B3686 Oldsmobile Silhouette Diagnostic Trouble Code

B3686 Oldsmobile Silhouette code definition:
B3686 is a kind of OBD-II Diagnostic B-Body Diagnostic Trouble Code for Oldsmobile Silhouette.

B3686 Oldsmobile Silhouette is triggered when the bank 1 camshaft position sensor doesn't match the signal from the crankshaft position sensor. As you drive and when specific conditions are slowly met, the vapors will gradually purge from the charcoal canister and will get burned within your engine.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a B3686 Oldsmobile Silhouette diagnostic trouble code may include:

Rich or lean exhaust
Fuel pressure too low
Engine surge
If the DPF is not cleared the ECU will revert to the "Limp Home Mode" until the situation is corrected

Possible Causes :

A large air leak at or near the number one oxygen sensor would also cause a lean mixture.
Faulty IMRC actuator relay (if equipped)
Faulty IMRC actuator/sensor

Common Misdiagnoses

IC Circuit High Voltage Problem
Control Module Throttle Actuator Position Performance Problem
Air Conditioning (A/C) Clutch Feedback Circuit High Voltage Problem
Cruise Vehicle Speed/Set Speed Difference Too High Problem
PCM Stack Overrun Problem

Repair Processes :

It should be pretty close to battery voltage (12 volts). If not, then this is the circuit that has the problem. 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. 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.

Process Tips

Diagnostic trouble code B3686 Oldsmobile Silhouette 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 B3686 Oldsmobile Silhouette.

Fortunately, B3686 Oldsmobile Silhouette is a fairly common OBD code, meaning that it applies to all makes and models of vehicles made after 1996.