Fault code P018E is called “Fuel Pressure (FPS) Sensor “B” Circuit Intermittent/Erratic” but in different programs it may be called differently. This fault designation applies to all vehicles equipped with OBD-II.
Technical description and explained code P018E
This Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) is a general powertrain code. Error P018E is considered a general code because it applies to all makes and models of vehicles. Although the specific repair steps may vary slightly from model to model.
Some modern vehicles equipped with high pressure fuel injection systems have two fuel pumps. The low-pressure (LP) pump is located in or near the fuel tank, and the high-pressure (HP) pump is located on the engine.
The low-pressure pump usually operates at 2.4-5.0 atmospheres, and the high-pressure pump uses mechanical power, usually from a camshaft. To make the fuel flow to the direct injection injectors after the pressure is increased.
If the ECM (Engine Control Module) detects a problem with the fuel pressure sensor (FPS). For example, an open or short circuit, it blocks the high pressure pump and puts the engine into emergency mode.
The MIL (Malfunction Indicator Light) will then illuminate and a DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) will be stored. Fault P018E is defined as an intermittent signal in the “B” fuel pressure sensor circuit.
Symptoms of vehicle malfunctions
The main signal that an error P018E has occurred is the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) is also known as the CheckEngine Light.
It can also be warning signs such as:
- Check engine control lamp on the control panel will light up (the code will be written to the ECM memory as a fault).
- The engine stalls or starts badly.
- Unstable engine operation when accelerating the vehicle.
- Bad acceleration of the vehicle.
- Loss of power.
- Increased fuel consumption.
- In some cases the engine fails completely.
The severity of error P018E is very high, the cause should be eliminated as soon as possible. Since when it appears, the car may have problems not only with drivability, but also complete engine failure.
Factors that can cause this error code
The error code P018E can mean that one or more of the following problems have occurred:
- A damaged fuel pressure sensor (FPS) is the most common cause.
- Damaged connector or broken circuit to the sensor.
- Excessive resistance in electric circuit.
- Sometimes the cause is a faulty PCM module.
How to fix or reset OBD-2 code P018E
Some suggested steps for troubleshooting and fix the error code P018E:
- Read all stored data and error codes with an OBD-II scan tool.
- Clear the error codes from the computer memory.
- Test-drive the vehicle to see if error P018E appears again.
- Visually inspect the connector and electrical wires for damage. If present, repair the damaged areas.
- Check the resistance to make sure it is within tolerance.
- Test the engine control module (ECM).
Diagnose and repair of problems
Locate the fuel pressure sensor, once found, visually inspect connectors and wiring. Look for scuffs, exposed wires, burn marks, or melted plastic. Disconnect the connectors and carefully inspect the terminals inside. Examine them for rust and other damage.
Remove diagnostic trouble code P018E from the memory and see if it comes back. If it is gone, the problem was in the wires or connections. If the fault code returns, we will need to test the sensor and associated circuits.
Checking pressure sensor wiring
Using a digital voltmeter, check the 5V power supply signal circuit going to the sensor. Red wire to the 5 V supply circuit, black wire to ground. If 12 volts is present on the sensor, then as it should be 5, repair the wiring from the PCM to the sensor. This looks like a short or a faulty PCM.
If all is good on the signal circuit, make sure the ground on the FPS sensor is normal. Connect the test lamp to the plus side of a 12 volt battery, and touch the other end of the test lamp to the ground on the FPS sensor ground.
If the indicator lamp does not light up, this indicates a faulty circuit. If it lights up, jiggle the wiring harness going to the FPS sensor. To see if the check lamp blinks, this could indicate an intermittent connection.
When you do these tests, you will most likely find a problem with either the wiring or the sensor, which will need to be replaced. But if you still get a P018E code after fixing it, that could indicate a PCM failure.
On which vehicles does this problem occur most frequently
Fault code P018E can occur on different vehicles but there are statistics on which brands this occurs most often. Here is a list of some of them:
- Chevrolet
- Chrysler
- Ford
- GMC
- Toyota
Fault code P018E can sometimes be found with other errors. The most common are the following: P018A, P018B, P018C, P018D.
