Guide To P0186 OBD Error Code Solutions

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The fault code P0186 can be defined as fuel temperature sensor ‘B’ circuit range/performance. It is a generic OBD-II code which would start triggering when the fuel temperature sensor B circuit would go out of range during the self-testing, the sensor voltage would fall below or go above the calibrated limit specifications during the self-test.

The fuel tank temperature sensor is generally used to detect the fuel temperature inside the fuel tank. A voltage signal would be modified by the sensor from the engine control module. The modified signal would then return to the engine control module as the fuel temperature input. A thermistor can be used by a sensor which is sensitive to the change in the temperature. The electrical resistance of the thermistor would decrease with an increase in the temperature.

What causes this problem with the Fuel Temperature Sensor B Circuit Range/Performance?

• Faults in the ambient temperature sensor B
• The fuel temperature/composition sensor might be defective
• There can be some faults in the intake air temperature sensor
• The wiring or connectors can be open, shorted, or damaged
• Programming error in the powertrain control module

1. Fuel Temperature Sensor - OBD Code P0186 can appear because of faulty Fuel Temperature Sensor.
2. Oil Pressure sensor - Everything is fine with Fuel Temperature Sensor and still P0186 code triggering? Then you must get your Oil Pressure sensor checked.
3. Powertrain Control Module - A lot of issues can arise do to defective Powertrain Control Module. Did you just see P0186 code flashing? Now you know the reason why it is appearing. Get it inspected and replaced on time.
4. Diagnostic Tools - Willing to purchase some top-notch diagnostic tools online? We are here at your service.

Willing to know some common symptoms of OBD Trouble Code P0186? Your wish is our demand. Have a look at them below

Common Symptoms

• The engine control module might detect the sensor circuit voltage below or above the specified range designed for the sensor. It can be tested during start up or during the time of operation
• Issue of intermittent wiring or connections
• ECM or sensor might be short or open faults
• The fuel might become cold resulting from extreme cold conditions
• A corroded or insecure connector could cause the fuel tank or fuel rail temperature sensor to go out of sensor range
• Shorted wiring to the sensor, or internal shorting of a faulty engine control module

Here are some ways with the help of which you will be able to correct the OBD Code P0186:

• The fuel temperature sensor should be tested properly and make sure that you replace it if it goes out of specifications
• Repairing or replacing a defective connector or wiring to the sensor if it is shorted or open
• The faulty engine control module should be replaced
• Replacing the diesel fuel heater and the temperature sensor as an assembly

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If you want to diagnose the faults in the FTS circuit and FTS, then you must use digital volt-ohm meter and an electrical wiring diagram and repair manual. The FTS is situated in the fuel tank, as part of the fuel sending unit, or practically anywhere else, before the fuel injectors, in the fuel system. You can always check your manual for the precise location of the FTS. It would depend on the location of the ECM and FTS you may have to work to get at their connectors, such as if located in the fuel tank under the seat. One can start this diagnosis from the ECM or from the FTS, it would all depend on what can be easily accessed.

• You should scan the codes and documents the freeze frame data, then clear the codes to verify if the code returns
• A visual check should be performed of all the wiring and connections to the sensor to check for breaks in the wiring or loose connections
• Disconnect the connection to the sensor and carefully check to see if the sensor is testing within specifications
• Then you must take a fuel sample to compare the temperature of the fuel to the sensor input
• The diesel fuel heater should be tested for proper operation to make sure that it is not overheating the fuel

Common Mistakes When Diagnosing The P0186 Code

• You must perform a visual check of connections to the sensor to make sure they are making good contact to the fuel heater as well as fuel temperature sensor
• The fuel should be checked for excessive additives that can cause malfunctioning of the sensors
• Another big mistake can be not retesting the system in a warmer area if the car is in an extremely cold environment which can cause codes without failure

P0185 - Fuel Temperature Sensor B Circuit Malfunction

P0187 - Fuel Temperature Sensor B Circuit Low Input

P0188 - Fuel Temperature Sensor B Circuit High Input

P0189 - Fuel Temperature Sensor B Circuit Intermittent