B3181 Diagnostic Trouble Code

B3181 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 B3181 diagnostic trouble code may include:

Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illuminated
Carbon Buildup on O2 Sensor
Poor fuel economy
Engine surge

Possible Causes :

Rusty exhaust systems, cracked exhaust manifolds or damaged or missing gaskets or donuts will cause air leaks.
An air leak forward of the DPF will change the sensor readings resulting in the code
Low fuel pressure caused by a clogged filter, failing fuel pump, failed fuel pressure regulator or clogged or leaking injectors.

Repair Processes :

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. 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 B3181 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 B3181.

Fortunately, B3181 is a fairly common OBD code, meaning that it applies to all makes and models of vehicles made after 1996.

B3181 Trouble Code For Specific Cars

B3181 Lotus 79 Torque Converter/Brake Switch B Circuit Low
B3181 Lanchester 14 Speed Control Command Switch Out of Range High
B3181 Simca 11 Intake Manifold Runner Control (Bank 1) Stuck Open
B3181 Dodge Journey Ignition Cylinder Sensor Circuit Failure
B3181 Mitsubishi Concept Audio Single-Disc CD Player Internal Fault
B3181 Lancia Scorpion SSPOD Open Circuit or Closed Circuit Fault
B3181 Volkswagen K70 Right Front Vertical Accelerometer Circuit Failure