P00B3 - OBD Trouble Code

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Is your Car’s Check Engine Light illuminating on the dashboard? Do you find sudden decrease in the fuel economy? And is the car engine running rough with black smoke coming from tailpipe? This might be the indication of problems with the Coolant Temperature Sensor of the car which in other words can be an OBD P00B3 error.

OBD-II Code Cooling fans may stay on all the time is defined as a Radiator Coolant Temperature Sensor Circuit Low

The Radiator Coolant Temperature Sensor tells the engine control module (PCM) the temperature of the coolant in the radiator. When the PCM detects an incorrect signal from the Radiator Coolant Temperature Sensor, the PCM will set code P00B3

The Engine Control Module (ECM) uses the CTS' values to monitor the engine's temperature and in turn, can regulate it accurately. Different temperatures require different air/fuel mixtures so it is imperative that the CTS is functioning within desired ranges. Most times, CTS' are Negative Temperature Coefficient sensors, which means, the resistance within the sensor itself decreases as the temperature rises. Understanding this will help you greatly when troubleshooting.

P00B3 Radiator Coolant Temperature Sensor Circuit Low code is set when the ECM monitors a low specific electrical value within the radiator CTS or its circuit.

What causes the problem with the Radiator Coolant Temperature Sensor Circuit Low?

• Faulty/Damaged Coolant Temperature Sensor
• Dirty or blocked Coolant Temperature Sensor
• Faulty radiator
• Seal around Coolant Temperature Sensor broken/damaged
• Damaged wiring/connections in the CTS circuit
• Faulty PCM (Powertrain Control Module)
• Bad fuse in the CTS (Coolant Temperature Sensor) circuit

1. Powertrain Control Module - P00B3 error code also relates to problems with the powertrain which is a combination of engine control module and the transmission control module. Find all the Powertrain related parts with us.
2. Turbocharger - If faulty it will decrease the internal combustion engine's efficiency and power output from the engine. Replace damaged turbochargers from us!
3. Supercharger - Damaged supercharger will decrease the air pressure or density of air supplied to an internal combustion engine, thus decreasing power. Replace damaged supercharger and parts immediately for enhanced engine power.
4. Turbo Boost Sensor - Boost pressure sensors affect the air pressure delivered to the pneumatic and mechanical wastegate actuator. Replace old sensor today, if found faulty, for maximum power!
5. Boost Pressure Gauge - Replace faulty and get the correct pressure readings of the boost sensors.
6. Intake Manifolds - Intake manifolds directly affect the fuel delivery and engine power. Visit us today as replace damaged intake manifolds now!
7. Auto Switches & Sensors - Defective switches or faulty sensors can be a common reason for any OBD error as a particular component might not function properly because of it. So, it will be a good decision to replace them now.
8. Diagnostic Tool - Always use professional scan and diagnostic tools to detect the resolve the OBD error problem.

The fact that the CTS's functionality directly influences the engine's air/fuel mixture, makes this an issue you do not want to leave unattended. Neglect this problem long enough, and you could be faced with some hefty engine repair bills.

Common Symptoms

• Erratic idle and hard cold start
• Engine stalling and not starting
• Increased fuel consumption
• Smoke emission from exhaust
• Fuel leakage smell
• Wrong temperature readings
• Declined engine performance and acceleration

Some important components that can be replaced if found problematic are as follows.

• Replace CTS (Coolant Temperature Sensor)
• Radiator checks and replacement
• Change of damaged seal for the CTS (Coolant Temperature Sensor)
• Replacing Wiring/connections in the CTS (Coolant Temperature Sensor) circuit
• ECM/ PCM (Powertrain Control Module) checks and repairs
• Replacement of fuses in the CTS (Coolant Temperature Sensor) circuit

Guidance of a qualified expert is advisable for diagnosing for OBD Code P00B3 Error. Some of the tools and equipment required for easy diagnosis of error P00B3 are mentioned below;

• OBD code reader
• Antifreeze/Coolant
• Drain pan
• Multimeter
• Basic socket set
• Basic ratchet and wrench sets
• Basic screwdriver set
• Battery terminal cleaner
• Service manual

Common Mistakes When Diagnosing OBD Code P00B3

The most common mistake is that of  simply replacing the CTS (Coolant Temperature Sensor) without performing diagnostics at all. This happens a lot because the majority of the time it is the sensor itself that has failed, as it undergoes a lot of stress and is a high failure item so it can be easy to get lazy and just replace the sensor. Measuring the wrong terminals in the connectors is also a major mistake. It is important to know how to read the wiring diagrams so you know you are measuring the correct circuits and follow the diagnose procedure.