Daihatsu Fellow C1396 Engine Trouble Code
What is Daihatsu Fellow C1396?
The Daihatsu Fellow C1396 check-engine light can indicate issues ranging from minor (loose gas cap) to serious (catalytic converter failure). Professional diagnostic scanning at a dealer or shop will identify the exact cause and required repairs.
C1396 on the Daihatsu Fellow
Many Daihatsu Fellow drivers first encounter C1396 as a result of worn ignition coil packs. The design of the Daihatsu engine bay can trap heat near these components, accelerating wear beyond the typical service interval.
Code Information
| Code Type: | OBD-II Chassis (C) Trouble Code |
| System: | Chassis |
| Vehicle: | Daihatsu Fellow |
| Brand: | Daihatsu |
| Model: | Fellow |
| Code: | C1396 |
C1396 Daihatsu Fellow Symptoms
Check Engine Light
Illuminated Daihatsu Fellow dashboard warning
Engine Stalling
Engine stops unexpectedly or misfires
Performance Issues
Reduced power or acceleration on the Daihatsu Fellow
Starting Problems
Difficulty starting the engine
Poor Fuel Economy
Increased fuel consumption on the Daihatsu Fellow
Increased Emissions
Failed emissions test due to C1396
C1396 Code Structure
Understanding what each digit means in the C1396 chassis trouble code:
| C | 1 | 3 | 9 | 6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chassis Code | Fuel And Air Metering | Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch A Circuit Intermittent | Crankshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Malfunction | Ignition Coil A Primary/Secondary Circuit Malfunction |
How to Fix Daihatsu Fellow C1396
Diagnostic Steps:
Check if fuel pump primes when key is turned to ON. Measure fuel pressure and verify bright white-blue spark at all plugs. Also verify mechanical timing alignment.
Repair Solution:
Excessive air inflow may result from vacuum leaks, dirty sensors, or EGR valves not closing properly. Insufficient fuel can stem from dirty injectors, clogged filters, weak fuel pump, or leaking pressure regulator.
Technical Notes:
C1396 DTCs can be triggered by upstream issues. For example, a dirty MAF sensor may cause incorrect fuel-trim adjustments, leading oxygen sensors to report mixture problems. Address root causes first.
Daihatsu Fellow C1396 Repair Cost
Addressing C1396 on your Daihatsu Fellow typically involves: dealer diagnostic fee $95–$150, oxygen sensor replacement $180–$320 (parts + labour), or catalytic converter replacement $1,800–$2,400 if damage has progressed. Independent specialist garages often charge 20–30% less than franchised dealers for identical work.
C1396 Description
C1396 engine trouble code is related to Ignition Coil A Primary/Secondary Circuit Malfunction.
Main Cause
The primary reason for C1396 OBD-II Engine Trouble Code is: Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch A Circuit Intermittent.
Common C1396 Misdiagnosis on the Daihatsu Fellow
When C1396 triggers on the Daihatsu Fellow, a flashing check-engine light (as opposed to a steady one) indicates an active misfire. Misfire codes are commonly misdiagnosed as sensor faults; always rule out ignition and fuel delivery issues before testing sensors.
DIY Repair Guide: C1396 on Daihatsu Fellow
After any repair that involved disconnecting the battery on the Daihatsu Fellow, the power window, steering angle sensor, and transmission adaptive values all require a reset drive cycle. Skipping this can cause false fault codes — including C1396 — for the first two to three start cycles.
Preventing C1396 on the Daihatsu Fellow
Using only genuine or OEM-specification fuel injectors in the Daihatsu Fellow ensures precise spray pattern and flow rate. Inferior aftermarket injectors are a documented trigger for C1396 through off-target fuel delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions — Daihatsu Fellow C1396
A: C1396 is a standardised OBD-II code that can appear on any make and model. However, the specific components and circuits that trigger this code, and the repair procedures involved, vary significantly between vehicles. The information on this page is focused on the Daihatsu Fellow.