B3198 Subaru Vivio Diagnostic Trouble Code

B3198 Subaru Vivio code definition:
B3198 is a kind of OBD-II Diagnostic B-Body Diagnostic Trouble Code for Subaru Vivio.

B3198 Subaru Vivio is a DTC or a diagnostic trouble code. It is a check engine light code which indicates that the catalyst's system efficiency is less than the required threshold. In simple terms, it means that more pollution is added into the air than what was supposed to be because of your car. The spark should have a light tan color. If the sensor probe comes with white and chalky parts, this means it has been lagging between switching phases, and should be replaced.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a B3198 Subaru Vivio 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
The light may stay on or light intermittently as the DPF regenerates. The engine will be sluggish on acceleration.

Possible Causes :

An air leak forward of the DPF will change the sensor readings resulting in the code
Rusty exhaust systems, cracked exhaust manifolds or damaged or missing gaskets or donuts will cause air leaks.
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

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 :

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. 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.

Process Tips

Diagnostic trouble code B3198 Subaru Vivio 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 B3198 Subaru Vivio.

Fortunately, B3198 Subaru Vivio is a fairly common OBD code, meaning that it applies to all makes and models of vehicles made after 1996.