P0179 OBD-II: Fuel Composition Sensor Circuit High
P0179 Severity
Should you fix P0179 yourself?
Identifying an OBD code is just the start of a complete diagnostic routine. Most trouble codes are caused by a sensor reporting a value that is out of range. Just replacing a sensor may not fix underlying issues. Be sure to understand the code, the part or system in your car that the code refers to, and the risks of delaying professional repair.
Proper diagnosis will save you time and money on unnecessary repairs.
Urgent codes indicate immediate action is necessary. These are urgent and significant malfunctions that can cause severe damage to the vehicle or harm the driver and passengers.
What causes OBD-II fault code P0179?
vehicle's that are capable of running off of varying levels of ethanol (Flex Fuel, E85), will have a Fuel Composition Sensor in the fuel system so that the engine control module (PCM) can determine the fuel composition and adjust the fuel delivery accordingly. When the PCM detects an incorrect signal from the Fuel Composition Sensor, the PCM will set code P0179.
What Does P0179 Code Mean?
OBD-II Code P0179 is defined as a Fuel Composition Sensor Circuit High
vehicle's that are capable of running off of varying levels of ethanol (Flex Fuel, E85), will have a Fuel Composition Sensor in the fuel system so that the engine control module (PCM) can determine the fuel composition and adjust the fuel delivery accordingly. When the PCM detects an incorrect signal from the Fuel Composition Sensor, the PCM will set code P0179.
P0179 Symptoms
- Decreased engine performance
- Engine may not start
- Increased fuel consumption
Common Problems That Trigger the P0179 Code
- Fuel composition sensor failure
- Powertrain Control Module (PCM) failure
- Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software needs to be updated
- Wiring issue
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