P0189 – Fuel temperature sensor B -circuit intermittent

By Benjamin Jerew (Contact Me)
Last Updated 2016-06-03
ASE Master Tech

Table of Contents

1. What Does Code P0189 Mean?
2. What are the common causes of code P0189 ?
3. What are the symptoms of code P0189 ?
4. How do you troubleshoot code P0189 ?
5. Codes Related to P0189
6. Get Help with P0189

What Does Code P0189 Mean?

As we know, the modern fuel injection and ignition system is a complex coordination of sensor readings and actuator outputs, all with the aim of delivering the most efficient power. The engine control module (ECM) uses various sensors to determine how much fuel to inject at any given moment, making precise calculations based on air flow and temperature, engine load and speed, driver demand, and a number of others.

Because the density of the fuel depends on its temperature, the ECM needs to take this into account when calculating fuel injector pulse. Without knowing fuel temperature, the ECM would command the same fuel delivery at all temperatures, resulting in richer or leaner combustion than ideal. On engines equipped with a fuel temperature sensor (FTS), this results in finer control of air-fuel ratio and lower emissions. Earlier vehicles not equipped with an FTS achieved similar results using feedback from the AFR sensors.

The ECM continually monitors the resistance of the FTS, calculating temperature based on those readings. If there is a fault in the FTS or FTS circuit, the ECM will illuminate the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) and set a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) in memory. Specifically, if the ECM detects a temperature change in excess of ±10 °C (±18 °F) / 100 ms, it interprets this as an intermittent circuit fault, setting DTC P0189 – “Fuel Temperature Sensor “B” Circuit Intermittent.”

Note: Regardless of the code and the system affected, the word “Intermittent” refers to the fact that there is a sporadic, unpredictable, or, well, intermittent fault in that system. The most likely causes of codes that relate to intermittent faults include poor connections in both live and ground circuits, as well defective switches, relays, and sensors.

Intermittent faults can be extremely difficult to trace and fix, since code readers generally do not specify in which part of the circuit the problem lays. For instance, the fault could be an intermittent interruption of the reference voltage (power supply), or, as often happens, the problem could be an intermittent break in the signal voltage to the PCM (Powertrain Control Module) due to a failing sensor, wiring issues, or defective electrical connector(s).

Note that the word “intermittent” often means different things to different applications; some systems will set a code the first time an intermittent fault occurs, while others will only do so after several failure cycles. In some cases, it may be necessary to allow the fault to worsen before an accurate and definitive repair can be made.

What are the common causes of code P0189 ?

DTC P0189 may have number of causes:

• Electrical Short Circuit or Open Circuit – Wiring problems are usually the biggest problem affecting the FTS. Water entry, corrosion, and wire harness damage can all cause intermittent problems in the FTS-ECM circuit.
• Faulty Fuel Temperature Sensor or ECM – Neither of these is “common,” but that doesn’t mean they cannot fail. The FTS itself is a fairly bulletproof solid-state thermistor, and therefore isn’t a common failure point. The ECM, similarly, isn’t prone to failure, but can be induced by other problems, such as water entry or collision damage.

What are the symptoms of code P0189 ?

Aside from an illuminated MIL, you may or may not notice any drivability symptoms. At a very minimum, you will experience poor fuel economy. Other symptoms may include hard starting and poor performance.

How do you troubleshoot code P0189 ?

Use your DVOM (digital volt-ohm meter) and an EWD (electrical wiring diagram) and repair manual to diagnose faults in the FTS circuit and FTS. The FTS may be located in the fuel tank, as part of the fuel sending unit, or practically anywhere else, before the fuel injectors, in the fuel system. Check your manual for the precise location of the FTS. Depending on the location of the ECM and FTS you may have to work to get at their connectors, such as if located in the fuel tank under the seat. One can start this diagnosis from the ECM or from the FTS, depending on which is easier to access.

• From the ECM side of the circuit, turn the key off and disconnect the ECM.
  • Confirm pins are straight and that there is no evidence of corrosion or water intrusion. Clean or repair as necessary.
  • Check for proper resistance across the two pins. At this point, because you are looking for an intermittent connection, you may measure proper resistance, according to the chart in the repair manual, or an open- or short-circuit.
    • You may need to follow the wire harness and give it a good shake, that is, flex it and shake it to induce the failure. If resistance changes suddenly, then you have a problem in the wire harness. Repair as necessary.
  • If the shake test doesn’t reveal a problem in the wire harness, then proceed to testing the FTS and its connector.
    • Again, check for bent pins or the presence of corrosion or water intrusion. Repair as necessary.
    • With the FTS disconnected, you should read an open-circuit from the ECM connector. Otherwise, find and repair the short-circuit in the wire harness.
    • With a short pin installed in the FTS connector, you should read a short-circuit from the ECM connector. Otherwise, find and repair the open circuit in the wire harness.
  • Test the resistance of the FTS directly. Measure the resistance of the FTS and compare it to the chart in the repair manual.
    • If the FTS resistance measures outside the expected range, replace it.
    • If you can confirm the circuit has no faults, replace the sensor.
• From the FTS, if it is easier to access first, check the connector for bent pins of corrosion, then reconnect firmly, turn the key on and back-probe the FTS connector. Check for 5 V reference voltage coming from the ECM, and a lower signal voltage coming from the FTS. While testing, you may need to shake and twist the wiring harness to induce the failure.
  • If you don’t see 5 V coming from the ECM, suspect an open-circuit in the wire from the ECM or a short-circuit or short-to-ground in the wiring harness before the FTS. Find and repair as necessary.
  • If you see 5 V reference, but no signal voltage, suspect a fault in the FTS. Replace as necessary.
  • If you see 5 V on the signal line, suspect an open-circuit in the signal line to the ECM, short-circuit to the reference line from the ECM, or a short-to-ground in the signal line before the ECM. Repair as necessary.

Keep in mind that this is an intermittent fault, which could range from something as simple as a loose connection to a temperature-related open circuit in the wiring harness or FTS itself, perhaps even in the ECM. Intermittent faults can be difficult to pin down, and may require multiple tests to firmly identify and repair. Be patient and methodical to have the best chance of success.

Codes Related to P0189

• DTC P0176 Fuel Composition Sensor Circuit Malfunction
• DTC P0177 Fuel Composition Sensor Circuit Range/Performance
• DTC P0178 Fuel Composition Sensor Circuit Low Input
• DTC P0179 Fuel Composition Sensor Circuit High Input
• DTC P0180 Fuel Temperature Sensor A Circuit Malfunction
• DTC P0181 Fuel Temperature Sensor A Circuit Range/Performance
• DTC P0182 Fuel Temperature Sensor A Circuit Low Input
• DTC P0183 Fuel Temperature Sensor A Circuit High Input
• DTC P0184 Fuel Temperature Sensor A Circuit Intermittent
• DTC P0185 Fuel Temperature Sensor B Circuit Malfunction
• DTC P0186 Fuel Temperature Sensor B Circuit Range/Performance
• DTC P0187 Fuel Temperature Sensor B Circuit Low Input
• DTC P0188 Fuel Temperature Sensor B Circuit High Input

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