P181A Diagnostic Trouble Code

P181A is a kind of OBD-II Diagnostic P-Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code.

It is considered generic because it applies to all makes and models of vehicles, although specific repair steps may be different depending on your car model.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a P181A diagnostic trouble code may include:

Diminished fuel efficiency
Fuel pressure too high
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illuminated
The light may stay on or light intermittently as the DPF regenerates. The engine will be sluggish on acceleration.

Possible Causes :

Low fuel pressure caused by a clogged filter, failing fuel pump, failed fuel pressure regulator or clogged or leaking injectors.
Low fuel pressure caused by a clogged filter, failing fuel pump, failed fuel pressure regulator or clogged or leaking injectors.
Faulty IMRC actuator/sensor

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. Look at the plug wires to make sure they are not burnt or laying on the exhaust. Now, clear the codes and test-drive the vehicle to see if the code is reset.

Process Tips

Diagnostic trouble code P181A 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 P181A.

Fortunately, P181A is a fairly common OBD code, meaning that it applies to all makes and models of vehicles made after 1996.

P181A Trouble Code For Specific Cars

P181A Pontiac Executive Exhaust Pressure Sensor Low
P181A Wanderer W SCP (J1850) Invalid or Missing Data for Ignition Switch / Starter
P181A Toyota Tacoma Passenger Door Unlock Switch Circuit Shorted to Ground
P181A Nissan Commercial Clutch Actuator Circuit / Open
P181A Cadillac Escalade Decklid Punch-Out Sensor Open Circuit
P181A Toyota Aa No Latch Signal Sensed on Closing and Door Reversed
P181A Fiat Panda Lamp Turn Signal Rear Output Circuit Short To Ground