A short to ground in the 5-volt reference circuit wiring, often due to chafed insulation or pinched wires; A faulty sensor internally shorted and pulling the 5-volt supply down; Corroded or loose electrical connectors at sensors or the PCM; A defective PCM with an internal fault in the 5-volt regulator; Moisture intrusion into a sensor or connector causing a partial short; Aftermarket accessories improperly tapped into the 5-volt circuit

DTC codes / Chrysler codes / P1496

P1496 · Chrysler5 Volt Supply Output Too Low

Q: What does code P1496 mean?

5 Volt Supply Output Too Low. P1496 on Chrysler vehicles means the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) has detected that the 5-volt reference supply circuit it provides to one or more engine sensors has dropped below the expected voltage. The PCM monitors this output and sets the code when the voltage falls outside the normal operating range, which can affect sensor readings and driveability.

P1496 on Chrysler vehicles means the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) has detected that the 5-volt reference supply circuit it provides to one or more engine sensors has dropped below the expected voltage. The PCM monitors this output and sets the code when the voltage falls outside the normal operating range, which can affect sensor readings and driveability.

SystemPowertrain

Code typeChrysler specific

SeverityMedium

Fix difficultyProfessional

AreaAuxiliary emission controls

Symptoms you may notice

Illumination of the check engine light, often with no other noticeable symptoms
Rough idle or stalling, especially when the engine is cold
Poor fuel economy or hesitation during acceleration
Erratic sensor readings leading to poor engine performance
Transmission shifting problems if the 5-volt supply feeds the transmission control module
In some cases, the engine may enter limp mode or fail to start

Common causes, most likely first

A short to ground in the 5-volt reference circuit wiring, often due to chafed insulation or pinched wires
A faulty sensor internally shorted and pulling the 5-volt supply down
Corroded or loose electrical connectors at sensors or the PCM
A defective PCM with an internal fault in the 5-volt regulator
Moisture intrusion into a sensor or connector causing a partial short
Aftermarket accessories improperly tapped into the 5-volt circuit

How to diagnose and fix it

Perform a visual inspection of the engine wiring harness for obvious damage, chafing, or corrosion
Use a scan tool to check for other codes and view live data to identify which sensor readings are abnormal
Disconnect sensors one by one that share the 5-volt reference and observe if the voltage returns to normal
Measure the 5-volt reference voltage at the PCM connector with a digital multimeter to confirm the fault
Check for continuity to ground on the 5-volt circuit with sensors disconnected to locate a short
Repair or replace any damaged wiring or connectors found during testing
If all external circuits and sensors test good, replace the PCM and reprogram it as needed

What most technicians overlook with P1496

A common mistake is to replace the PCM first, but the majority of P1496 cases are caused by a shorted sensor or wiring, not the computer itself.
The 5-volt reference is shared by multiple sensors, so a fault in one sensor can affect readings from others, leading to misleading symptoms.
Corrosion inside a connector can create a partial short that only appears under certain conditions like vibration or moisture, making intermittent diagnosis tricky.
Aftermarket electrical accessories, such as alarm systems or audio equipment, are often tapped into the 5-volt circuit and can cause this code if not installed properly.
A faulty oil pressure sensor or camshaft position sensor is a frequent culprit on Chrysler engines because they are prone to internal shorts that pull down the 5-volt supply.

Can I keep driving with P1496?

It is not recommended to continue driving with P1496 because the fault can cause unpredictable engine behavior, stalling, or transmission issues that compromise safety. If you must drive to a repair shop, do so cautiously and avoid heavy acceleration or long distances.

Tools that help

Tools we recommend are in the Auto Veteran shop on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Guidance is general and written for Chrysler vehicles. Exact tests and values vary by model, so confirm the fault before replacing parts.