Guide To P2231 OBD Error Code Solutions

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It’s understandable to be concerned about your vehicles health when there’s a code set. You may be wondering what the alphabet and numbers mean in the P2231 code and want your car fixed as soon as possible. You have come to the right place, we have all the information you need to be able to understand it a little better and fix this fault code. The P2231 code s defined as a O2 Sensor Signal Circuit Shorted to Heater Circuit and is set by the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) when it detects that there’s a short in the O2 signal sensor going to the heater circuit on bank 1 sensor 1.

This P2231 is a generic OBD-II code. The PCM will set this code when the heater wire inside the oxygen sensor isn’t working correctly. This oxygen sensor is present to measure the oxygen content in the exhaust gasses once they have left the combustion process of the engine. The heater wire which is located inside the oxygen sensor helps to bringing up the temperature of the sensor.

What causes this problem with the O2 Sensor Signal Circuit Shorted to Heater Circuit Bank 1 Sensor 1?

• Defect in the oxygen sensor/s
• Damages to the wiring or connectors (burnt,chafed, broken, or disconnected)
• Issue with the PCM or a programming error of the PCM

1. Powertrain Control Module - Is the manager of your vehicle, it is responsible for managing all the modules so that your vehicle functions smoothly. Repair or replace it as needed from PartsAvatar to get rid of the P2231 code. We have the best quality and range of replacement parts available online.
2. Oxygen Sensor - Is a very important part of the exhaust system, It’s main task to determine how much oxygen is in the exhaust so that the engine can make adjustments as per the fuel that is being used for best efficiency. Repair or replace the issues present from PartsAvatar, we have a huge range of products available to select the best one for your vehicle.
3. Digital Volt Ohm Meter - A very important diagnostic tool to have handy during any vehicle diagnostics. An inaccurate DVOM can mess up the diagnosis, so go check yours and replace it if needed.
4. Exhaust System - Is mainly the piping used to direct reaction exhaust gases away from the controlled combustion of the engine. Issues with it can cause damages to all related components as well as the engine, repair to see if that helps in getting rid of the P2231 code, otherwise go for replacement with us. We ship to the remotest corners of Canada
5. Diagnostic Tools - Get the perfect tools for your diagnostic needs from PartsAvatar. You can order from the comfort of your home and have it reach in just days!
6. Engine Control Module - Responsible to monitor various other modules and systems of the vehicle, any issue with the ECM can cause random codes to be set as well. Repair it and see if the P2231 code goes away, otherwise opt for replacement from PartsAvatar.

It is essential to know the symptoms of an issue as only then you would be able to solve the problem. So that’s why we have listed out some major symptoms of OBD Code P2231 here:

Common Symptoms

• Decreased fuel efficiency
• Lowered engine performance
• OBD misfire codes stored or lean/rich exhaust codes also stored
• Light showing ‘Check engine’ signal is on

Here are some steps which you should follow in order to diagnose this P2231 fault code:

Get hold of some items that will help you with the diagnosis, like the digital volt/ohmmeter (DVOM), a reliable source of vehicle information from which you can find the Technical Service Bulletins for your specific vehicle. You will have to accurately match your vehicle’s make, model, engine and year of manufacture so that you get the correct diagnostic steps and also find components and other information from it.

Now connect the OBD scanner to the vehicle diagnostic port and retrieve all the codes and freeze frame the data. Remember to make note of it too for future reference just in case there’s an intermittent code also set. You can safely clear the codes now and go on a test drive and see if the code is reset immediately or if the PCM enters readiness mode. In the case of the latter you may be having an intermittent condition, which unfortunately will require the issue to get worse before correct diagnosis can be made. If the former happens you will have to continue the diagnosis.

Start off by inspecting the HO2S related wiring and connectors visually, all the damages electrical components will have to be repaired or replaced as needed. To be able to locate them, you can make use of the charts and wiring diagrams that will be available in your TSB. After repairs or replacements, simply clear the code and see if it resets. If it doe, then start the engine and allow it to come to normal operating temperature and be in idle (neutral gear/park). Now connect the scanner to the vehicle and make note of the oxygen sensor input data that displays on the data stream. You can narrow the data stream to only include pertinent data so that it’s easier for you to get a faster result. If you find that the sensors are fine, then with the PCM enters closed loop mode the voltage on pre-cat sensors cycle easily between and 900-millivolts. The Post-cat sensors will also cycle in the same numbers, but they will settle after some time and be stable compared to the pre-cat sensors. The HO2S which fail to cycle adequately can be safely concluded as defective if the engine is working fine. However if you find that the H02S displays battery voltage or no voltage on the scanner you can use the DVOM to get the live data from the HO2S connector. If the data is the same then there is an issue with the HO2S, maybe there’s a short which will require a replacement.

Common Mistakes When Diagnosing the P2231 Code

• Failed Oxygen sensor
• Malfunction of the Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
• Problem with the wiring