AutoCodes – Generic – P0169

P0169 Code - Water In Fuel Light On Too Long

Quick Answer

There are two Water-In-Fuel (WIF) sensors attached to the two fuel filters. Common causes include Water in fuel, Faulty Water In Fuel (WIF) Sensor, Water In Fuel Sensor harness is open or shorted. Severity is High - diagnose this code as soon as possible. Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

What it means: P0169 indicates Water In Fuel Light On Too Long.
Common causes: Common causes include Water in fuel, Faulty Water In Fuel (WIF) Sensor, Water In Fuel Sensor harness is open or shorted.
Severity: High - diagnose this code as soon as possible.
Can I drive?: Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

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Code Popularity 13,833

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

Repair Importance Level

Urgent (Diagnose now) (3 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Advanced (Pro) (3 / 3)

What is this?

Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Jun 20, 2020

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
Comments
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Code P0169 Description

There are two Water-In-Fuel (WIF) sensors attached to the two fuel filters. WIF 1 is attached to the fuel filter mounted on the engine. WIF 2 is attached to a 2nd fuel filter that can now be found mounted to the chassis. The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) provides a 5-Volt reference signal to each WIF sensor. When the water collected in the respective fuel filter covers the sensor probes, the sensor then pulls the 5-Volt reference voltage low indicating high water accumulation in that fuel filter. The PCM sets Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) when it has detected that the Water In Fuel light has remained on longer than expected.

OBDII Code P0169 - Water In Fuel Light On Too Long - AutoCodes.com — P0169 Code - Water In Fuel Light On Too Long

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0169?

Water in fuel
Faulty Water In Fuel (WIF) Sensor
Water In Fuel Sensor harness is open or shorted
Water In Fuel Sensor circuit poor electrical connection

How to Fix the DTC P0169?

Review the 'Possible Causes' above and visually examine the corresponding wiring harness and connectors. Check for damaged components and inspect connector pins for signs of being broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded.

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P0169 code, it typically requires 1.0 hour of labor. Rates vary by location, vehicle, and shop. Many shops charge between $80–$150 per hour; dealerships and metro areas may be higher, independents may be lower.

Need more information about the P0169 code?

Need more information on how to fix the P0169 code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

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Information for Specific Makes

P0169 Audi — Incorrect Fuel Composition
P0169 Chrysler — Water In Fuel Light On Too Long
P0169 Dodge — Water In Fuel Light On Too Long
P0169 Jeep — Water In Fuel Light On Too Long
P0169 RAM — Water In Fuel Light On Too Long
P0169 Volkswagen — Incorrect Fuel Composition

About the author: William Orellana is a Master Mechanic and Mechanical Engineer with over 30 years of experience diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Learn more about his background.