is a defective PCM.

The red flags pointing to a defective PCM may include the engine running rough, misfiring, stalling, poor fuel economy, and all sorts of calibration issues in the other modules of your vehicles. If you experience any of these problems, it's important to have the PCM checked as soon as possible.

There are a few possible solutions to this problem, but the most common is to reflash the PCM. This is simply updating or reprogramming the software of your vehicle, which can be done at a dealership or by a qualified mechanic. If the problem is not limited to software issues, then it may be necessary to replace the PCM.

To check if the PCM is still working well via a multimeter, look for a voltage drop when the PCM is turned on. If there's more than a 0.5-volt drop, then it's time to replace the PCM. Likewise, having no continuity and getting high resistance during testing are also signs that you should replace the part.

If you're experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, it's important to have the PCM checked as soon as possible. Reflashing the PCM is the most common solution, but if the problem is more serious, then it may be necessary to replace the PCM. Either way, it's important to get the problem fixed as soon as possible to avoid further damage to your vehicle.

4. Alternator Failure

The alternator is like the gray area of the car's electrical and mechanical system because it is a mechanical component that is also responsible for energizing the battery. If you have a "C0800 03 Control Module Power Circuit Low Voltage" fault code, your alternator is likely failing. Alternator problems can cause all sorts of electrical issues in the PCM, including this particular code.

Aside from the said error code, the symptoms of alternator problems include dim or flickering headlights, intermittent power steering, and strange electrical issues. If any of the issues you are experiencing hints at an alternator failure, the best course of action is to take it to a mechanic or dealer and have it checked out. They will be able to tell you for sure if the problem is with the alternator or if it is something else.

If the problem is indeed with the alternator, it will need to be replaced. This is not a difficult or expensive repair, but it is important to get it done as soon as possible to avoid further expensive repairs to your vehicle.

5. ABS Controller

Strangely, many recommend checking out the ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) controller for possible signs of defect when diagnosing the "C0800 03 Control Module Power Circuit Low Voltage" code.

One thing's for sure though, when your ABS controller starts to fail, it can cause several problems. One of the most common symptoms is that the ABS light will come on, or stay on, even when the vehicle is turned off. This can be caused by a number of different things, but most often it is due to a problem with the power supply.

In many vehicles, the power supply to the ABS controller is controlled by the PCM. If the latter detects a low voltage condition, it will set a fault code and turn on the ABS light.

If you have a multimeter, you can check the voltage at the ABS controller to see if it is getting power. The voltage should be between 12 and 14 volts. If it is lower than that, then you likely have a problem with the power supply.

In some cases, you may be able to clean the contacts on the ABS controller and get it working again. However, if the problem persists, then you will need to replace the controller.

Once you have replaced the ABS controller, you should be able to reset the fault code and turn off the ABS light. If the light does not go off, then there may be another problem causing it to stay on. In this case, you will need to take your vehicle to a mechanic to have it checked out.

ABS controller problems can be frustrating, but they are usually not difficult to fix. If you have a problem with your ABS light, make sure to check the power supply first. If that does not fix the problem, then you will need to replace the controller. With a little bit of work, you should be able to get your ABS working properly again.

Conclusion

The conditions enumerated here are the most common causes of the "C0800 03 Control Module Power Circuit Low Voltage" usually experienced by Chevy units. Since this is an electrical issue, there may be other variables in play aside from the ones mentioned here that could indirectly trigger the problem. Therefore, the best way to tackle the subject is through the help of an experienced mechanic.