Code
P1600
LINCOLN
P — Powertrain
Loss of KAM Power Open Circuit
Views:
UK: 31
EN: 32
RU: 26
AI status
Completed
Completed
100%
Causes
- Blown or missing fuse supplying KAM/backup power
- Open or high‑resistance wiring between battery/fuse and PCM KAM terminal
- Faulty ignition switch or body control module that routes KAM power
- Corroded or loose battery terminal or ground
- Damaged PCM/ECM connector or internal open in module
- Aftermarket equipment or previous repairs that cut the KAM feed
Symptoms
- Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illuminated and P1600 stored
- Loss of learned data: clock, radio presets, learned idle/transmission adaptations
- Hard starting, intermittent start/no‑start conditions
- Stored/cleared learned trouble codes after battery disconnect
- Unexpected electrical behavior or features reset
What to check
- Check battery voltage (resting and with starter cranking); should be ~12.4–12.8 V at rest
- Visually inspect/verify fuses and fusible links feeding PCM KAM power
- Inspect battery terminals and chassis/engine grounds for corrosion and tightness
- Inspect PCM/ECM connector for bent pins, corrosion, or pushed out terminals
- Backprobe KAM power terminal at PCM and verify presence of battery voltage
- Check for any aftermarket devices connected to constant battery feed
Signal parameters
- Battery/resting voltage: ~12.4–12.8 V (12–14 V when charging)
- KAM/backup feed at PCM: approximately battery voltage within 0.5 V
- KAM feed should be present with key OFF (memory retention) and with key ON
- Continuity from PCM KAM pin to battery/fuse: low resistance (typically
- No short to ground at KAM feed (voltage should not drop substantially under light load)
Diagnostic algorithm
- Verify the complaint and retrieve freeze frame/other DTCs. Note whether code is current or historic.
- Check battery state of charge and connections. Recharge or replace if battery is weak; clean and tighten terminals.
- Inspect fuses/fusible links related to PCM memory/KAM (consult vehicle wiring/fuse diagram). Replace any blown fuses and re‑test.
- Visually inspect wiring and connectors from the battery/fuse to the PCM KAM pin. Repair any damaged insulation, corroded terminals, or loose connections.
- Backprobe the PCM KAM power pin with respect to ground. Confirm voltage is essentially battery voltage with key OFF and key ON. If voltage is absent or low, trace back toward the fuse/battery.
- Check continuity between PCM KAM pin and the fuse/battery. Repair any open/high resistance circuit found (repair splice, replace wire, replace connector terminals).
- If a short to ground is suspected, isolate sections of the circuit and test for short; disconnect loads (radio, aftermarket devices) and see if short clears.
- Wiggle test connectors/wiring while observing voltage and DTC status to find intermittent open or poor contact.
- After repairs, clear codes, cycle key and confirm KAM voltage is present and stable, then verify P1600 does not return during a drive cycle.
- If wiring, fuses, and external components check good and KAM feed is present at the PCM yet P1600 persists, consider PCM internal fault — consult manufacturer service info and consider module reprogramming or replacement.
Likely causes
- Blown/loose fuse protecting the KAM feed
- Broken/disconnected wire to the PCM KAM pin
- Poor battery connection or chassis ground causing intermittent/low voltage
- Connector corrosion or terminal pushed out at PCM
- Internal PCM power circuit fault (less common)
Fault status
Status
Manufacturer DTC P1600 — Loss of KAM Power Open Circuit. The PCM has detected the memory backup (KAM) power circuit is open or not supplying expected voltage. Memory retention supply missing or intermittent; diagnostic inspection of fuses, wiring, grounds, and PCM connector recommended.
Repair difficulty: Medium
Diagnostic time: 0.5 to 2.0 hours
Similar codes
Your experience will help others
+100 karma for a short comment :)
Was this AI description helpful?
Your feedback helps improve AI descriptions.
👍 Like
0
👎 Dislike
0
Send to email