P186B Hotchkiss 3.5-litre Diagnostic Trouble Code

P186B Hotchkiss 3.5-litre code definition:
P186B is a kind of OBD-II Diagnostic P-Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code for Hotchkiss 3.5-litre.

P186B Hotchkiss 3.5-litre is described as Fuel Rail Pressure Sensor Circuit Malfunction. This code is strictly about the incoming signal from the FRP (fuel rail pressure) sensor falling below the calibrated limit for a certain period of time. As you drive and when specific conditions are slowly met, the vapors will gradually purge from the charcoal canister and will get burned within your engine.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a P186B Hotchkiss 3.5-litre diagnostic trouble code may include:

The light may stay on or light intermittently as the DPF regenerates. The engine will be sluggish on acceleration.
Faulty PCM
If the DPF is not cleared the ECU will revert to the "Limp Home Mode" until the situation is corrected
Diminished fuel efficiency

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.
An air leak forward of the DPF will change the sensor readings resulting in the code

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 :

Look for damage to the tank indicating impact that may have damaged the fuel pump or sender. 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. Check to make sure they are not burnt or corroded. If in doubt, get some Electrical Contact cleaner at any parts store if cleaning of the terminals is needed.

Process Tips

Diagnostic trouble code P186B Hotchkiss 3.5-litre 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 P186B Hotchkiss 3.5-litre.

Fortunately, P186B Hotchkiss 3.5-litre is a fairly common OBD code, meaning that it applies to all makes and models of vehicles made after 1996.