P018B Opel Insignia Diagnostic Trouble Code

P018B Opel Insignia code definition:
P018B is a kind of OBD-II Diagnostic P-Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code for Opel Insignia.

P018B Opel Insignia is described as Fuel System Too Rich, which basically means bank 1's oxygen sensor has detected a rich condition of fuel. This means there's not enough oxygen in the exhaust from too much fuel being delivered into the air and gas mixture for combusion. Other symptoms that may indicate this problem are when the Check Engine Light illuminates and when there is a visible lack of engine power.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a P018B Opel Insignia diagnostic trouble code may include:

Rich or lean exhaust
Fuel pressure too low
Engine surge
Diminished fuel efficiency

Possible Causes :

The Mass Airflow sensor is a hot wire that senses the volume of air entering the intake manifold. The computer uses this information to control fuel mixture.
Defective ECU strategies or components will prevent proper regeneration
Faulty IMRC actuator relay (if equipped)

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 :

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. 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. Look for rubbing, scraping, bare wires, worn spots or melted plastic connectors. Pull the connectors apart and carefully look at the terminals (the metal parts) inside the connectors.

Process Tips

Diagnostic trouble code P018B Opel Insignia 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 P018B Opel Insignia.

Fortunately, P018B Opel Insignia is a fairly common OBD code, meaning that it applies to all makes and models of vehicles made after 1996.