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Error Code P0188: What It Means & What To Do?

OBD Code P0188 - Fuel Temperature Sensor B Circuit High Input

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The P0188 fault code can be defined as fuel temperature sensor ‘B’ circuit high input. Are you facing some defaults in the intake air temperature sensor? Or is your ambient temperature sensor poor? Defects in the fuel temperature/composition sensor? Then there are chances that P0188 fault code is soon going to appear.

Learn More About OBD Error Code P0188

The fuel temperature sensor would identity the presence of contamination, like water, ethanol and dirt. It also makes sure to measure the fuel temperature inside the fuel tank to make sure that the temperature of the fuel would remain within the appropriate range.

 

Now if the fuel temperature would go out of the predetermined range, then the fuel temperature sensor will send a signal to the powertrain control module which will then store the P0188 fault code.

 

It all depends upon the type of vehicle; the check engine light can start appearing immediately or after several failure cycles.

 

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

 

  • There can be some defaults in the intake air temperature sensor
  • Poor ambient temperature sensor
  • Defects in the fuel temperature/composition sensor
  • The wiring or connectors might be open, shorted, or damaged
  • Powertrain control module programming error

Replace/Repair These Parts To Fix OBD Code P0188

  1. Fuel Temperature Sensor - There can be some issues with the Fuel Temperature Sensor due to which you may see P0188 code appearing over and over again. Visit us to buy best quality Fuel Temperature Sensor online.
  2. Oil Pressure sensor - Are you facing some faults in your Oil Pressure sensor? Don’t worry and get them replaced or else P0188 code can turn up.
  3. Powertrain Control Module - Oil Pressure sensor is perfectly fine but still but having that trouble code P0188 flashing? In such a situation your Powertrain Control Module might be faulty. Why don’t you think of getting that replaced?
  4. Diagnostic Tools - Willing to purchase some top-notch diagnostic tools online? We are here at your service.

Symptoms Of OBD Error Code P0188

Willing to know some common symptoms of OBD Code P0188? Your wish is our demand. Have a look at them below:

 

Common Symptoms

 

  • Sometimes there might be no symptoms at all
  • An illumination in the check engine light
  • Car can start hesitating
  • Issue that car will not start at all
  • Car will stutter when it is accelerating
  • There can be some other fuel system codes stored in the powertrain control module

How To Correct P0188 Fuel Temperature Sensor B Circuit High Input

We have listed out some ways which would help you to correct the OBD P0188

 

  • First of all if you find out that there are any fuel temperature sensor wires that are broken, shorted, frayed or damaged, then all of them should be replaced
  • Repairing any damage or corrosion of the fuel temperature sensor connector
  • The fuel temperature sensor should be replaced
  • Make sure that you replace the faulty fuel pump
  • Replacing or reprogramming the power control module

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Easy Diagnosis Of Engine Error OBD Code P0188

You must use digital volt-ohm meter and an electrical wiring diagram and repair manual to diagnose faults in the FTS circuit and FTS.

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.

The wiring and connectors should be inspected for damage that would make repair necessary


You can always use an OBD-II scanner to get the trouble codes and freeze frame data from the power control module

All the codes should be cleared up and perform a test drive to see if the code returns

If the P0188 trouble code does not immediately return, an intermittent problem is possible.These are challenging and may need to worsen before making a diagnosis


  • If you find out that the P0188 trouble code returns immediately at the fuel temperature sensor connector, then you must check reference voltage and ground signals with a digital volt ohmmeter
  • If there is no voltage, then you should use a digital volt ohmmeter to check for continuity and resistance on the reference circuit
  • If required, then you should replace the connectors and wiring that are exposed or shorted and the system should be tested again
  • If there is no ground signal, then use an oscilloscope to test continuity and resistance on the ground circuits to see if the results match the specifications that are provided by the manufacturer
  • If there is both a reference voltage and ground signal, then connect the oscilloscope to the fuel temperature sensor signal wire to observe waveform patterns. This should match the specifications that are provided by the manufacturer as well. They will be able to interpret the results from the live data
  • Compares sensor waveform frequency with actual fuel composition. If the frequency is high, this means that contaminants in the fuel are high as well
  • The fuel temperature sensor waveform pulse width data should be compared with actual fuel temperature data. If the pulse is fast, this means that the fuel temperature is high
  • If the data that has been collected does match the verified conditions, there could be a problem with the power control module. However, problems with the powertrain control module do not happen often
  • If the data that has been collected does not match the verified conditions, then replace fuel temperature sensor
  • The fuel system should be tested to make sure the repair is successful

Common Mistakes When Diagnosing The P0188 Code

 

  • The most common mistake which is made by a number of people when diagnosing the P0188 trouble code is when a determination is made that the fuel temperature sensor needs to be replaced without actually inspecting the other parts of the fuel system
  • Make sure that you carefully inspect the wires and grounds and ruled out as the cause before the sensor is replaced

Other Diagnostic Codes Related To OBD Code P0188

P0185 - Fuel Temperature Sensor B Circuit Malfunction

P0186 - Fuel Temperature Sensor B Circuit Range/Performance

P0187 - Fuel Temperature Sensor B Circuit Low Input

P0189 - Fuel Temperature Sensor B Circuit Intermittent