Code
P1606
MITSUBISHI
P — Powertrain
EEPROM fail
AI status
Completed
Completed
100%
Causes
- Corroded/damaged ECU connector or wiring (power, ground, CAN/LIN lines)
- Low or unstable battery voltage during ECU write/learn operations
- Blown fuse or poor power supply to ECU
- Water ingress or physical damage to ECU circuit board
- Failed or degraded EEPROM chip inside the ECU
- Interrupted or failed ECU software/programming update
Symptoms
- Malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) ON and P1606 stored
- Loss of learned values (idle adapts, transmission shift points, fuel trims) or repeated relearn requests
- Intermittent or permanent no-start or crank issues if immobilizer or critical data corrupted
- Communication errors with scan tool or inability to program ECU
- Random drivability faults, unexpected limp-home mode, or erratic sensor/actuator behavior
- Stored additional codes related to communication, KAM (keep-alive memory) or checksum errors
What to check
- Verify battery state-of-charge and charging system health (12.6V+ at rest; >13.5V running)
- Scan ECU and other modules; read all stored codes and freeze frame data
- Check for manufacturer-specific ECU communication failure messages
- Inspect ECU connectors and wiring for corrosion, bent pins, water intrusion, or heat damage
- Check relevant fuses and relays for ECU power and ignition-switched supply
- Measure ECU supply voltage and ground continuity at the ECU harness during key-on and cranking
Signal parameters
- Battery voltage (key ON and while programming)
- Ignition-switched +12V feed to ECU
- ECU main ground continuity / resistance to chassis (
- CAN/LIN bus traffic and error counters
- EEPROM status/flags and internal checksum values (OEM tool)
- Keep-Alive Memory (KAM) contents and last-write timestamps (OEM tool)
Diagnostic algorithm
- Record all codes and freeze-frame data from all modules. Do not clear codes yet.
- Verify battery fully charged and good; ensure stable power during all tests and programming. Use battery charger if required.
- Visually inspect ECU connectors and wiring; repair any corrosion, broken pins, or damaged insulation. Wiggle harness while monitoring for changes in live data or codes.
- Check fuses/relays supplying the ECU and measure 12V and ground at the ECU connector with key ON and during cranking.
- Use an OEM-level scan tool to view EEPROM/memory status, checksum info, and any manufacturer-specific failure logs. Note whether the ECU accepts communication or programming commands.
- If communications work, attempt a software reflash or checksum repair with OEM tool following manufacturer procedures. Ensure stable power during reflash. Back up original calibration/data if possible.
- If reflash fails or EEPROM reports hardware failure, consider ECU repair (EEPROM chip replacement or PCB-level repair by a specialist) or module replacement. Follow immobilizer pairing/anti-theft relearn procedures after replacement.
- After repair or reflash, clear codes, perform required relearns/adaptations, road test and re-scan to confirm no return of P1606 and related faults.
- If intermittent and no ECU fault found, inspect other modules (immobilizer, BCM), vehicle grounds, and recent aftermarket installations for causes of voltage spikes or interruptions.
Likely causes
- Internal EEPROM chip failure in ECU
- Poor power or ground to ECU (intermittent supply during writes)
- Corroded ECU connectors or PCB damage from moisture
- Failed ECU following an interrupted reflash/programming attempt
Fault status
Status
EEPROM read/write or checksum error detected in ECU – memory corruption or failed non-volatile storage.
Repair difficulty: Hard
Diagnostic time: 1-4 hours
Similar codes
Repair manuals
Manual library for MITSUBISHI
406
Browse 406 MITSUBISHI manuals: repair procedures, diagnostics, wiring diagrams, component locations, service data and Labor Times by year, model and trim.
MITSUBISHI
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MITSUBISHI: 2024
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- SE, FWD
- SEL, AWD
- SEL, AWD
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- SEL, FWD
- SEL Black Edition, AWD
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Outlander PHEV
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MITSUBISHI: 2022
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Eclipse Cross
- ES, AWD
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- ES, FWD
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- LE, AWD
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- LE, FWD
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- SE, AWD
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- SEL, AWD
- SEL, AWD
- SEL, FWD
- SEL, FWD
- SEL Special Edition, AWD
- SEL Special Edition, AWD
- SEL Special Edition, FWD
- SEL Special Edition, FWD
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- SE Special Edition, AWD
- SE Special Edition, FWD
- SE Special Edition, FWD
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MITSUBISHI: 2021
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MITSUBISHI: 2020
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