U3981 Citroen Sm Diagnostic Trouble Code

U3981 Citroen Sm code definition:
U3981 is a kind of OBD-II Diagnostic U-Network Diagnostic Trouble Code for Citroen Sm.

U3981 Citroen Sm shows up when there's an electrical problem that causes the fuel volume regulator to malfunction and open. It's quite an unusual problem and likely intermittent. If the car doesn't start, they will proceed by testing the voltage at the fuel pump connector and see if the fuel pump relay, fuse, and PCM circuitry should be inspected.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a U3981 Citroen Sm 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
The engine oil will exhibit dilution from the ECUs attempts to increase engine temperature. Some vehicles advance the fuel injection timing slightly after top center to afterburn a small amount of fuel to increase exhaust temperatures. Some of this fuel enters the crankcase. When the ECU determines the necessity to regenerate the DPF, the service life of the oil be shortened significantly

Possible Causes :

Defective ECU strategies or components will prevent proper regeneration
The Mass Airflow sensor is a hot wire that senses the volume of air entering the intake manifold. The computer uses this information to control fuel mixture.
An air leak forward of the DPF will change the sensor readings resulting in the code

Common Misdiagnoses

Crankshaft Position Sensor Circuit Performance Problem
TP Sensor Learn Not Complete Problem
Low Coolant Circuit Problem
Cruise Control System - Vehicle Accel Too High Problem
Kick-Down Switch Failed Short Problem

Repair Processes :

Look for missing ground strap or a rusty ground where the fuel tank is grounded to the frame. Check for damage to the wiring harness connector. Pack the connector cavity with dielectric silicone compound (same stuff they use for light bulb sockets and spark plug wires) and reassemble.

Process Tips

Diagnostic trouble code U3981 Citroen Sm 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 U3981 Citroen Sm.

Fortunately, U3981 Citroen Sm is a fairly common OBD code, meaning that it applies to all makes and models of vehicles made after 1996.