B0203 Vanden Plas Princess Diagnostic Trouble Code

B0203 Vanden Plas Princess code definition:
B0203 is a kind of OBD-II Diagnostic B-Body Diagnostic Trouble Code for Vanden Plas Princess.

B0203 Vanden Plas Princess is described as Oxygen Sensor Circuit No Activity Detected (Bank 1, Sensor 1). This means there's a problem in the front oxygen sensor on Bank 1, as the O2 sensor is inactive. Any code that causes the vehicle's engine to die while running should be fixed as soon as possible, as it can be dangerous for both the vehicle and the passengers of the vehicle.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a B0203 Vanden Plas Princess diagnostic trouble code may include:

The light may stay on or light intermittently as the DPF regenerates. The engine will be sluggish on acceleration.
Faulty PCM
If the DPF is not cleared the ECU will revert to the "Limp Home Mode" until the situation is corrected
Reduction in engine performance, especially at low RPM levels

Possible Causes :

Dirty air cleaner element Damaged DPF
A plugged converter will cause of host of driveability problems as well as set this code. A severely plugged converter will result in the inability to increase rpm when under load. Look for a code such as P0421 -- catalytic converter efficiency below threshold if the converter indicating a faulty converter.
An air leak forward of the DPF will change the sensor readings resulting in the code

Common Misdiagnoses

Exhaust Gas Recirculation System Valve 1 Problem
BBV Sensor Circuit Low Voltage Problem
Transmission Engaged At High Throttle Angle Problem
Cruise Inhibit Control Circuit Problem
TFP Valve Position Switch-Drive Without Drive Ratio Problem

Repair Processes :

Replace the oxygen sensor that is downstream from the catalytic converter on the side of the engine that does not contain cylinder #1. Also, if a oxygen sensor code stating "heater circuit malfunction" the sensor has most probably failed. If the scan tool has that capability, and the scan tool can operate the IMRC valves, then the problem is either resolved and a simple code clearing is all that's left or a new PCM would be called for. Find out what kind of system you have and verify that voltage to the fuel level sensor is present at the fuel pump wiring harness.

Process Tips

Diagnostic trouble code B0203 Vanden Plas Princess is not difficult to diagnose and repair. Thus, it always pays to have a qualified technician to look after your vehicle should this error code arise.

Diagnosing this code requires the engine to be in good running shape, without unmetered air entering the engine. If other codes that relates to misfiring condition, lean running or air entering the engine is present, then you must first fix those error codes before B0203 Vanden Plas Princess.

Fortunately, B0203 Vanden Plas Princess is a fairly common OBD code, meaning that it applies to all makes and models of vehicles made after 1996.