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P1168

Fuel Rail Sensor In-Range Low Failure

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By
KBB Service Advisor
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Reviewed by
Gary Hardesty

What Codes Will This Page Cover?

  • P1168 Fuel Rail Sensor In-Range Low Failure
  • P1169 Fuel Rail Sensor In-Range High Failure

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What Is the P1168 Code?

Symptoms
Causes
Seriousness
Can I Still Drive?
Diagnose
Difficulty of Inspecting
Get Additional Help

The P1168 and P1169 Power Train Series Codes indicate a problem in the closed-loop fuel injection system, which controls the air-fuel ratio, fuel combustion, and engine power delivery and stability.

More about the P1168 and P1169 Codes?

More often than not, the closed-loop system failure results from a faulty fuel rail sensor, which signals the Engine Control Module (ECU) to adjust your car’s fuel flow.

The fuel rail sensor monitors fuel pressure and controls the fuel throttle based on the fuel pressure and timed engine requirements to provide the correct air-fuel mixture for the engine’s power requirements.

Proper control of the air-fuel injection process improves fuel efficiency, reduces emissions, and offers excellent power strokes.

The P1168 Code is displayed when the fuel pressure detected by the fuel rail sensor is lower than the ideal levels.

On the other hand, the P1169 Code is displayed when the fuel pressure detected by the fuel rail sensor is higher than the calibrated maximum level.

What Are the Symptoms of a P1168 Code?

The symptoms of the P1168 and P1169 powertrain series codes may differ depending on the make and model of your vehicle. Generally, you will get to experience the following:

  • A hard-to-start engine with more cranks than normal
  • A lit check engine light or service engine soon alert
  • Reduced engine power, acceleration, and fuel efficiency
  • Unresponsive throttle
  • Stalling engine
  • Low vehicle engine performance
  • Turbo lag

What Are Some Causes of a P1168 Code?

Apart from a faulty or damaged fuel rail sensor, the P1168 and P1169 codes can also be caused by:

  • High-resistance condition in the fuel rail sensor signal circuit
  • Low fuel pressure
  • Low fuel levels (or no fuel) in your vehicle’s fuel tank

How Serious Is the P1168 Code?

In most cases, the P1168 and P1169 codes indicate that your vehicle’s Engine Control Module (ECM) is not in control of your vehicle’s fuel injection system.

As such, you are likely to experience poor engine performance, low fuel efficiency, turbo lag, poor acceleration, and hard starting, which may be expensive to correct.

Can I Still Drive with a P1168 Code?

If your vehicle stalls or can’t start, then it may be impossible to drive. But sometimes, the P1168 and P1169 diagnostic powertrain series codes may display in a drivable vehicle, especially if the error results from a faulty fuel rail sensor.

However, it is not advisable to drive your car until you’ve determined the cause of the error code and the underlying problem.

How Easy Is It to Diagnose a P1168 Code?

Diagnosing problems relating to P1168 and P1169 error codes is a long process that may be difficult for any DIY car owner with no expertise and experience in mechanics.

Since Improper diagnosis may complicate issues and cause more damage and losses, it is advisable to leave it to experts.

And if you must do it, only check your fuel levels and, if possible, refill your fuel tank and restart the car to determine whether the error is a result of low or no fuel.

How Difficult Is It to Inspect a P1168 Code?

After a P1168 and P1169 code prompt, the inspection of your car should begin with a fuel level check to determine whether your vehicle has low or no fuel. If there is low or no fuel, then fill your gas tank and try starting the car.

You may check the fuel rail sensor for visible damage or connection faults. If, after these simple checks, there is no sign of a faulty area, then you should seek professional help from your local repair shop.

More often than not, inspecting your car’s fuel injection system and fuel rail sensor functions requires considerable knowledge of fuel injection systems and engine control modules.

Need Additional Help with Your P1168 Code?

The P1168 and P1169 powertrain series of diagnostic error codes may indicate a severe or mild problem in your car’s fuel injection system and engine control module, which may affect your vehicle’s overall performance.

If you aren’t sure about where to start, then use Kelly to find a local car repair shop to help you fix the problem.

In case you would like to discover and learn more about error codes, check the KBB OBD-II database today!

P1168 Q&A

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