Technical Description of OBD-II Trouble Code
Issue with Fuel Fired Heater Performance
What does that signify?
This diagnostic trouble code (DTC) is a generic powertrain code that is applicable to many OBD-II vehicles (1996-newer). This includes vehicles from Mercedes-Benz, Land Rover, Opel, Toyota, Volvo, Jaguar, etc. While it is a generic code, the specific repair steps may vary depending on the year, make, model, and powertrain configuration of the vehicle.
If your vehicle has stored a code P2030, it means that the powertrain control module (PCM) has detected a malfunction in the auxiliary or fuel fired heater system. This code is only applicable to vehicles with fuel fired heater systems.
Generating heat inside vehicles with modern, clean-burning diesel engines can be challenging, especially in areas with extremely cold temperatures. Due to the mass of the diesel engine, it may be impossible to heat the engine enough for the thermostat to open, particularly at idle, when temperatures are very low. This can cause a problem in the passenger compartment if warm coolant does not flow into the heater core. To address this issue, some vehicles use a fuel fired heater system. Typically, a small, pressurized fuel reservoir supplies an enclosed burner with a precise amount of fuel whenever the ambient temperature falls below a certain level. The fuel fired heater injector and igniter may be activated automatically or manually by the vehicle occupants. Coolant flows through the inline burner, where it is heated, and then continues to the passenger compartment. This allows the windshield and other components to be defrosted before the vehicle is driven and before the engine reaches normal operating temperature.
Most often, coolant temperature sensors are used to determine the heater temperature, but some models also use air temperature sensors. The PCM monitors these temperature sensors to ensure that the fuel fired heater is functioning correctly.
If the PCM does not detect an appropriate temperature difference between the coolant entering and exiting the fuel fired heater, a code P2030 may be stored and the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) may illuminate. Multiple ignition cycles (with a failure) may be required for the MIL to illuminate.
What is the severity of this DTC?
A stored code P2030 will likely result in a lack of heat in the passenger compartment. The stored code indicates that there is either an electrical issue or a serious mechanical failure. In extremely cold weather, it is important to rectify the conditions that led to this code being stored as quickly as possible.
What are some of the symptoms of the code?
Symptoms of a P2030 trouble code may include:
What are some of the common causes of the code?
Possible causes for this code may include:
What are some P2030 troubleshooting steps?
To diagnose a code P2030, you will need a diagnostic scanner, a digital volt/ohmmeter (DVOM), and a source of vehicle-specific diagnostic information.
You can use your vehicle information source to find a technical service bulletin (TSB) that matches the year, make, and model of your vehicle, as well as the stored codes and exhibited symptoms. If you find a relevant TSB, it may provide helpful diagnostic information.
Use the scanner (connected to the vehicle diagnostic connector) to retrieve all stored codes and relevant freeze frame data. It is recommended to write down this information before clearing the codes, and then test-drive the vehicle until the PCM either enters readiness mode or the code is reset.
If the PCM enters readiness mode at this time, the code is intermittent and may be more difficult to diagnose. In such cases, the conditions that led to the code being stored may need to worsen before an accurate diagnosis can be made.
If the code is immediately reset, the next step in your diagnosis will involve searching your vehicle information source for diagnostic flowcharts, connector pin-out charts, connector face views, and component testing procedures/specifications.
Step 1
Use the DVOM to test temperature sensors (air or coolant) according to the manufacturer’s specifications. Sensors that do not test within the maximum allowable parameters should be considered defective.
Step 2
Use your vehicle diagnostic information source and the DVOM to test fuel fired heater injectors and igniters with the system activated. If climate conditions do not permit activation, use the scanner to manually activate the system.
Step 3
If the system switches and other components are functional, use the DVOM to test the input and output signal circuits from the fuse panel, PCM, and ignition switch. Disconnect all controllers before using the DVOM for testing.
