AutoCodes – Mercedes-Benz – P0179 Mercedes-Benz

P0179 Mercedes-Benz Code - Fuel Composition Sensor Circuit High Input

Quick Answer

Fuel Composition Sensors are used to determine the amount of ethanol alcohol in the gasoline. Common causes include 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. 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
P0179 Mercedes-Benz indicates Fuel Composition Sensor Circuit High Input.
Common causes
Common causes include 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.
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.
AI answers can be wrong. Verify repairs with testing. Open full chat
Code Popularity 9,384
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Jun 14, 2020
πŸ’¬ Need more help? Ask Coddy for instant answers β€” it's free!

Code P0179 Mercedes-Benz 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 P0179 Mercedes-Benz - Fuel Composition Sensor Circuit High Input - AutoCodes.com
P0179 Mercedes-Benz Code - Fuel Composition Sensor Circuit High Input

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0179 Mercedes-Benz?

  • 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 to Fix the DTC P0179 Mercedes-Benz?

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.

Code Tech Notes

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P0179 Mercedes-Benz 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 P0179 Mercedes-Benz code?

Need more information on how to fix the P0179 Mercedes-Benz code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the P0179 Mercedes-Benz code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

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.

Frequently Asked Questions about P0179 Mercedes-Benz Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P0179 in a Mercedes-Benz related to the fuel composition sensor circuit high input?

- Common symptoms include poor engine performance, decreased fuel efficiency, rough idling, and potentially a check engine light.

2. What are the possible causes of the OBDII code P0179 in a Mercedes-Benz indicating a high input in the fuel composition sensor circuit?

- The code may be triggered by a faulty fuel composition sensor, wiring issues, a poor connection, or a problem with the sensor's circuit.

3. How can I diagnose the OBDII code P0179 in a Mercedes-Benz related to the fuel composition sensor circuit high input?

- Diagnosing this code typically involves using a scan tool to retrieve the fault codes, checking the wiring and connections to the fuel composition sensor, and testing the sensor itself.

4. Is it safe to continue driving my Mercedes-Benz with the OBDII code P0179 indicating a high input in the fuel composition sensor circuit?

- It is not recommended to drive your vehicle with this code present, as it can lead to poor engine performance and decreased fuel efficiency. It's best to address the issue promptly.

5. Can I fix the OBDII code P0179 in my Mercedes-Benz indicating a high input in the fuel composition sensor circuit myself?

- Depending on your skills and experience with automotive repairs, you may be able to address this issue yourself by checking the sensor, wiring, and connections. However, it's recommended to consult a professional if you're unsure.

6. What are some repair tips for resolving the OBDII code P0179 in a Mercedes-Benz related to the fuel composition sensor circuit high input?

- Repair tips may include checking and cleaning the sensor's connections, replacing a faulty sensor, inspecting and repairing damaged wiring, and clearing the fault codes with a scan tool.

7. Will resetting the check engine light clear the OBDII code P0179 indicating a high input in the fuel composition sensor circuit in my Mercedes-Benz?

- Resetting the check engine light may temporarily clear the code, but it's important to address the underlying issue causing the fault code to prevent it from reoccurring.

8. How much does it typically cost to repair the OBDII code P0179 in a Mercedes-Benz due to a high input in the fuel composition sensor circuit?

- Repair costs can vary depending on the cause of the issue, the extent of the repairs needed, and labor rates. It's advisable to obtain quotes from a few reputable mechanics.

9. Are there any preventive measures I can take to avoid encountering the OBDII code P0179 in my Mercedes-Benz related to the fuel composition sensor circuit high input in the future?

- Maintaining regular vehicle maintenance, addressing any fuel system issues promptly, and ensuring proper wiring connections can help prevent this code from appearing.

10. How urgent is it to address the OBDII code P0179 indicating a high input in the fuel composition sensor circuit in my Mercedes-Benz?

- While the urgency may vary depending on the severity of symptoms, it's generally advisable to address this code promptly to prevent potential damage to the engine and ensure optimal vehicle performance.

Discuss the causes and fixes for P0179 Mercedes-Benz OBDII Code

Code P0179 Mercedes-Benz comments

No comments found for this page.

AutoCodes App

Fix Your Car Smarter

Try the New AutoCodes App!

Get complete OBDII diagnostics, repair solutions, and cost estimates, plus AI chat support on demand.

AutoCodes App on Google Play