Fuel and air

P018E — Fuel Pressure Sensor B Circuit Intermittent/Erratic

Severity: medium Drive with care, to a shop

What P018E means

The engine control unit constantly monitors the signal voltage from fuel pressure sensor B and compares it with expected values and other data. P018E sets when that signal drops out, jumps around or doesn't match engine operation. The cause can be the sensor itself, a poor connector contact or damaged wiring.

Symptoms

  • Check engine light on
  • Hard starting or long cranking
  • Hesitation during acceleration
  • Loss of power
  • Rough idle
  • Stalling
  • Reduced fuel economy

Possible causes

  1. Failed fuel pressure sensor B
  2. Open, short or corroded wiring or connector terminals
  3. Poor ground or missing 5 V reference voltage
  4. Fuel system problems such as a weak pump, regulator or control valve
  5. PCM failure (rare)

How to diagnose

  1. Scan for codes and freeze frame data, and look for other fuel-related codes
  2. Compare live fuel pressure readings at cranking, idle and under load with specification
  3. Confirm low-pressure supply pressure and volume are normal
  4. Inspect the sensor connector and harness for corrosion, chafing and loose pins
  5. Wiggle the harness and connector with the engine running while watching the data
  6. Test sensor power, reference voltage and ground with a multimeter
  7. Check the pressure regulator or control valve operation
  8. If wiring is good, replace the sensor and clear the code to verify

Common fixes

  • Replace fuel pressure sensor B
  • Repair the wiring or replace the damaged connector or terminals
  • Replace the regulator, valve or fuel pump if one of them is faulty
  • Replace or reprogram the PCM only after everything else is ruled out

Questions and answers

What does P018E mean?

The PCM is getting an intermittent or erratic signal from fuel pressure sensor B. The sensor, connector or wiring is the usual culprit.

Can I drive with P018E?

For a short distance, yes, but the engine may stall or lose power. Don't put off diagnosis.

How do I fix P018E?

Start by checking the sensor connector and wiring, then verify actual fuel pressure. Replace the sensor if it proves faulty.

This is general information about the code. The meaning can differ between makes and models: a scan tool and the repair manual for your car will show the exact cause.