C3181 Pontiac G8 Diagnostic Trouble Code

C3181 Pontiac G8 code definition:
C3181 is a kind of OBD-II Diagnostic C-Chassis Diagnostic Trouble Code for Pontiac G8.

C3181 Pontiac G8 is triggered when the bank 1 camshaft position sensor doesn't match the signal from the crankshaft position sensor. There are two wires dedicated for each coil; one is battery feed which usually comes from the distribution center, and the other one for the coil driver circuit from the PCM. The PCM grounds or ungrounds the circuit to activate or deactivate the coil.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a C3181 Pontiac G8 diagnostic trouble code may include:

Vacuum leak on the engine
Reduction in engine performance, especially at low RPM levels
Engine surge
If the DPF is not cleared the ECU will revert to the "Limp Home Mode" until the situation is corrected

Possible Causes :

Fuel with a large percentage of sulfur will clog the DPF quickly
The Mass Airflow sensor will also cause this problem. Mass Airflow circuit malfunction.
Rarely - faulty Powertrain Control Module (PCM-programming required after replacement)

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 :

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. If all testing has passed so far yet you still have the same code, check your scan tool and see if it can open and close the IMRC valve.

Process Tips

Diagnostic trouble code C3181 Pontiac G8 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 C3181 Pontiac G8.

Fortunately, C3181 Pontiac G8 is a fairly common OBD code, meaning that it applies to all makes and models of vehicles made after 1996.