The PCV heater is an electric element of a few ohms (Saab: 6–10 Ω) at the junction of the ventilation hose and the intake; it stops water in the blow-by gas from freezing and blocking the ventilation in frost. The module switches it to ground. P053A means its control circuit is open. GM's diesels of 2016 check it with 20 of 40 samples below 90 °C coolant without warning lamp, GM Europe's 2.0 CDTI in the Saab 9-5 with the lamp on the first trip – a difference even within GM. The heater then has no effect, which only matters in hard frost.
Medium severity. Can I keep driving?If the car is running normally, drive in moderation to a repair shop. If it loses power or another warning appears, do not continue.
Symptoms
- Often none, except in frost
- Check engine light (depending on the maker)
- In frost: oil leaks or loss of power from frozen ventilation
Most likely causes
- Heating element burnt out
- Connector or wire open, corrosion
- Fuse of the ignition supply blown
- Engine module
What to check, in order
Start with the simplest. You can tick off each step.
Good to know
- Repair difficulty: easy
- It affects emissions.
What each character of P053A means
- P: Powertrain: engine and transmission
- 0: Generic code: same on every make
- 5: Speed and idle
- 3A: Specific fault in that system
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep driving with code P053A?
If the car is running normally, drive in moderation to a repair shop. If it loses power or another warning appears, do not continue.
What causes code P053A?
The most common causes are: heating element burnt out; connector or wire open, corrosion; fuse of the ignition supply blown.
Related codes
- P053BPCV Heater A Control Circuit Low
- P053CPCV Heater A Control Circuit High
- P053DPCV Heater A Performance
- P052EPCV Regulator Valve Performance
- P053ECrankcase Pressure Too High
Sources
- gsi.ext.gm.com: 16OBDG04 Engine Diagnostics
- saabwisonline.com: dtc p052e or p053a p053c
- static.nhtsa.gov: MC 10137286 9999
- patents.google.com: US10662836
Values and procedures vary by manufacturer. If it affects brakes, steering, fuel or high voltage, see a professional. Updated: 2026-11-04. How we build these pages.