P0169 - OBD Trouble Code

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The most common symptom of any OBD code is the illumination of the Check Engine Light. If you notice a lack in the engine performance and reduced fuel efficiency along with lean engine, this might be an indication of faulty oxygen sensor and intake system, thus indicating OBD code P0169 error.

An OBD code P0169 means that the powertrain control module (PCM) has detected a voltage signal from the fuel composition sensor/fuel temperature sensor that indicates an abnormally high level of contaminants or ethanol in the fuel supply. The flex fuel vehicles can function normally even with high concentrations of ethanol, unacceptable levels of ethanol would likely exceed 85%. The fuel composition sensor is usually integrated into a single housing with the fuel temperature sensor. Although it resembles a fuel filter, it is a small computerized device designed to provide the PCM with an accurate fuel composition and fuel temperature analysis

What causes the problem of Incorrect Fuel Composition?

• Excessive fuel contamination
• Defective fuel composition/temperature sensor
• Burnt, broken, or disconnected wiring and/or connectors related to the sensor and circuit
• Rare ECU(Engine Control Unit) failure
• PCM/ECM or Sensor wiring failed

1. Temperature Sensor - This sensor is important to know the temperature in the fuel delivery system as well as the correct composition of the air to fuel depending on the density of the fuel entering the engine combustion. Replace faulty temperature sensor today!
2. Diagnostic Tools - In order to detect the error, one needs high grade diagnostic tools. Visit us today to grab amazing deals.
3. Powertrain Control Module - P0169 error code also relates to problems with the powertrain which can store and flash wrong error code. Find all the Powertrain related parts with us.
4. Fuel Composition Sensor - Faulty composition sensor will not be able to read the fuel composition properly and thus the ECU will not be able to manage the fuel delivery system and the performance will thus decline. Replace it now!

OBD code P0169 should be treated as severe because fuel composition is critical for calculating fuel delivery strategy in flex fuel vehicles. Contaminated fuel may also harm fuel delivery and internal engine components.

Common Symptoms

• Affected fuel efficiency
  
• Lack of engine performance
• Check Engine Light illumination
• Engine stalling
• Reduced acceleration and power

• Fuel Temperature Sensor Replacement
• Repair and replace short, damaged, and broken wirings
• Replacement of ECU (Engine Control Unit)
• Replacement of PCM
• Replacement of Fuel Composition Sensor

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• Take help of 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.
• You will require 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 P0169.
• Perform 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.
• Check for 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 P0169

Always take professional help and follow the diagnosis instructions properly before coming to a conclusion or simply replacing the sensor first.

• Replacing PCM, without checking other components for faults
• Replacing Fuel Composition Sensor directly
• Not inspecting faulty wiring and connections