B1861 Sunbeam 3 Diagnostic Trouble Code

B1861 Sunbeam 3 code definition:
B1861 is a kind of OBD-II Diagnostic B-Body Diagnostic Trouble Code for Sunbeam 3.

B1861 Sunbeam 3 is defined as Camshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Low. This means the CMP (camshaft position) sensor circuit on engine bank 1 sends an irregular reading. So if the problem persists despite of your diagnosis, then you should never hesitate to take your vehicle to your dealer or to a qualified mechanic.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a B1861 Sunbeam 3 diagnostic trouble code may include:

Faulty or damaged wiring
The engine oil will exhibit dilution from the ECUs attempts to increase engine temperature. Some vehicles advance the fuel injection timing slightly after top center to afterburn a small amount of fuel to increase exhaust temperatures. Some of this fuel enters the crankcase. When the ECU determines the necessity to regenerate the DPF, the service life of the oil be shortened significantly
Poor fuel economy
Engine surge

Possible Causes :

Rarely - faulty Powertrain Control Module (PCM-programming required after replacement)
Rough running engine due to misfiring plugs. Many engines have misfire codes to indicate the cylinder effected, such as P0307 for number 7.
A large vacuum leak would cause a massive amount of un-metered air to enter the intake manifold resulting in an overly lean mixture.

Common Misdiagnoses

Crankshaft Position Sensor Circuit Performance Problem
TP Sensor Learn Not Complete Problem
Low Coolant Circuit Problem
Cruise Control System - Vehicle Accel Too High Problem
Kick-Down Switch Failed Short Problem

Repair Processes :

With the valve disconnected, the red voltmeter lead should be attached to the IMRC valve power wire and the black voltmeter lead connected to ground. Use the DVOM to test resistance and continuity on all system circuits if actuator and sensor resistance levels are in compliance with manufacturer's specifications. Oxygen sensors signal the engine management computer the amount of oxygen present in the exhaust, which is used in determining and controlling the fuel ratio.

Process Tips

Diagnostic trouble code B1861 Sunbeam 3 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 B1861 Sunbeam 3.

Fortunately, B1861 Sunbeam 3 is a fairly common OBD code, meaning that it applies to all makes and models of vehicles made after 1996.