P018C Renault 8 Diagnostic Trouble Code

P018C Renault 8 code definition:
P018C is a kind of OBD-II Diagnostic P-Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code for Renault 8.

P018C Renault 8 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 P018C Renault 8 diagnostic trouble code may include:

Vacuum leak on the engine
Reduction in engine performance, especially at low RPM levels
Engine surge
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

Possible Causes :

A large vacuum leak would cause a massive amount of un-metered air to enter the intake manifold resulting in an overly lean mixture.
Faulty IMRC actuator/sensor
Rarely - faulty Powertrain Control Module (PCM-programming required after replacement)

Common Misdiagnoses

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
Kick-Down Switch Failed Short Problem
Park/Neutral Postion (PNP) Switch Circuit Engine Torque Signal Circuit Problem

Repair Processes :

If the engine displays a miss and there wasn't a code, determine which cylinder is misfiring. If the exhaust manifold is visible, spay or pour a small amount of water on each cylinder exhaust port. Water will evaporate immediately on good cylinders and slowly on the missing cylinder. If this can't be accomplished pull the plugs and check the condition. 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. 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 P018C Renault 8 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 P018C Renault 8.

Fortunately, P018C Renault 8 is a fairly common OBD code, meaning that it applies to all makes and models of vehicles made after 1996.