P018C: Second fuel pressure sensor signal too low
Fuel pressure sensor B circuit low
Severity: Inspect soon
PartsAvatar lists hard starting, hesitation and stalling as symptoms and says the code needs prompt attention.
It gets more serious if:
- Stop: Stop driving if the engine stalls or shuts off after starting.
P018C in short
P018C means the signal from the second fuel pressure sensor is lower than the computer expects. A failed sensor, a shorted or open wire or a poor connection are the listed causes. Symptoms can include hard starting, hesitation and stalling, so get it checked soon.
A fuel pressure sensor reports fuel pressure to the computer. TaT describes P018C as a signal or supply voltage lower than expected on the second sensor.
PartsAvatar says the signal should stay steady at steady rpm and change with engine speed.
An invalid signal can even shut the engine down after starting, because the computer may switch off the fuel pump.
Most likely causes
These are general causes for this code across vehicles. None is specific to one make or model.
Cause 1: Fuel pressure sensor B fault
Common general cause- Why it ranks here
- Both sources point at the sensor and its circuit.
- What would change this
- Rises if live readings are erratic or stuck low. Falls if readings track engine speed.
Cause 2: Open or shorted sensor harness
Common general cause- Why it ranks here
- PartsAvatar lists harness open or short.
- What would change this
- Rises if wiring tests faulty. Falls if wiring is intact.
Cause 3: Poor connection or PCM
Possible — needs testing- Why it ranks here
- PartsAvatar lists connections and the PCM among parts replaced.
- What would change this
- Rises if sensor and wiring test good. Falls if either fails.
What to test first
Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.
Step 1: Watch the sensor signal in live data at steady rpm and while changing rpm.
IfSignal is erratic, slow or stuck
It meansSensor or signal wire.
IfSignal looks normal
It meansIntermittent connection; recheck.
Step 2: Have a shop check the sensor and its signal wire.
Warning:Fuel system work involves pressurised fuel. Let a shop do it.
IfSensor fails test
It meansSensor fault.
IfWire open or shorted
It meansWiring fault.
Symptoms
- Check engine light
- Hard starting or rough idle
- Stalling or shutdown after starting Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
How to fix
On your vehicle
RamYour car
2019 · Promaster City
Supported by vehicle dataRam bulletin 14-001-19 names P018C. The bulletin replaces the fuel pressure sensor when P018C, fuel pressure sensor circuit low, is set. Whether it is still current is not verified.
14-001-19Status unverified
Replace fuel pressure sensor for P018C (ProMaster City)
2019promaster-city · issued · NHTSA 10162570
The bulletin replaces the fuel pressure sensor when P018C, fuel pressure sensor circuit low, is set.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.
ChevroletYour car
2019 · Silverado 1500
Supported by vehicle dataChevrolet bulletin PIT5677A names P018C. Preliminary information directing dealers to inspect the engine harness for shorting where there are no-start, rough running, reduced power or blown fuse complaints. P018C matched in the full text; only the summary was read. Also listed for GMC Sierra 1500. Whether it is still current is not verified.
PIT5677AStatus unverified
Inspect engine harness for shorting (Silverado 1500)
2019silverado-1500 · issued · NHTSA 10164784
Preliminary information directing dealers to inspect the engine harness for shorting where there are no-start, rough running, reduced power or blown fuse complaints. P018C matched in the full text; only the summary was read. Also listed for GMC Sierra 1500.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.
FordYour car
2013–2015 · Fusion
Supported by vehicle dataFord bulletin SSM 48397 names P018C (also listed for escape). Some 1.5L, 1.6L and 2.0L GTDI vehicles lose power or stall in gear with codes including P018C. If diagnosis finds a failed low pressure fuel sensor, the sensor can be ordered without the whole fuel line. Also listed for Lincoln MKZ and MKC. Whether it is still current is not verified.
SSM 48397Status unverified
Low pressure fuel sensor available separately for loss of power with P018C (Fusion, Escape)
2013–2015fusion, escape · issued · NHTSA 10169940
Some 1.5L, 1.6L and 2.0L GTDI vehicles lose power or stall in gear with codes including P018C. If diagnosis finds a failed low pressure fuel sensor, the sensor can be ordered without the whole fuel line. Also listed for Lincoln MKZ and MKC.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.
Related codes
P018C questions
Can a fuel pressure sensor stall the engine?
PartsAvatar says an invalid signal can make the engine shut down soon after starting.
Sources and review
- P018C OBD error code summary
- P018C fault code entry
- Ram 14-001-19: Replace fuel pressure sensor for P018C (ProMaster City)
- Chevrolet PIT5677A: Inspect engine harness for shorting (Silverado 1500)
- Ford SSM 48397: Low pressure fuel sensor available separately for loss of power with P018C (Fusion, Escape)
- Last reviewed
- Written by
- Saurabh K.
- Editorial review
- Pending
- Technician review
- Technician review pending
This page explains what a code usually means; it is not a substitute for a professional inspection. How we source and review · Report an error