Technical Description of OBD-II Trouble Code
Bank 2 is Experiencing a Lean Condition Off Idle
What does that mean?
This particular diagnostic trouble code is commonly found in fuel injected engines manufactured by European and Asian car makers since 2010.
These manufacturers include, but are not limited to, Volkswagen, Audi, Mercedes, BMW/Mini, Hyundai, Mazda, Kia, and Infiniti. It is also possible to encounter this trouble code in other makes such as Dodge.
This code primarily focuses on the air/fuel ratio sensor, also known as the oxygen sensor, which is located in the exhaust system. This sensor assists the vehicle’s powertrain control module (PCM) in regulating the amount of fuel injected into the engine. The PCM has detected a lean condition, indicating an excessive amount of air in the air/fuel ratio. This code specifically pertains to Bank 2, which consists of cylinders excluding cylinder number 1. The cause of this code can be either a mechanical or electrical circuit fault, depending on the vehicle manufacturer and fuel system.
The troubleshooting steps may vary depending on the manufacturer, type of fuel system, type of mass airflow sensor (MAF), wire colors, and type of air/fuel ratio sensor/oxygen sensor (AFR/O2) and wire colors.
Symptoms
The symptoms associated with the P2179 engine code may include:
Causes
Possible causes for this code to be triggered are:
Diagnostic and Repair Procedures
It is always recommended to start by checking for any technical service bulletins (TSB) specific to your vehicle. Your issue may be a known problem with a known solution provided by the manufacturer, which can save you time and money during the diagnosis process.
First, check if there are any other diagnostic fault codes present. If there are any codes related to the fuel or fuel system, address those first. Misdiagnosis can occur if this code is diagnosed before thoroughly diagnosing and ruling out any fuel-related system codes. Ensure that there are no intake or exhaust leaks, as an intake or vacuum leak can cause the engine to run lean. An exhaust leak can also give the impression of a lean running engine based on the AFR/O2 sensor readings.
Next, locate both the air/fuel ratio sensor/oxygen sensor and the mass airflow sensor in your specific vehicle. Here is an example of a MAF sensor:
Once located, visually inspect the connectors and wiring. Look for any signs of chafing, rubbing, bare wires, burn spots, or melted plastic. Separate the connectors and carefully examine the terminals (metal parts) inside. Check for corrosion, burns, or any unusual green coloration instead of the normal metal color. If cleaning of the terminals is necessary, you can use Electrical Contact cleaner available at any parts store. If not available, you can use 91% rubbing alcohol and a light plastic bristle brush to clean the terminals. After cleaning, allow them to air dry and apply some dielectric silicone compound (the same compound used for light bulb sockets and spark plug wires) where the terminals make contact.
If you have a scan tool, clear the diagnostic trouble codes from memory and see if this code reappears. If it does not, then the issue was most likely related to the connections.
If the code does reappear, the next step is to test the voltage signal from the MAF sensor to the PCM. Monitor the MAF sensor voltage using a scan tool. If a scan tool is not available, you can test the signal from the MAF sensor using a digital volt ohm meter (DVOM). With the sensor connected, connect the red voltmeter lead to the MAF sensor signal wire and the black voltmeter lead to ground. Start the engine and monitor the MAF sensor input. As the engine RPM increases, the MAF sensor signal should also increase. Refer to the manufacturer’s specifications for a chart indicating the expected voltage at a given RPM. If the MAF sensor fails this test, replace it and retest.
If the previous tests have been passed and the code is still present, monitor the air/fuel ratio sensor/oxygen sensor (AFR/O2). If it consistently indicates a lean running engine, investigate all possible causes of a lean condition. These may include:
Once again, it is crucial to diagnose any other codes before addressing this one, as issues that trigger other codes can also trigger this code.
