AutoCodes - OBDII Code List - P0176

P0176 - Fuel Composition Sensor Circuit Malfunction

Repair Importance Level: 3/3
Repair Difficulty Level: 3/3
What does this mean?
Table of contents

P0176 Possible Causes

What does this mean?
  • Flexible Fuel (FF) sensor to Vehicle Power (VPWR) circuit harness open or shorted
  • FF to VPWR circuit poor electrical connection
  • Open in FF sensor signal circuit
  • Short to ground in FF sensor signal circuit
  • Fuel contamination

How do I fix code P0176?

Check the "Possible Causes" listed above. Visually inspect the related wiring harness and connectors. Check for damaged components and look for broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded connector's pins.
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Cost of diagnosing the P0176 code

Labor: 1.0

The cost of diagnosing the P0176 code is 1.0 hour of labor. The auto repair labor rates vary by location, your vehicle's make and model, and even your engine type. Most auto repairs shops charge between $75 and $150 per hour.

Possible Symptoms

  • Engine Light ON (or Service Engine Soon Warning Light)

P0176 Description

Fuel Composition Sensors are used to determine the amount of ethanol alcohol in the gasoline. Normally, a gasoline engine should not have more than 10% ethanol alcohol in the fuel for proper operation. Some vehicles have a Flexible Fuel (FF) system on them that allow them to run on up to 85% ethanol alcohol in the fuel. The fuel composition sensor sends a frequency modulated signal to the engine controller which is proportional to the alcohol content of the fuel. The injector pulse width and the ignition timing are modified for the increased alcohol content. It takes almost twice the amount of alcohol compared to gasoline to produce the same power.
OBDII Code P0176 - Fuel Composition Sensor Circuit Malfunction - AutoCodes.com

More Information

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