What is the P0169 fault number? What causes Incorrect Fuel Composition failures? How can I fix P0169 fault codes? What are the causes and symptoms of P0169 error code?
What is the P0169 Fault code? What does it signify?
Fuel is one of the most critical components in your vehicle. You may have a fuel problem if the check engine light turns on and code P0169 is set.
Gasoline is a mixture of different elements, including about 150 hydrocarbons, boiling at 32-204 °C, having a specific gravity of 0.680-0.760 g/cm3, colorless and having a distinctive odor. Ethanol is added to some fuels to make the mixture burn cleaner and produce less emissions. Flexible fuel vehicles can still operate at higher ethanol concentrations but levels above 85% are unacceptable.
A code P0169 is triggered when the powertrain controller module (PCM), receives voltage signals from the fuel composition sensor and fuel temperature sensors that indicate your fuel is either excessively dirty or high in ethanol.
The fuel composition sensor and the fuel temperature sensor are often integrated into one housing. It is an electronic component similar to a fuel filter that provides information to the PCM about the fuel’s nature and temperature.
The fuel composition sensor’s job is to electronically measure the temperature and grade of fuel. Due to the wide variety of fuels available today, this requirement is essential. This is crucial because the fuel composition affects the calorific value (heat of combustion, or energy) of the fuel. When calculating the fuel delivery strategy, the PCM will need to know how many calories a certain volume of fuel has. The fuel composition sensor also measures the fuel’s content in water and other contaminants. These pollutants have a huge impact on the fuel temperature delivered at the injectors.
It is possible for your fuel tank to be very contaminated if it hasn’t been cleaned in a long time. The fuel tank may have been contaminated by condensation or water mixed with the fuel. Because ethanol absorbs water, it can sink to the bottom and become heavy. This is called phase seperation. You’ll see more of the alcohol/water mixture as time passes. Result P0169…
The fuel composition sensor sends voltage signals in the form square patterns to the PCM about the fuel’s temperature. The level of fuel pollution affects how the wave patterns change. The fuel’s temperature and degree of pollution will affect how square and wide the patterns. The frequency of these waveforms typically ranges between one and five milliseconds. If the PCM receives an output signal from the fuel composition sensor, the malfunction code P0169 will be set. This indicates that fuel contamination has exceeded the programed limit.
Below is an image that will give you an idea about the waveforms of hot and cold fuel. The image shows that there are wide gaps between successive waves in upper row, which indicate fuel that is cold. While narrower gaps in lower row (higher frequency), indicate fuel that is hot.
P0169 fault codes can be found on many vehicles, including, but not limited, to Audi, Fiat Opel Ram, Dodge, Ram and Ford models.
What causes the P0169 Fault code?
Here are some reasons why P0169 should be set.
- – Extremely contaminated or low quality fuel
- – Defective fuel composition / temperature sensor
- – Corroded, damaged, shorted or disconnected wiring and/or connectors
- – The PCM is failing or needs to reprogramme (rarely).
What are the P0169 Malfunction Code Symptoms
You may experience the following symptoms if your vehicle has a code of P0169:
- – Illumination for the check engine light
- – Other fuel system codes
- – Reduced engine performance
- – Increased fuel use
- Engine stalling
- Engine running hard, or not at all
Note: This code is often not accompanied by symptoms. The check engine lamp is often the only indication that fuel is dirty.
How do I fix the P0169 fault code?
This code should be set because the fuel used is very dirty and poor quality. If this code appears after you refuel, change the fuel or buy high-quality fuel.
There are several repairs that can resolve the P0169 fault code.
- – Replacing the damaged fuel component/temperature sensor
- Repair of frayed, shorted or damaged cables and connectors
- – Programming, replacing or testing the PCM
How Serious Is the P0169 Fault Code
It is important to address a stored P0169 fault code immediately. The fuel composition is vital for calculating the fuel delivery strategy for flex fuel vehicles. Dirty fuel can also cause damage to fuel delivery systems and internal engine components.
