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Chevrolet P0641

Updated Models, Added Note in Condition statement and added/ specified labor operations per involved region. GM

DriveNot yet established by verified evidence.
ChargeNot yet established by verified evidence.
ServiceService evaluation is appropriate to determine whether ECM reprogramming with SPS applies. The supplied official bulletin directs technicians to follow ECM reprogramming instructions in GM SI.
Confidence95%

Quick answer

For a 2016 Chevrolet Spark in the U.S., official GM bulletin 16-NA-180 identifies P0641 among DTCs addressed by an Engine Control Module (ECM) software/calibration update. The bulletin says not to replace the ECM for this condition; follow ECM reprogramming instructions in GM Service Information (SI).

This page separates verified manufacturer/regulator evidence from supporting material. Unsupported causes, repairs or safety conclusions are not guessed.

Video guides

Watch Videos

Relevant videos play here without leaving this diagnostic page.

2016 Chevy spark code p0641 p0651 p0697 and p06a3Alex Juan
REDUCED POWER! (GM Intermittent P0641)Pine Hollow Auto Diagnostics
(Chevy Tahoe) P0641 Shorted 5V Reference 1 Circuit Quick TipsEli TheOBDTech

Videos are supporting material and never override OEM or regulator evidence.

1. What does P0641 mean?

For a 2016 Chevrolet Spark in the U.S., official GM bulletin 16-NA-180 identifies P0641 among DTCs addressed by an Engine Control Module (ECM) software/calibration update. The bulletin says not to replace the ECM for this condition; follow ECM reprogramming instructions in GM Service Information (SI).

2. Technical explanation

The supplied verified evidence does not establish the generic technical definition of P0641, its circuit-level cause, or specific vehicle symptoms. It does establish that GM bulletin 16-NA-180 includes P0641 in a group of DTCs for which updated ECM software and calibration are available.

3. What system is affected?

Engine Control Module (ECM) software/calibration, as identified by GM bulletin 16-NA-180.

4. How serious is this code?

Not yet established by verified evidence.

5. Symptoms you may notice

  • Not yet established by verified evidence.

6. Possible causes

  • An ECM software/calibration condition is addressed by GM bulletin 16-NA-180 for the listed DTCs, including P0641.
  • Other causes are not yet established by verified evidence.

7. Can I still drive the vehicle?

Not yet established by verified evidence.

8. Can I charge the vehicle?

Not yet established by verified evidence.

9. What you can safely do

  • Arrange diagnosis by a qualified Chevrolet/GM service provider.
  • Have the provider check whether GM bulletin 16-NA-180 and the applicable ECM calibration apply to the vehicle.
  • Do not replace the ECM solely to correct this condition; the bulletin directs technicians to follow ECM reprogramming instructions in GM SI.

10. Step-by-step troubleshooting

  1. Verify the stored DTC is P0641.
  2. Confirm vehicle applicability: 2016 Chevrolet Spark, U.S. region.
  3. Check GM Service Information for ECM reprogramming with SPS, as directed by bulletin 16-NA-180.
  4. The supplied evidence does not establish additional diagnostic steps.

11. When to contact service

Service evaluation is appropriate to determine whether ECM reprogramming with SPS applies. The supplied official bulletin directs technicians to follow ECM reprogramming instructions in GM SI.

12. What the service center may check

  • Confirm the vehicle is a 2016 Chevrolet Spark in the U.S.
  • Confirm P0641 is present.
  • Review GM bulletin 16-NA-180 and current GM SI procedures.
  • Perform ECM reprogramming with SPS if applicable under GM SI.

13. Possible repair or resolution

  • GM bulletin 16-NA-180 states that updated ECM software and calibration are available.
  • The bulletin directs ECM reprogramming with SPS to correct P0641 and other listed DTCs.
  • The bulletin specifically states: do not replace the ECM to correct this condition.

14. Affected vehicles

15. Related TSBs / service bulletins

  • GM bulletin 16-NA-180, published December 13, 2016, applies in the supplied evidence to the 2016 Chevrolet Spark in the U.S. It lists P0641 among DTCs addressed by ECM reprogramming with SPS. Version 4 was modified July 18, 2016, with updated models, a note in the condition statement, and specified labor operations by region.
  • North America bulletin labor operation: 2881068, ECM Reprogramming with SPS to correct P0606, P0641, P0651, P0697, and P06A3; listed labor time 0.4 hour.
  • Official source: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2016/MC-10111750-9999.pdf

16. Recall information

  • No recall information was supplied in the verified evidence.

17. Official manufacturer information

NHTSA Manufacturer Communication PDF 10111750, GM bulletin 16-NA-180: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2016/MC-10111750-9999.pdf

19. Frequently asked questions

Does the bulletin say to replace the ECM for P0641?

No. The bulletin states, “Do not replace the ECM to correct this condition.” It directs technicians to follow ECM reprogramming instructions in GM SI.

What repair does the bulletin identify?

ECM reprogramming with SPS, using updated software and calibration, for the listed DTCs including P0641.

Which vehicle is established by the supplied evidence?

A 2016 Chevrolet Spark in the U.S. region.

Is it safe to drive or charge with P0641?

Not yet established by verified evidence.

20. Sources & verification

ReferenceVerified
Chevrolet P0641: Updated Models, Added Note in Condition statement and… | EV Diagnostics