Error Code P0168: What It Means & What To Do?

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The major symptom of this code is that, emission coming from the vehicle could increase due to increased fuel temperature. This increase in emissions is what causes the Check Engine Light to come on so that the vehicle can be repaired as soon as possible.

OBD-II Code Powertrain Control Module (PCM) failure is defined as a Fuel Temperature Too High.

OBD II error code P0168 is a generic code that is defined as “Fuel Temperature – Too High”, and is set when the PCM (Powertrain Control Module) detects an abnormally high fuel temperature under pre-set conditions for a period time set by the manufacturer. The fuel temperature is a critical factor in the PCM’s fuel delivery calculations, meaning that code P0168 should not be ignored, or left unresolved for longer than is absolutely necessary.

What causes the problem of Fuel Temperature Too High?

• Defective fuel composition/temperature sensor
• A bad ambient temperature sensor
• Faulty Intake Air Temperature (IAT) sensor
• Open, shorted, or damaged wiring or connectors
• PCM or a programming error

1. Fuel Temperature Sensor - Faulty fuel temperature sensor won’t be able to give the correct reading to the ECU and thus, it will not be able to adjust the amount of air entering the engine. Thus, replace faulty sensor now!
2. Temperature Sensor - It measures the overall temperature of the fuel delivery system thus impacting the fuel to air ratios. Replace faulty temperature sensor today!
3. Intake Air Temperature Sensor - Faulty IAT sensor causes increased fuel consumption, and emissions, reduced engine power and much more. Thus, replace it immediately.
4. Powertrain Control Module - Problems with the powertrain can be a rare reason for flashing of OBD Error P0168 code. Find all the Powertrain related parts with us.
5. Diagnostic Tool - Choose from our wide variety of diagnostic tools to detect and correct the OBD code error.

• Reduced fuel efficiency
• Lack of engine performance
• Engine stalling and not starting
• Check Engine Light illumination

It is important to know the correct position of error before diagnosing the OBD problem. It’s important to realise that the major problematic components are usually the temperature sensors, thus causing the fuel temperature being too high, reducing the density and also affecting the fuel economy. Following are the components that can be the most affected and needs replacement.

• Fuel Temperature Sensor Replacement
• IAT (Intake Air Temperature) Sensor Replacement
• PCM (Powertrain Control Module) Replacement
• ECU (Engine Control Unit) Replacement

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• Check for technical service bulletins (TSB) for your particular vehicle. Your issue may be a known issue with a known fix put out by the manufacturer and can save you time and money during diagnosis.
• Use a diagnostic scanner, a digital volt/ohmmeter (DVOM), an oscilloscope, an infrared thermometer, and a vehicle information source (such as All Data DIY) to diagnose OBD code P0168.
• Complete a visual inspection of the wirings in association with the temperature sensors.
• Many times, this code can be set due to damaged wirings which are wrongly routed or damaged by road hazards.
• The next step is to check for the problem with the temperature itself that might not be sending correct information to the Engine Control Unit.
• Most fuel temperature sensors are supplied with a five-volt reference signal and a ground. As a variable resistance sensor, the fuel temperature sensor completes the circuit and provides the PCM with the appropriate waveform signal as fuel flows through. Using the DVOM, test reference voltage and ground at the fuel temp sensor connector. If there is no reference voltage, use the DVOM to test the corresponding circuits at the PCM connector. If a reference voltage signal is detected at the PCM connector, repair open circuits as required. Caution: Disconnect all related controllers prior to testing circuit resistance with the DVOM.
• If the sensor checks out to be in perfect condition, then we must check the resistance of the rest of the circuit from powertrain control module to the connector of the sensor.
• Suspect a faulty PCM (or a programming error) if no reference voltage is present at the PCM connector. If there is no fuel temp sensor ground, use your vehicle information source and locate the appropriate ground to make sure that it is secure.

Common Mistakes When Diagnosing OBD Code P0168

Always follow the diagnostic steps correctly to avoid any misdiagnosis. Check for the problem in the following components to correctly diagnose the OBD code P0168 error.

• Check for the Fuel cooler pump failure
• Examine Powertrain Control Module (PCM) failure
• Wiring and connector related issue