P2189 - OBD Trouble Code

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The trouble code P2189 can be described as System Too Lean at Idle (Bank 2) Code. This diagnostic fault code is a generic powertrain code, which means that it would apply to the OBD-II equipped vehicles. The specific repair steps can vary as it depends upon the vehicle make and model. This would also give rise to the illumination of the check engine light. This fault code would indicate that the engine control module has detected that there is a lot of air and very less fuel present in the air-fuel ratio during engine idle.

This trouble code would indicate that the ECM has observed a lean air-fuel ratio condition on bank 2 of the engine during the last two drive cycles. The engine control module is designed in such a way by the manufacture that it can adjust the air-fuel ratio by changing the ignition timing and fuel injection pulse width to help achieve 14.7:1. The engine control module can only adjust the air-fuel ratio to a particular extent. Now if the margin of adjustment would be very wide for the engine control module to rectify the lean condition, then the P2189 fault code would be set.

What causes this problem with the System Too Lean at Idle (Bank 2) Code?

• There can be inoperative EVAP system purge valve
• Issue of vacuum leakage
• Malfunctioning crankcase ventilation valve
• Crankcase ventilation valve grommet might start leaking
• There might be leaking intake manifold gaskets
• The intake manifold might be loose
• Bank 2 oxygen sensor might be flawed
• Fuel pressure less because of weak fuel pump
• Restricted fuel supply such as pinched fuel line or blocked fuel filter
• Air intake might have a leak
• Less oil caps
• Imperfect gas cap seal
• Some leaks in the auto exhaust system
• Mechanical problems in one or more of the bank 2 fuel injectors
• Unusable manifold absolute pressure sensor
• Defective fuel pressure regulator

1. Oxygen Sensor - Inspect for faulty O2 sensor that can affect the engine combustion process and the exhaust emissions. Thus, it is important to understand its importance and replace faulty oxygen sensor now!
2. Electronic Control Unit - ECU monitors the temperature differences in the boost converter with the help of the temperature sensors to prevent the converter from overheating and malfunctioning. Thus, replace faulty ECU immediately.
3. Engine Control Module - ECM failures and faults can be very difficult to find and resolve as these are very rare and might require a complete reprogramming of the system to avoid wrong codes from getting stored in the system, leading to misdiagnosis. Replace it now!
4. Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensor - Are you facing problems like poor fuel economy, lack of power or sometimes failed emissions inspection? In that case there is surely some fault in your MAP sensor. Get it checked and replace if needed.
5. Powertrain Control Module - Faulty PCM can disrupt the normal functioning of the vehicle by affecting the transmission system and the fuel delivery system. This will cause the system to store wrong OBD error and thus can lead to misdiagnosis.
6. Diagnostic Tool - In order to be that DIY guy, you need few diagnostic tools to get your car problems pointed out easily. Our diagnostic tools collection will come handy to do so, so why not have a look?

We care for our customers and that’s why we can totally understand your problem. That’s the reason why we have listed out some major symptoms behind the flashing up of OBD Code P2189. They are mentioned here as follows:

Common Symptoms

• Check engine light can start flashing up
• Issues related to misfiring when idling
• Delay in the car engine
• Car engine might not start at all when it is warm
• Whistling might start coming from the engine area

If you wish to correct this fault code, then you have to follow certain steps. Correcting a problem needs your careful attention. Here are some ways with the help of which you will be able to correct the OBD Code P2189:

• You must fix the defective gas cap seal
• Make sure to mend the faulty EVAP system purge valve
• It is essential to restore the leaking intake manifold gaskets
• Repair or replace the quirky crankcase ventilation valve and grommet
• Rehabilitate the leaking exhaust system components
• The malfunctioning oxygen sensor should be repaired or replaced as per the need
• Carefully adjust the faults in the bank 2 fuel injectors
• The manifold absolute pressure sensor should be restored to working order
• Adjust the non-functioning powertrain control module
• It is necessary to perform proper service of the unsound fuel pump
• The flawed fuel pressure regulator should be reconditioned
• The clogged fuel filter should be restored properly
• Make sure to tighten the intake manifold bolts

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Do you wish to diagnose P2189 error code easily? Here are some steps which you should follow in order to diagnose this fault code:

• The P2189 error code can be diagnosed by utilizing an OBD-II trouble code scanner.
• A scanner should be used by a professional technician to notice the freeze frame data, to assemble details about the code.
• The mechanic can also check to see if there is presence of additional trouble codes.
• Now if there are a number of codes, then they should be addressed in the same order in which they are appearing on the scanner.
• After that the mechanic should reset the trouble codes, restart the vehicle, and check to see if the code remains detected.
• If it does not, then the code was likely triggered incorrectly, or represents an intermittent issue.
• Then you should clear the code and run the vehicle to check if the code is returning back again or not.
• This would be very helpful in determining if the malfunction is intermittent or not
• Now the codes should be cleared up and the vehicle should be taken out for a test drive to see if the fault code returns.
• There might be an intermittent condition if the code would fail to return immediately.
• Intermittent conditions can prove to be quite challenging to diagnose and there might be some extreme cases where it might have to be allowed to worsen before a right diagnosis can be made.
• Now if the code is still there, then you should start your diagnosis by determining whether the fuel trim level is negative or positive.
• Now once it has been determined, then you should start with testing the engine and fuel system for proper operation (including testing fuel pressure, checking for vacuum leaks, etc.)
• If these factors lie within the needed specifications, then you should start by testing engine sensors, electrical wiring and connectors, and the powertrain control module. You should be aware that the mass air flow failure is by far the most common cause of this code, so you must have a look at the process of diagnosing it.
• You should use the scanner (with the data stream narrowed to include only the mass air flow) and then observe the sensor reading in grams per second.
• The findings with the manufacturer’s specified reference value at varying RPMs should be compared properly.
• It is very important to know that the throttle is gradually opened in grams per second which is carefully read by the PCM as voltage.
• Make sure that the voltage signal from the mass air flow sensor should rise evenly as the RPM level increases and decreases with the decrease in the RPMs.
• If actual data fails to coincide with the specifications set by the manufacturer’s, then you must restore the mass air flow sensor with an OEM quality part and it should be retested. If the mass air flow sensor checks out, inspect the oxygen sensor voltage using the scanner (again with the data stream narrowed to include only oxygen sensor data).
• If there is an indication of a lean exhaust condition, then you should examine the fuel pump to make sure that it is making sufficient pressure and check the leakage in the fuel system.
• Carefully monitor the fuel pressure regulator for internal fuel leaks and proper operation.
• The fuel delivery components should be restored or repaired as per the need and retest the system to ensure a successful repair has been performed.
• Inspect for vacuum leaks at vacuum hoses, throttle body gaskets, and intake gaskets.
• You should also inspect the EGR valve and gaskets for potential leakage in the vacuum.
• The vacuum leaks should be repaired and carefully restore the defective air intake parts as per the requirement.
• The codes should be cleared up and then test drive the vehicle to ensure that the repair has been successfully completed.
• Check the positive crankcase ventilation system for proper operation and restore the PCV valve or hoses as needed.
• Check turbo hoses for leaks as well as the existence of engine oil/fuel.
• If the oil is present in the exhaust system, then it can also contribute to a fouled oxygen sensor and would ultimately result in a fuel trim code.
• Restore, repair, or reconnect turbocharger hoses as per the requirement and then clear the codes.
• The automobile should always be taken out for a test drive to ensure that a successful repair has been completed.

Common Mistakes When Diagnosing The P2189 Code

• Many a times the technician might not carefully inspect the vacuum lines as well as EVAP system of the automobile, when in reality they are the main reason behind occurrence of the lean condition.
• The most common mistake while diagnosing this code is missing out on diagnosing steps which further leads to the expensive and unnecessary replacements. It is always recommended to seek help of experienced diagnostician to avoid any mistakes.

P2190 - System Too Rich at Idle Bank 2