GM fuel pressure sensor diagnostics: P018C -'13 Chevy Impala

Join me for this neat case study on an intermittent code for a fuel pressure sensor on a late model Chevy Impala.
This diagnosis covers several valuable procedures from the importance of duplicating an intermittent fault, to efficiently narrowing down a circuit problem and using logic to get at the root cause.
Enjoy!
Ivan.

[@shanestrains2849]

6 years late, what an awesome fix and excellent sense of direction from the customer

[@erikandresen5399]

And that right there, lady, is your problem. Nice find Ivan!

[@fieldsofomagh]

Have to admit it, when it comes to finding a electrical fault, there's no better man. Great diagnosis and sound logic .

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

I wish they all went as smoothly as this one...but then it wouldn't be as fun!

[@wyattoneable]

The owner really helped out in direction but your in depth troubleshooting got to the correct fault. Plus it helped me understand a little more about how electricity works, thanks.

[@pneumatic00]

You're a phenomenally skilled troubleshooter, Ivan. Excellent video.

[@chungaleta1234]

Another No-part-needed fix. I love those. Isn't great when a customer can explain in such detail? We, customers, should really watch these videos and learn the basics, at least to guide the mechanic in the right direction from the start.

[@360quickshot]

great diag Ivan. always a pleasure to watch

[@haywardsautomotive6156]

Great video and diagnosis Ivan! It's always nice to have great info from the customer give you direction. Nice use of your test lights & amp clamp to determine open/short to ground and current flow direction. Another happy customer!

[@baxrok2.]

Amazing. Well done Ivan. Thanks for sharing this, it's packed with useful info!

[@wysetech2000]

Your customer was a big help on that one. Not a typical know it all and stepped back and let you test to find the problem. Excellent job

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Yeah he is definitely a very proactive car owner for sure!

[@noelcastle3986]

Great work again watching your case studies has taught me new ways of thinking and diagnosing wiring and component issues in my field of commercial kitchen repairs. You can teach a old dog new tricks thanks man .

[@TexasPLNR]

Great demonstration of proper diagnostics. Nice video!

[@OneAuto]

Good helpful information from our customers is always beneficial. I've noticed over the years that sometimes they don't want to tell you what they've been up to and how the problem came about. Your guy was great and could demonstrate exactly what he'd been doing. That saved a bit of time chasing the short and saved him money for less time spent. Great job Ivan!

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Thanks Rob! Yes in this case the info given by the customer was spot on. Very often it isn't, or is just plain incomplete! "Oh there was this other time it acted up, but I didn't think that was important" haha

[@moneymac2864]

Genius bro you're gettin good...Eric O must be proud! Love you guys!!!

[@eddiemartinez265]

Good work Ivan.

[@davesministry7789]

Excellent work and video again. Keep going.

[@ponyhorse127]

Fantastic video Ivan!!!!....those cables were just rubbing!!!!......great way to analize and pin point the trouble!!!!.....Great work!!!!..... :) :) :) :)

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Thanks Fidel!

[@ericcorse]

Good fix and info Ivan.

[@gouveiaclassicos]

good job one more time some one dont do they job properly this is the result keep up the good work

[@jix177]

Very nice work, well done.

[@MrPami9899]

great diagnostic

[@QueenCityHistory]

great job Ivan!!

[@josephtucci3666]

Very very well done What a cool trick wIth the test lite

[@Bunkysworkshop]

I love how this all comes together. I have noticed that these chevy impalas have been having a lot of transmission problems.

[@jimthecarguy]

Ivan ,Nice diagnostics and repair.

[@robertdavis6708]

One of the best diagnostics that you have performed, Ivan. No parts cannon for you. Smart kid....as many others on the tube.

[@reweydewy]

Robert Davis the customer did lead right to the issue. he is good though

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

An undervalued part of the job is knowing how to talk to the customer and picking what questions to ask! Wouldn't you do that if it helps solve the problem more efficiently?

[@reweydewy]

motoYam82 of coarse. it's a must to fix the car properly. was not trying to be an ass. keep up the great videos

[@rickygray7767]

Fantastic job!!!! Well done 👍

[@arciefan]

That wasn't easy to find, or easy to video I'm sure, so many thanks for an outstanding video. 👍👍

[@zoidberg444]

Test light FTW. I have applied to the use of a test light to dozens of non automotive electrical diagnostics as well. Found problems that had seemingly outwitted some "pros" as a result. Good stuff. Interesting stuff as usual. Keep up the beard growing.

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

I'm afraid the beard is not here to stay...have to attend my brother's wedding next month so it's time to shed some hair :/

[@zoidberg444]

motoYam82 You could always just get it trimmed neatly! I grow mine bushy in the winter and keep it trimmed at around half an inch in the summer.

[@andrewwmacfadyen6958]

Good work tracking it down, this type of mistake can happen so easily.

[@themechanic6117]

nice work! love fixes like this.

[@gv4338]

Omg, I spent $1100 already trying to get this fixed at 2 different shops. Followed this video and no check engine light. Subscribed, liked, and notified. Thanks man, they were just throwing parts at it wanted to charge another $500!!

[@georgebell3964]

Another great job,you are the man!

[@charlesw318]

great work bro keep the videos coming

[@marco320033]

awesome find. haha (The Money Shot! )

[@laohantun7404]

Great job mate....

[@kyhomegarage3430]

Wow that was awesome. love your work man. Good job.

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Thanks so much!

[@farmboy30117]

Nice! Love the homemade test light!

[@randytheapplianceguy8838]

nice troubleshooting

[@CHIBA280CRV]

Nice job.

[@Carlostype]

when you used your amp clamp for current direction I thought it had to be solely around the one wire and not the harness or did I misunderstand, great fix!

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

That's the beauty of the amp clamp...it doesn't care how many wires are in the jaws, just the TOTAL current going through the jaws.

[@EduardoGomez-pd7mj]

Thanks brother this helped me out a lot I had the same problem new transmission install and they left a lot of wires rubbing against the transmission

[@billrimmer5596]

So when u used the amp clamp and the word direction, u meant geographical direction. It pointed to where the short was. Thank u for the precise methods for finding it. I like the small load u put on the circuit with the appropriate amperage bulb!

[@catranger01]

Great job!

[@maherzaidan7190]

Great job 👍

[@CleanSC]

Awesome case study, I love these. Two things, however. 1. You forgot to say "lady" after you said "there's our problem" and 2. You forgot to say "YOU FACK" after you said "focus". Otherwise, A+ You and Eric are my top 2 on YT. Paul rounds out the top 3. Keep it up!

[@GlycerinZ]

Paul is awesome!

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

LOL considering the customer was a guy and was standing right there, I would have felt awkward saying "there's your problem, LADY" hahha

[@babawawasrk]

we had a vote. you might have been creeping up on eric o.

[@BobWhite777]

Another great video, thank you. Have you ever made a video about your home-made test lights? If not, I would like to see one.

[@SouthMainAuto]

Great find man! Would freeze frame data have helped a little in the beginning? Not sure if it shows fuel rail pressure voltage in there or not...

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Yo Eric! I was all ready to rip off the right rear fender liner and find a broken wire like your Malibu vid...but those tricky engineers at GM relocated the pressure sensor!

[@gbowne1]

Pesky devils.

[@ogkushsgv3364]

THANK U BROTHER ALOT OF GREAT INFO

[@rrmech11]

Great video Ivan SMA video next

[@armandonika]

Ivan liked even before wached it cause i know its a great case 😀😀👍🏻

[@armandonika]

After watching i have a question😀, it was safe testing with the test light because the current takes the easiest path and wont even go to the module in this case im i right?

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Almost. The current will NEVER go to the module, since in is a high-resistance sensing circuit. Worst that will happen is that you will set a trouble code like we did in this case. In fact, that can be a very valuable clue as well!

[@hoaxs1939]

motoYam82 By high resistance circuit. Do you mean the test light bulb is the high resistance

[@armandonika]

+Hoaxs no its a resistance inside the module you can see it at the wiring diagram wich is greater than the test light.

[@armandonika]

+motoYam82 thanks man now really understood why. In this case if you would unplug the sensor and check the voltage on the signal wire you would have 5v or 0v?? Thanks

[@YDVDL]

Thank you ...impressive

[@SteveRobReviews]

Very cool. Launch hum , something difference and it says DONT FORGET ME. LOL.

[@OemarLP]

Wohooo new video :D Now I need some popcorn...

[@embreesmith7613]

using a Lauch, there, Ivan ..?? holy crap .. everyone is getting your Diagnostic money ..!! Strap-On, Autel, Lauch .. :))

[@fredberfal1246]

nice job

[@KarateSensei71]

Every time Ivan does a no parts required fix I take a shot of Vodka. I find myself needing a new liver now.

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

🤣🤣

[@blockbertus]

Question would be if that broken harness was supposed to be between the transmission and the big other harness or if it was an incorrect reinstallation of that transmission shop.

[@jazs100]

Good job sir

[@haririnoor3193]

awsome

[@GlycerinZ]

Damn, you're good man!

[@reweydewy]

Glycerin he is good. The customer did lead right to the problem though

[@jay7264]

hey Ivan you where right about my Saturn vue with the weird code for intake leak between throttle body and intake valves. bad gas cap was causing huge evap leak which in turn caused the wierd code. thanks man

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Really? You sure it wasn't a bad purge valve? But if it fixed the problem, then it's a WIN! :)

[@jay7264]

motoYam82 I checked the purge valve with one of those hand pump vacuum gauges and it didn't leak.

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

So a new gas cap fixed a vacuum leak code...that is wild! Will have to log that in the memory bank next time I see a Saturn with that problem. Would be a terrific case study.

[@JOHNPHUFNAGEL]

I hate when shops change parts I checked out a car last night and shop owner changed the APP sensor and the TPS sensor before I looked at it. All it needed was a relearn, I am sure something was bad but not both. Great find

[@dezblyan5125]

nice one

[@PistonBikers]

Scanner Don't Forget Me Lol

[@jgsb111]

Why was it safe to use a .5A or even 1A test light on the signal circuit? Thought test lights on computer circuits was a no-no.

[@johnchow2702]

has been following your video for a while, really great stuff. I have a question expecting your advice. I had a power loss for a 2013 MB C300 with V6 3.5L NA direct injection engine. no codes at all on scanner. What I noticed now is: 1.high negative LTFT of -10% on both banks. 2.Fuel rail pressure is 15000Kpa at idle and 20000Kpa at WOT which I feel not right. Thank you in advance

[@Krillekris]

Very good diagnosis, thumbs up! Like your beard :-)

[@GarthGoldberg]

Nice one. I think that diagnosis was worth at least $100.

[@ProudlyNobody]

You know anyone as competent and capable as you in Los Angeles?!

[@trucannon2485]

Hey, do u think this is the problem on a 15, newer body style? My check engine light is on and can't use factory auto start.

[@dans_Learning_Curve]

Another GREAT video! "Don't forget me!" LoL~! Did you forget your scan tool someplace?

[@Mrizing]

Hey Ivan, love your work. I kind of want to go into this profession . My question is, you are a diagnosis specialist? And auto repair? What kind of school you have to go through to learn That, is it in high demand? I'm assuming you go to customers homes? And how many repair computers do you have or scanners Thanks

[@louiemoscatel585]

Hey Ivan, nice video as usual. Will you be making a review video for the Launch scanner?

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

wasn't planning on a specific review. I think the best way to "review" a tool is just to use it in the field to solve real problems and let you be the judge :)

[@HUBBABUBBADOOPYDOOP]

*$0.10 worth of tape and $50 worth of Diagnostic & labor= Daddy's Home in time for corn flakes*

[@TangerineGroovin]

10/10 wonder how many parts wouldve been thrown at this by a shop

[@kyhomegarage3430]

If this short to ground was on 5 V ref circuit it would pull voltage to 0 v and possible affect other sensors and have intermittent no start or stall what nightmare would that be. Am I thinking right?

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Great question! In this case the 5V ref for the fuel pressure sensor is generated specifically by the fuel pump driver module, and is not shared by other sensors. I think the FP module would still function in a default mode even if that 5V ref was shorted. Not sure if that would set a different DTC...should have tried it on the vehicle!

[@kyhomegarage3430]

motoYam82 that's right it's different module I should pay more attention to your wiring diagram thank you so much keep them coming. Thank you.

[@johnaclark1]

Hey Ivan, I have a question. To make sure I understand...Doesn't the "circuit low" code pretty much indicate a short in the system somewhere and a circuit high code indicate an open? You'd still have to find the short either in the sensor or in a wire somewhere. Is it possible to have a circuit low code on a circuit like this and have it not be a short somewhere?

[@lovetolearn5253]

Just curious and asking. When you stated if you had a open or short to ground when wiggling, if it was opened wouldnt you have seen a high voltage not a low? Im truly asking. If that was the case it would have to be shorted to ground? The reason im asking is a shop called me in and i have to look at a transmission line pressure sensor circuit. Whats making me do my homework is they're telling me the replaced sensor, control module and wiring. In my mind it should be a easy diag but then again its a Chrysler.

[@wmichaels362]

Nice detective work. Intermittent faults are the hardest to track down. That rub-through spot on the harness would be a very difficult spot to repair with a sealed connector. Have you seen the 3M Scotch Moisture Sealing Electrical Tape? It fuses to it's self, sealing out moisture, which normal electrical tape cannot due. 3M 2228 Scotch Moisture Sealing Electrical Tape $9.27 Amazon; also at: Zoro, and Walmart. You're right about the test lamp, but it is critical to know when to use a regular incandescent lamp. Most car manufactures specify a high impedance test light, for computer circuit testing. They are safe to use, because they do not draw too much current. OTC 3636 Coil Cord Circuit Tester - $21.93 Amazon; also at: O'Reilly, Tooltopia, and Wallmart.

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

I'll have to get me some of that fancy electrical tape. Scotch makes good products.

[@BetterOffVibes]

I have a 2012 impala LS 3.6 & just had the fuel pump replaced and it’s working, but the car won’t start. Now the code it’s reading now is P0179?. Do u have any information about this? & can u please help...???

[@saxdogg69]

Test light trick was awesome. Can you draw a schematic so I can conceptualize that better?

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

So in the video I showed the wiring diagram, and the physical connections. A good exercise for the audience would be to print out that same diagram, and draw in the test light. Then you will be able to picture the current flow. Try it!

[@Ilikeryche]

That was a great diagnostic routine. I pulled up a wiring diagram for this impala and the wire colors on mine didn't match the colors on yours. I thought you were checking the wrong wires at first, and after checking the wiring diagram closely, I discovered that there is a "FUEL RAIL pressure sensor" near the injectors and a "FUEL pressure sensor" between the in tank pump and the high pressure pump. I was not aware of this before, so I learned something. Were you aware of both sensors? I have little experience with direct injection so far and now I'm wondering if maybe all direct injection systems use both sensors. Cheers.

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

On DI systems often both low and high side fuel pressures are monitored :)

[@zensterful]

Most of my diagnosis is done with a simple tool called "VISUAL INSPECTION ", I must say that it gets the job done about 75% of the time. Great job Ivan!!!!

[@thedreadedgman]

moral of the story: this is why wire harnesses have all those annoying routes and ties and clips - vibration rub-through. sadly it's not always possible to predict which ones are essential or if the guy who worked on it before you routed the wires safely or if the factory made a design mistake

[@sandyande]

genius, u should be the next POTUS!

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

haha I'll leave that to Trump xD

[@muhamedsajid308]

I need your help bro I have po18b fuel pressure sensor circuit performance..where is it located in 3.6

[@movingupautodiagnostics8645]

Man that was heavy diag right there! Save the beard bro, it helps!

[@jannepo]

If the sensor has internal electronics, are you sure that output would always hike up towards 5V if sensor ground is missing? If sensor has a output transistor / IC, lack of ground might leave it in open (non conducting) state = 0V.

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

That is a valid point! For a real 100% fool-proof test, all three wires should be checked AT THE SENSOR, with the sensor plugged in.

[@scotttucker4075]

Just wondering do you have a different labor rate per hour when the customer tells you what's wrong with it and how to fix it or help you fix it,, seen that sign hanging up in an old shop I worked at about 30 years ago..lol 😂

[@velirobinson1248]

Any videos on how to change an fuel⛽️ rail pressure sensor 🤔

[@martinlohstroh]

Don't forget me sticker on your scanner. do you leave it in customers cars sometimes?

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

That's for the small bluetooth wireless unit that plugs into the DLC lol

[@tonydesousa5246]

I have a 2015 Chev Malibu with 177000 km and it shows code 0089 and code 0016. Code 0089 says it's the fuel pressure regulator and the 0016 says it's the bank 1 camshaft position sensor. I called the dealership for the price of the FPR and they tell me they don't have one on the computer. A dummy like me believes him because I don't find any videos of anyone working on the 2015 which seems to be different than the others in the engine. Any information would be a appreciated as I have no clue where to find, even the line to fuel pressure test. Thanks

[@drm315]

I hope that wire tie doesn't eat a hole in the heater hose.

[@TrakSpock1]

Oh no....The dreaded Australian built Opel 3.6 DOHC timing chain eating monster of an engine! I can't believe GM keeps installing those things. Nice horsepower but not worth the hassle when the timing chains go out at 80k.

[@ThisIS_Insane]

🎯🎯🎯

[@sharedknowledge6640]

Nice non-obvious diagnosis. The transmission guys should have to pay for the diagnosis and the repair.

[@anajay78]

Wow that engine bay seems disorganized.

[@lakeboi09]

Anyone can tell ,me where to find those nice rotors?