P3218 Austin 14 Diagnostic Trouble Code

P3218 Austin 14 code definition:
P3218 is a kind of OBD-II Diagnostic P-Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code for Austin 14.

P3218 Austin 14 is described as Oxygen Sensor Circuit No Activity Detected Bank 2 Sensor 1. This code appears when the PCM (powertrain control module, also known as ECM or engine control module in other brands) remains at or close the 0.450 set voltage point. The spark should have a light tan color. If the sensor probe comes with white and chalky parts, this means it has been lagging between switching phases, and should be replaced.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a P3218 Austin 14 diagnostic trouble code may include:

Misfire
Misfire
The light may stay on or light intermittently as the DPF regenerates. The engine will be sluggish on acceleration.
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
An air leak forward of the DPF will change the sensor readings resulting in the code

Common Misdiagnoses

Exhaust Gas Recirculation System Valve 1 Problem
BBV Sensor Circuit Low Voltage Problem
Transmission Engaged At High Throttle Angle Problem
Cruise Inhibit Control Circuit Problem
TFP Valve Position Switch-Drive Without Drive Ratio Problem

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. If all testing has passed so far yet you still have the same code, check your scan tool and see if it can open and close the IMRC valve.

Process Tips

Diagnostic trouble code P3218 Austin 14 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 P3218 Austin 14.

Fortunately, P3218 Austin 14 is a fairly common OBD code, meaning that it applies to all makes and models of vehicles made after 1996.