P0187 OBD Error Code: Problem & Solutions

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The P0187 fault code can be described as fuel temperature sensor ‘B’ circuit low input. If the powertrain control module would detect an input signal from the fuel temperature sensor that would indicate that the fuel temperature is not within the predetermined range which has been set forth by the manufacturer a code will get stored and there would be an illumination of the service engine soon lamp. There are some vehicles which may require multiple failure cycles in order to illuminate the malfunction indicator lamp.

A fuel temperature sensor would detect the existence of fuel contamination like water; ethanol and dirt which is present inside the fuel tank and at the same time would monitor the temperature of the fuel which is inside the fuel tank. Then later the fuel temperature sensor would alert the powertrain control module if the temperature of the fuel would rise above or fall below the range that has been present by the manufacturer of the vehicle. When this would happen, the powertrain control module would store the P0187 fault code.

What causes this problem with the Fuel Temperature Sensor B Circuit Low Input?

• Default in the intake air temperature sensor
• Poor ambient temperature sensor
• Some faults in the fuel temperature/composition sensor
• The problem of open, shorted, or damaged wiring or connectors
• There can be powertrain control module programming error

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It is essential to know the symptoms of an issue as only then you would be able to solve the problem. So that’s why we have listed out some major symptoms of OBD Code P0187 here:

Common Symptoms

• An illumination in the check engine light
• The absence of symptoms might be possible
• The car can start hesitating
• The car might stutter during acceleration
• The car may not start at all
• There can be some additional fuel system codes when scanned

Looking out for some ways with the help of which you can correct this fault code? Then have a look below:

• The damaged or broken fuel temperature sensor wires should be repaired
• If there are any faulty grounds, then you must repair them
• Make sure that you repair fuel temperature sensor connector corrosion
• The fuel pump should be replaced
• If there is a defective fuel temperature sensor, then you must get it restored
• Reprogramming, updating, or replacing the power control module

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If you willing 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.

• A visual inspection of the wiring should be done and connectors to the fuel temperature sensor. If needed then you should repair the wires, circuitry, and connectors
• The freeze frame data should be retrieved and trouble codes that have been stored by the power control module using an OBD-II scanner
• A test drive should be done after the codes have been cleared from the power control module
• An intermittent problem may exist if the P0187 trouble code does not return immediately. This may prove to be difficult to diagnose as intermittent problem sometimes need to get worse before a diagnosis can be completed
• The reference voltage and ground signals will need to be checked with a digital volt ohmmeter at the connector of the fuel temperature sensor if the trouble code P0187 does return immediately
• If you are not able to get a voltage reading, check for continuity and resistance on the reference circuit using a digital volt ohmmeter
• If there are wires that are exposed or shorted, replace them as well as any necessary replacement of the connectors
• The continuity and resistance on the ground circuits should be tested, using an oscilloscope. This test result should coincide with the manufacturer’s specification
• With the presence of both a reference voltage and ground signal, use the oscilloscope to look at the waveform patterns on the fuel temperature sensor wire. Use live data to compare the waveform data with the manufacturer’s specifications
• If the contaminant content is high, the waveform frequency will be high as well. This determination can be made by comparing the levels of contamination in the fuel sensor waveform frequency with the actual fuel composition
• Now if the fuel temperature is high, the waveform pulse will be high as well. A determination as to the temperature of the fuel by comparing the waveform pulse width data
• If the collected data and the verified conditions do coincide, this is an indication that there may be a problem with the power control module. This is not common
• If the collected data and the verified conditions do not coincide, then you must replace the fuel temperature sensor
• Now once you have replaced the fuel temperature sensor, the fuel system should be tested to make sure the repair was successful

Common Mistakes When Diagnosing The P0187 Code

Most of the people when they are diagnosing the P0187 trouble code, a common mistake which they make is to determine that the fuel temperature sensor is faulty before considering the other components that may need to be repaired. The wires and grounds should be properly inspected before the fuel temperature sensor is actually replaced

P0185 - Fuel Temperature Sensor B Circuit Malfunction

P0186 - Fuel Temperature Sensor B Circuit Range/Performance

P0188 - Fuel Temperature Sensor B Circuit High Input

P0189 - Fuel Temperature Sensor B Circuit Intermittent