P0169 Incorrect Fuel Composition
OBD-II Trouble Code Technical Description
Incorrect Fuel Composition
What does that mean?
This diagnostic trouble code (DTC) is a generic powertrain code, which means that it applies to OBD-II equipped vehicles (Dodge, Ram, Ford, GMC, Chevrolet, VW, Toyota, etc.). Although generic, the specific repair steps may vary depending on make/model.
A stored 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. Since flex fuel vehicles can function normally even with high concentrations of ethanol, unacceptable levels of ethanol would likely exceed eighty-five-percent.
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.
As fuel passes through the inline sensor, it is electronically analyzed to determine the degree of ethanol, water, and unknown contaminants (non-fuel) found therein. The fuel composition sensor not only analyzes fuel composition but also fuel temperature. The information is input to the PCM as an electrical signal that reflects not only what contaminants are present (and to what degree the fuel has been contaminated) but also the temperature of the fuel. Fuel contamination is analyzed, according to the ratio of contaminants to fuel.
This generates a voltage signature in the fuel composition/temperature sensor which is input to the PCM as square waveforms of voltage. Waveform patterns vary in frequency contingent to the degree of contamination found in the fuel. The closer the waveform frequency, the greater the degree of fuel contamination; this constitutes the vertical portion of the waveform. The fuel composition sensor analyzes the amount of ethanol present in fuel independently of other contaminants.
If the PCM detects an input signal from the fuel composition sensor that indicates that fuel contamination exceeds a programmed limit, a P0169 code will be stored and a malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) may be illuminated. Multiple ignition cycles (with a failure) may be required for MIL illumination on some vehicles.
Code Severity & Symptoms
A stored 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.
Symptoms of this code may include:
Causes
Potential causes for this code to set are:
Diagnostic and Repair Procedures
A good starting point is always to check for 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 need 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 a code P0169. A diagnostic scanner with an integrated DVOM and a portable oscilloscope would do the job adequately.
Begin with a visual inspection of all related wiring harnesses and connectors to increase your chances of a successful diagnosis.
Using the DVOM and your vehicle information source, test reference voltage at the fuel composition sensor connector. Use the DVOM to test the corresponding circuits at the PCM connector, if there is no reference voltage. If a reference voltage signal is identified at the PCM connector, repair the open circuit between the fuel composition sensor and the PCM. Caution: Before testing circuit resistance with the DVOM, disconnect all related controllers. Suspect a faulty PCM (or a programming error) if no reference voltage is present at the PCM connector.
Observe live data in the form of waveform patterns using the oscilloscope, if the reference and ground are present at the fuel composition sensor connector. Connect the test leads to the signal and ground circuits and observe the display screen. Measure actual fuel temperature using the infrared thermometer and compare the findings with the temperature reflected by the waveform patterns on the oscilloscope. If the fuel temperature revealed on the oscilloscope fails to coincide with that of the infrared thermometer, suspect that the fuel temperature sensor is defective.
Additional diagnostic notes:
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"Delete Error Code Permanently, Disable DTC Error Code Function for p0169 in the ECU"
In extreme cases, we even have the option to permanently remove the specific DTC p0169 and disable the function of the specific error code in the ECU. All other fault code functions will then continue to work to protect the engine. This is different from clearing an error code with a diagnostic device. We have the option to permanently remove the function of the specific error code, so that it never comes back. Also emergency running that occurs on the specific error code can be solved in most cases.
Of course we prefer to first try to solve the cause of the error code, but sometimes the only solution is to permanently disable the DTC function of p0169.
