B0981 Diagnostic Trouble Code

B0981 is a kind of OBD-II Diagnostic B-Body Diagnostic Trouble Code.

It is considered generic because it applies to all makes and models of vehicles, although specific repair steps may be different depending on your car model.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a B0981 diagnostic trouble code may include:

Hesitation upon acceleration
Excessive exhaust leak
Rich or lean exhaust
Reduction in engine performance, especially at low RPM levels

Possible Causes :

A faulty oxygen sensor. This will set a code in itself, however, a faulty oxygen sensor does not automatically condemn the sensor. The code just means that the sensor signal was not within specifications. An air leak or any of the above will cause an erroneous signal. There is a multitude of O2 codes relating to O2 performance which gives a clue to the problematic area.
Some aftermarket accessories and performance modifications
Dirty air cleaner element Damaged DPF

Repair Processes :

Look for missing ground strap or a rusty ground where the fuel tank is grounded to the frame. Check for damage to the wiring harness connector. Pack the connector cavity with dielectric silicone compound (same stuff they use for light bulb sockets and spark plug wires) and reassemble.

Process Tips

Diagnostic trouble code B0981 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 B0981.

Fortunately, B0981 is a fairly common OBD code, meaning that it applies to all makes and models of vehicles made after 1996.

B0981 Trouble Code For Specific Cars

B0981 Mazda Sentia A/C Clutch Magnetic Control Circuit Failure
B0981 Goggomobil Isard Parklamp Output Relay Driver Circuit Failure
B0981 Fso Polonez O2 Sensor Circuit High Voltage (Bank 1 Sensor 3)
B0981 Db Rally HO2S Heater Control Circuit Low (Bank 2 Sensor 3)
B0981 Hammel Hammel Passenger Side Satellite Communication Circuit Short to Ground
B0981 Dodge Prowler Ignition Run/Acc Circuit Open
B0981 Mitsubishi Rpm Aux Heater Flame Sensor Circuit Open