U0081 Lotus Elise Diagnostic Trouble Code

U0081 Lotus Elise code definition:
U0081 is a kind of OBD-II Diagnostic U-Network Diagnostic Trouble Code for Lotus Elise.

U0081 Lotus Elise is defined as Camshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Low. This means the CMP (camshaft position) sensor circuit on engine bank 1 sends an irregular reading. There are two wires dedicated for each coil; one is battery feed which usually comes from the distribution center, and the other one for the coil driver circuit from the PCM. The PCM grounds or ungrounds the circuit to activate or deactivate the coil.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a U0081 Lotus Elise diagnostic trouble code may include:

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

Possible Causes :

Fuel with a large percentage of sulfur will clog the DPF quickly
The Mass Airflow sensor will also cause this problem. Mass Airflow circuit malfunction.
A large air leak at or near the number one oxygen sensor would also cause a lean mixture.

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 :

Look for damage to the tank indicating impact that may have damaged the fuel pump or sender. Use the DVOM to test resistance and continuity on all system circuits if actuator and sensor resistance levels are in compliance with manufacturer's specifications.

Process Tips

Diagnostic trouble code U0081 Lotus Elise 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 U0081 Lotus Elise.

Fortunately, U0081 Lotus Elise is a fairly common OBD code, meaning that it applies to all makes and models of vehicles made after 1996.