P1185 (Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda, Seat) Linear lambda probe, common ground, short circuit to ground
Content
P1185 – OBD-II Trouble Code Technical Description
Trouble code P1185 indicates a problem with the linear oxygen sensor, namely a short to ground in the common ground in Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda, Seat vehicles.
What does the fault code mean P1185?
Trouble code P1185 indicates a problem with the linear oxygen sensor, namely a short to ground in the common ground. The linear oxygen sensor (HO2S) is a key component in the engine management system, it is responsible for monitoring the level of oxygen in the exhaust gases. A short to ground on the common ground means that the sensor wiring or the sensor itself is not properly connected to ground, which can cause an incorrect exhaust oxygen reading. This may result in incorrect emissions values, which in turn may affect the operation of the engine management system.
Possible reasons
Several possible reasons for the P1185 trouble code:
- Damaged wiring: The wiring connecting the linear oxygen sensor to common ground may be damaged or broken, causing a short to ground.
- Defective oxygen sensor: The oxygen sensor itself may have a defect, such as damage to internal components or corrosion, which may also cause a short to ground.
- Connection problems: Improper connection or corrosion on the connector pins between the oxygen sensor and the wiring may cause a short circuit.
- Malfunction of the engine control unit (ECU): In some cases, the malfunction may be due to improper operation of the engine control unit, which may give incorrect signals to the sensor.
- Damaged or corroded contacts in the connector: Corrosion or damage in the connector where the oxygen sensor is connected can cause improper contact and therefore a short circuit to ground.
These causes can be found and corrected by diagnosing the exhaust system and wiring using a diagnostic scan tool and visual inspection.
What are the symptoms of a fault code? P1185?
Symptoms for DTC P1185 can vary depending on the specific vehicle and the extent of the problem, but typically include the following:
- check engine: The “Check Engine” light appears on the instrument panel, indicating a problem with the engine management system.
- Increased fuel consumption: Incorrect operation of the linear oxygen sensor may result in an incorrect mixture of fuel and air, which may increase the vehicle's fuel consumption.
- Loss of power: A faulty linear oxygen sensor can cause a loss of engine power, especially when accelerating or driving under load.
- Uneven engine operation: If there is a problem with the oxygen sensor, the engine may run rough, which may result in shaking or rough idling.
- Degraded exhaust characteristics: Incorrect operation of the oxygen sensor can lead to deterioration in exhaust gas performance, including an increase in the content of harmful substances in the exhaust.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it is recommended that you immediately diagnose and repair the cause of the P1185 trouble code to prevent further engine performance degradation and possible damage.
How to diagnose a fault code P1185?
To diagnose DTC P1185, follow these steps:
- Checking the error code: Use a diagnostic tool to read the P1185 fault code from the engine control unit (ECU) memory. This will allow you to determine the exact location of the problem.
- Visual inspection of wiring and connectors: Inspect the wiring connecting the linear oxygen sensor to the engine control module and the connectors for damage, corrosion or breaks.
- Checking the sensor resistance: Using a multimeter, check the resistance of the linear oxygen sensor. The resistance must meet the manufacturer's specifications. Any deviation may indicate a sensor failure.
- Grounding check: Make sure the linear oxygen sensor ground is properly connected and is not corroded or damaged.
- Diagnostics of the engine control unit (ECU): Perform additional diagnostics on the engine control unit to ensure it is operating properly and there are no other problems.
- Checking the contacts in the connector: Check the terminals in the connector where the linear oxygen sensor is connected for corrosion or damage. Clean or replace the connector if necessary.
- Testing the system operation: After fixing the detected problems, clear the error code from the ECU memory and conduct a test drive to ensure that the problem has been successfully resolved and the error code does not appear again.
If you cannot independently find the cause and fix the problem, it is better to contact a qualified auto mechanic or service center for a more in-depth diagnosis.
Diagnostic errors
When diagnosing DTC P1185, the following errors may occur:
- Incomplete wiring check: Insufficient inspection of wiring and connectors may result in missing damaged sections or breaks, which may cause a short to ground.
- Ignoring other reasons: A short to ground can be caused not only by damaged wiring, but also by other factors such as a defective oxygen sensor or problems with the engine control unit. Ignoring these possible causes may result in unsuccessful diagnosis and repair.
- Incorrect interpretation of sensor data: Interpretation of data received from the linear oxygen sensor may be inaccurate if other factors affecting engine performance are not taken into account. For example, an incorrect sensor reading may be due not only to a defective sensor, but also to other problems, such as an incorrect fuel-air mixture.
- Inadequate testing: Incorrect or incomplete testing of the linear oxygen sensor may lead to incorrect conclusions about its condition. For example, simply measuring the resistance of a sensor may not reveal a sensor defect if the problem only appears when the engine is running.
To avoid these errors, it is important to conduct a comprehensive diagnosis, taking into account all possible causes and factors affecting the operation of the engine control system. It is also recommended to use professional equipment and testing methods to obtain accurate data and properly analyze the condition of the vehicle.
How serious is the fault code? P1185?
Trouble code P1185 is serious because it indicates a problem with the linear oxygen sensor, which plays an important role in monitoring the oxygen content of the exhaust gases. A faulty linear oxygen sensor can lead to an incorrect mixture of fuel and air, which in turn can lead to poor engine performance, increased fuel consumption, and increased emissions of harmful substances into the atmosphere.
Moreover, if the problem is not addressed, it can lead to poor engine performance, increased wear on other engine components, and ultimately more serious damage and costly repairs.
Therefore, when trouble code P1185 appears, it is recommended to immediately diagnose and correct the problem in order to prevent possible negative consequences for engine performance and environmental safety.
What repair will help eliminate the code? P1185?
The repair to resolve the P1185 code will depend on the specific cause of this error, some possible steps are:
- Replacing a linear oxygen sensor: If the oxygen sensor is truly defective or damaged, replacing it with a new, quality sensor may solve the problem.
- Checking and repairing wiring and connectors: Visually inspect wiring and connectors for damage, breaks or corrosion. If necessary, replace or repair damaged wiring and connectors.
- Checking and replacing the engine control unit (ECU): In rare cases, the problem may be due to a faulty engine control unit, especially if other diagnostic methods have not identified the cause. Replacing the engine control module may be necessary to resolve the problem.
- Testing and Calibration: After replacing the oxygen sensor or wiring, perform a system test and calibration to ensure that the problem has been successfully resolved and the error code no longer appears.
It is recommended that you contact a qualified auto mechanic or service center for accurate diagnosis and repair, as eliminating the cause of the P1185 code requires experience and specialized equipment.
