P178B Citroen Xsara Diagnostic Trouble Code

P178B Citroen Xsara code definition:
P178B is a kind of OBD-II Diagnostic P-Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code for Citroen Xsara.

P178B Citroen Xsara is defined as Knock Sensor Circuit Range Performance (Bank 1 or Single Sensor). This refers to camshaft timing, which in this case is over-retarded. 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 P178B Citroen Xsara diagnostic trouble code may include:

Excessive exhaust leak
Hesitation upon acceleration
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illuminated
Engine surge

Possible Causes :

Rarely - faulty Powertrain Control Module (PCM-programming required after replacement)
Rough running engine due to misfiring plugs. Many engines have misfire codes to indicate the cylinder effected, such as P0307 for number 7.
Low fuel pressure caused by a clogged filter, failing fuel pump, failed fuel pressure regulator or clogged or leaking injectors.

Common Misdiagnoses

Vehicle Speed Output Circuit Problem
Cruise Control Servo Indicates Low Problem
A/C System High Pressure High Temperature Problem
PCM Stack Overrun Problem
Transmission Control Module Reprogrammable Memory Problem

Repair Processes :

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. If you find a related TSB, the information will often help in diagnosing the code in question as TSBs are crested from many thousands of repairs. Oxygen sensors signal the engine management computer the amount of oxygen present in the exhaust, which is used in determining and controlling the fuel ratio.

Process Tips

Diagnostic trouble code P178B Citroen Xsara 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 P178B Citroen Xsara.

Fortunately, P178B Citroen Xsara is a fairly common OBD code, meaning that it applies to all makes and models of vehicles made after 1996.