P3168 Venturi Coupe Diagnostic Trouble Code

P3168 Venturi Coupe code definition:
P3168 is a kind of OBD-II Diagnostic P-Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code for Venturi Coupe.

P3168 Venturi Coupe is defined as Cylinder 3 Injector Circuit Malfunction. This code means the PCM (powertrain control module, also known as ECM or engine control) has detected a problem in the injector or its wiring, or in injector circuit for cylinder 3. Other serious codes may cause this code to pop up, and they may come with dangerous drivability issues that may expose you to safety risks and cause damage to the engine in the long run.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a P3168 Venturi Coupe diagnostic trouble code may include:

Faulty O2 Sensor
Lack of power
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 :

A large air leak at or near the number one oxygen sensor would also cause a lean mixture.
Faulty IMRC actuator relay (if equipped)
Fuel with a large percentage of sulfur will clog the DPF quickly

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 scan tool has that capability, and the scan tool can operate the IMRC valves, then the problem is either resolved and a simple code clearing is all that's left or a new PCM would be called for. 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 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.

Process Tips

Diagnostic trouble code P3168 Venturi Coupe 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 P3168 Venturi Coupe.

Fortunately, P3168 Venturi Coupe is a fairly common OBD code, meaning that it applies to all makes and models of vehicles made after 1996.