P120B Opel Ampera Diagnostic Trouble Code

P120B Opel Ampera code definition:
P120B is a kind of OBD-II Diagnostic P-Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code for Opel Ampera.

P120B Opel Ampera is triggered when the bank 1 camshaft position sensor doesn't match the signal from the crankshaft position sensor. 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 P120B Opel Ampera diagnostic trouble code may include:

Possible spark knock (detonation / pre-ignition)
Poor fuel economy
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
Rich or lean exhaust

Possible Causes :

The Mass Airflow sensor will also cause this problem. Mass Airflow circuit malfunction.
Fuel with a large percentage of sulfur will clog the DPF quickly
Defective ECU strategies or components will prevent proper regeneration

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 :

Look for damage to the tank indicating impact that may have damaged the fuel pump or sender. Pack the connector cavity with dielectric silicone compound (same stuff they use for light bulb sockets and spark plug wires) and reassemble.

Process Tips

Diagnostic trouble code P120B Opel Ampera 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 P120B Opel Ampera.

Fortunately, P120B Opel Ampera is a fairly common OBD code, meaning that it applies to all makes and models of vehicles made after 1996.