P2215 NOx Sensor Circuit, Row 2 Low

How severe is this DTC?

Most of the time, I would say that emission-related codes are fairly low on the severity scale. Especially when compared to some potential dangers in other vehicle systems like steering, suspension, brakes, etc. The point here is that if you have bigger fish to fry, so to speak, you can put it on the back burner for now. That said, any electrical fault should be treated with a certain sense of urgency.

What are some of the symptoms of the code?

Symptoms of a P2215 fault code may include:

  • Increased hydrocarbon emissions
  • Check engine light on
  • Inconsistent fuel economy
  • Irregular idle
  • Excessive smoke

What are some common causes of the code?

Causes

of this P2215 fuel compensation code may include:

  • Faulty or damaged NOx sensor
  • Dirty sensor
  • Damaged wiring
  • Internal ECM problem
  • Connector issue

What are the troubleshooting steps for P2215?

Visually inspect your sensor and harness. Sometimes, the elements we expose our vehicles to are the very reason for your fault. I’ve seen rocks, curbs, snow, and ice remove sensors like these, so make sure the sensor is intact and looks good. Keep in mind that some of these harnesses may be routed in close proximity to the exhaust, so it’s possible for wires to be burned/melted and cause all sorts of problems.

TIP: Let the engine cool before working near the exhaust.

Clean the sensor. Ensure that any sensor mounted in the exhaust goes through countless heating and cooling cycles. Therefore, they expand and contract enough to sometimes become stuck in the sensor “bung” (threaded hole) on the exhaust.

If that’s the case, you may need to apply heat to the threads, NOT directly to the sensor, as you risk damaging the NOx sensor that way. If you’ve never applied heat to help break free nuts or bolts, I advise against starting with this. That being said, if you have any doubts about your skills/abilities, you should always take your vehicle to a reputable service station.

P2216 – High NOx Sensor Circuit, Row 2

How severe is this DTC?

Most of the time, I would say that emission-related codes are fairly low on the severity scale. Especially when compared to some potential dangers in other vehicle systems like steering, suspension, brakes, etc. The point here is that if you have bigger fish to fry, so to speak, you can put it on the back burner for now. That said, any electrical fault should be treated with some sense of urgency.

What are some symptoms of the code?

Symptoms of a P2216 fault code may include:

  • Increased hydrocarbon emissions
  • Check engine light on
  • Inconsistent fuel economy
  • Rough idle
  • Excessive smoke

What are some common causes of the code?

Causes

of this P2216 fuel compensation code may include:

  • Faulty or damaged NOx sensor
  • Dirty sensor
  • Damaged wiring
  • Internal ECM problem
  • Connector issue

What are the troubleshooting steps for P2216?

Visually inspect your sensor and harness. Sometimes, the elements we expose our vehicles to are the very reason for your fault. I’ve seen rocks, curbs, snow, and ice remove sensors like these, so make sure the sensor is intact and looks good. Keep in mind that some of these harnesses may be routed in close proximity to the exhaust, so it’s possible for wires to be burned/melted and cause all sorts of problems.

TIP: Let the engine cool down before working near the exhaust.

Clean the sensor. Make sure any sensor mounted in the exhaust goes through countless heating and cooling cycles. Therefore, they expand and contract enough to sometimes seize in the sensor “bung” (threaded hole) on the exhaust.

If that’s the case, you may need to apply heat to the threads, NOT directly to the sensor, as you risk damaging the NOx sensor that way. If you’ve never applied heat to help break free nuts or bolts, I advise against starting with this. That being said, if you have any doubts about your skills/abilities, you should always take your vehicle to a reputable service station.

P2217 NOx Sensor Intermittent Circuit, Row 2

How serious is this DTC?

Most of the time, I would say that emission-related codes are fairly low on the severity scale. Especially when compared to some potential dangers in other vehicle systems like steering, suspension, brakes, etc. The point here is that if you have bigger fish to fry, so to speak, you can put it on the back burner for now. That said, any electrical fault should be treated with a certain sense of urgency.

What are some of the symptoms of the code?

Symptoms of a P2217 fault code may include:

  • Increased hydrocarbon emissions
  • Check engine light on
  • Inconsistent fuel economy
  • Irregular idle
  • Excessive smoke

What are some common causes of the code?

Causes

of this P2217 fuel compensation code may include:

  • Faulty or damaged NOx sensor
  • Dirty sensor
  • Damaged wiring
  • Internal ECM problem
  • Connector issue

What are the troubleshooting steps for P2217?

Visually inspect your sensor and the harness. Sometimes, the elements in which we expose our vehicles are the very reason for your fault. I’ve seen rocks, curbs, snow, and ice remove sensors like these, so make sure the sensor is intact and looks good. Keep in mind that some of these harnesses may be routed in close proximity to the exhaust, so it’s possible that the wires are burned/melted and causing all sorts of problems.

TIP: Let the engine cool down before working near the exhaust.

Clean the sensor. Ensure that any sensor mounted in the exhaust goes through countless heating and cooling cycles. Therefore, they expand and contract enough to sometimes become stuck in the sensor’s “bung” (threaded hole) on the exhaust.

If that’s the case, you may need to apply heat to the threads, NOT directly to the sensor, as you risk damaging the NOx sensor that way. If you’ve never applied heat to help break free nuts or bolts, I advise against starting with this. That being said, if you have doubts about your skills/abilities, you should always take your vehicle to a reputable service station.

P2218 – NOx Sensor Heater Control Circuit / Open Bank 2

How severe is this DTC?

Average severity for this, as emission-related faults can truly affect the environment around it. That said, sometimes with emission faults, there will be no symptoms present but can still have repercussions if left unaddressed.

What are some of the symptoms of the code?

Symptoms of a P2218 diagnostic code may include:

  • Failed emissions test
  • Intermittent CEL (Check Engine Light)

What are some common causes of the code?

Causes

of this P2218 cruise control code may include:

  • Faulty NOx sensor
  • Faulty NOx sensor heater
  • Internal opening in the ECM (Engine Control Module) or the NOx sensor itself
  • Water intrusion
  • Broken connector tabs (intermittent connection)
  • Melted harness
  • Dirty sensor element
  • High resistance present in the heater control circuit

What are the diagnostic and troubleshooting steps for P2218?

The first step in the troubleshooting process for any malfunction is to check Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) for known issues with the specific vehicle.

Advanced diagnostic steps become very vehicle-specific and may require the appropriate advanced equipment and knowledge to operate accurately. We include the basic steps below, but refer to a repair guide specific to the year/make/model/drivetrain for steps tailored to your vehicle.

Basic Step #1

Most NOx sensors used in automotive and diesel truck applications will be fairly accessible. Given this fact, keep in mind that they can be extremely stubborn to remove with all the expansion and contraction that occurs with temperature fluctuations in the exhaust system. So, make sure you need to remove the sensor before doing so. Most sensor testing should be able to be performed from the connector. Refer to your service manual for pinpoint testing of the NOx sensor to obtain the desired values.

NOTE: You may need to use some heat when replacing the NOx sensor to avoid stripping the threads of the exhaust plug. Penetrating oil is always a good idea whenever you think you might remove the sensor in the near future.

Basic Step #2

Follow the harness involved with the NOx sensor to assess its condition. Most of the time, harnesses will be routed near the extreme heats mentioned earlier. So, keep a close eye out for melted harnesses or connectors. Be sure to repair any chafing or damaged harnesses to prevent future malfunction.

Basic Step #3

Visually inspect the exhaust system. Especially the interior to determine if there is enough soot present that could potentially harm the overall functionality of the sensor. Generally speaking, diesel engines produce an abnormal amount of soot anyway. That being said, aftermarket tuner upgrades can affect the fuel mixture and create above-normal amounts of soot, which can consequently lead to premature NOx sensor failure, given the richer fuel mixtures involved with some aftermarket tuners. Be sure to clean the sensor if you suspect this is the case and return the fuel mixture to normal OEM specifications by removing or disabling the tuner.

Basic Step #4

Finally, if you have exhausted your resources and still cannot identify the issue, it would be a good idea to locate your ECM (Engine Control Module) to check for water intrusion. Sometimes, inside the vehicle, it can be prone to creating moisture inside over time (e.g., leaking heater core, leaking window seals, melting residual snow, etc.). If significant damage is found, it will need to be replaced. To do this, in most cases, the new ECM will need to be reprogrammed for the vehicle to ensure a seamless adaptation. Unfortunately, generally speaking, dealerships will be the only ones equipped with the appropriate programming tools.

This article is strictly for informational purposes only, and the technical data and service bulletins for your specific vehicle should always take precedence.

P2219 – Low value of the NOx sensor heater control circuit, row 2

How severe is this DTC?

Average severity for this, as emission-related faults can truly affect the surrounding environment. That said, sometimes with emission faults, there will be no symptoms present but can still have repercussions if left unaddressed.

What are some of the symptoms of the code?

Symptoms of a P2219 diagnostic code may include:

  • Failed emissions test
  • Intermittent CEL (Check Engine Light)

What are some common causes of the code?

Causes

of this P2219 cruise control code may include:

  • Faulty NOx sensor
  • Faulty NOx sensor heater
  • Internal opening in the ECM (Engine Control Module) or the NOx sensor itself
  • Water intrusion
  • Broken connector tabs (intermittent connection)
  • Melted harness
  • Dirty sensor element
  • High resistance present in the heater control circuit

What are the diagnostic and troubleshooting steps for P2219?

The first step in the troubleshooting process for any malfunction is to check the Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) for known issues with the specific vehicle.

Advanced diagnostic steps become very vehicle-specific and may require the appropriate advanced equipment and knowledge to operate accurately. We include the basic steps below, but refer to a repair guide specific to the year/make/model/drivetrain for steps tailored to your vehicle.

Basic Step #1

Most NOx sensors used in automotive and diesel truck applications will be fairly accessible. Given this fact, keep in mind that they can be extremely stubborn to remove due to all the expansion and contraction that occurs with temperature fluctuations in the exhaust system. So, make sure you need to remove the sensor before doing so. Most sensor tests should be able to be performed from the connector. Refer to your service manual for pinpoint tests of the NOx sensor to obtain the desired values.

NOTE: You may need to use some heat when replacing the NOx sensor to avoid stripping the threads of the exhaust plug. Penetrating oil is always a good idea whenever you think you might remove the sensor in the near future.

Basic Step #2

Follow the harness involved with the NOx sensor to assess its condition. Most of the time, harnesses will be routed near the extreme heats mentioned earlier. So, keep a close eye out for melted harnesses or connectors. Be sure to repair any chafing or damaged harnesses to prevent future malfunctions.

Basic Step #3

Visually inspect the exhaust system, especially the interior, to determine if there is enough soot present that could potentially harm the overall functionality of the sensor. Generally speaking, diesel engines produce an abnormal amount of soot anyway. That being said, aftermarket tuner upgrades can affect the fuel mixture and create above-normal amounts of soot, which can consequently lead to premature NOx sensor failure, given the richer fuel mixtures involved with some aftermarket tuners. Make sure to clean the sensor if you suspect this is the case and return the fuel mixture to normal OEM specifications by removing or disabling the tuner.

Basic Step #4

Finally, if you have exhausted your resources and still cannot identify the issue, it would be a good idea to locate your ECM (Engine Control Module) to check for water intrusion. Sometimes, inside the vehicle, it can be prone to creating moisture buildup over time (e.g., leaking heater core, leaking window seals, melting residual snow, etc.). If significant damage is found, it will need to be replaced. To do this, in most cases, the new ECM will need to be reprogrammed for the vehicle to ensure a seamless adaptation. Unfortunately, generally speaking, dealerships will be the only ones equipped with the appropriate programming tools.

This article is strictly for informational purposes only, and technical data and service bulletins for your specific vehicle should always take precedence.

P2220 – NOx Sensor Heater Control Circuit 2, Bank 2

How severe is this DTC?

Average severity for this, as emission-related faults can truly affect the surrounding environment. That said, sometimes with emission faults, there will be no symptoms present but can still have repercussions if left unaddressed.

What are some of the symptoms of the code?

Symptoms of a P2220 diagnostic code may include:

  • Failed emissions test
  • Intermittent CEL (Check Engine Light)

What are some common causes of the code?

Causes

of this P2220 cruise control code may include:

  • Faulty NOx sensor
  • Faulty NOx sensor heater
  • Internal open in the ECM (Engine Control Module) or the NOx sensor itself
  • Water intrusion
  • Broken connector tabs (intermittent connection)
  • Melted harness
  • Dirty sensor element
  • High resistance present in the heater control circuit

What are the diagnostic and troubleshooting steps for P2220?

The first step in the troubleshooting process for any malfunction is to check Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) for known issues with the specific vehicle.

Advanced diagnostic steps become very vehicle-specific and may require the appropriate advanced equipment and knowledge to operate accurately. We include the basic steps below, but refer to a repair guide specific to the year/make/model/drivetrain for steps tailored to your vehicle.

Basic Step #1

Most NOx sensors used in automotive and diesel truck applications will be fairly accessible. Given this fact, keep in mind that they can be extremely stubborn to remove due to all the expansion and contraction that occurs with temperature fluctuations in the exhaust system. So, make sure you need to remove the sensor before doing so. Most sensor testing should be able to be performed from the connector. Refer to your service manual for pinpoint testing of the NOx sensor to obtain the desired values.

NOTE: You may need to use some heat when replacing the NOx sensor to avoid stripping the threads of the exhaust plug. Penetrating oil is always a good idea whenever you think you might remove the sensor in the near future.

Basic Step #2

Follow the harness involved with the NOx sensor to assess its condition. Most of the time, harnesses will be routed near the extreme heats mentioned earlier. So, keep a close eye out for melted harnesses or connectors. Be sure to repair any chafing or damaged harnesses to prevent future malfunctions.

Basic Step #3

Visually inspect the exhaust system, especially the interior, to determine if there is enough soot present that could potentially harm the overall functionality of the sensor. Generally speaking, diesel engines produce an abnormal amount of soot anyway. That being said, aftermarket tuner upgrades can affect the fuel mixture and create above-normal amounts of soot, which can consequently lead to premature NOx sensor failure, given the richer fuel mixtures involved with some aftermarket tuners. Make sure to clean the sensor if you suspect this is the case and return the fuel mixture to normal OEM specifications by removing or disabling the tuner.

Basic Step #4

Finally, if you have exhausted your resources and still cannot identify the issue, it would be a good idea to locate your ECM (Engine Control Module) to check for water intrusion. Sometimes, inside the vehicle, it can be prone to creating moisture buildup over time (e.g., leaking heater core, leaking window seals, melting residual snow, etc.). If significant damage is found, it will need to be replaced. To do this, in most cases, the new ECM will need to be reprogrammed for the vehicle to ensure a seamless adaptation. Unfortunately, generally speaking, dealerships will be the only ones equipped with the appropriate programming tools.

This article is strictly for informational purposes only, and technical data and service bulletins for your specific vehicle should always take precedence.

P2221 – NOx Sensor Heater Detection Circuit, Bank 2

How serious is this DTC?

If the fault codes are ignored and no action has been taken to repair it, it could lead to catalytic converter failure. If the symptoms and causes of these fault codes are left unaddressed, it could result in further complications for your car, such as constant stalling and reduced fuel economy. If you notice any of the potential symptoms in the list below, it is highly recommended to have it checked by a professional.

What are some of the symptoms of the code?

Symptoms of a P2221 diagnostic code may include:

  • Intermittent stalling
  • Engine not starting when hot
  • Decreased engine performance
  • During acceleration, there may be whistling and/or hesitation
  • The engine may run lean or rich on bank #2 exclusively

What are some common causes of the code?

Causes

of this P2221 NOx sensor code may include:

  • Malfunctioning catalytic converter
  • Incorrect fuel mixture
  • Faulty coolant temperature sensor
  • Broken manifold air pressure sensor
  • Issues with the mass air flow sensor
  • Faulty fuel injection component
  • Broken fuel pressure regulator
  • There have been misfires
  • Leaks in the exhaust manifold, flex pipe, downpipe, or any other exhaust component
  • Broken oxygen sensors

What are the diagnostic and troubleshooting steps for P2221?

The first step in the troubleshooting process for any malfunction is to check the Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) for known issues with the specific vehicle.

Advanced diagnostic steps become very vehicle-specific and may require the appropriate advanced equipment and knowledge to perform accurately. We include the basic steps below, but refer to a repair guide specific to the year/make/model/drivetrain for steps tailored to your vehicle.

Basic Step #1

The first step should always be to clear the codes and scan the vehicle again. If none of the fault codes (diagnostic trouble codes) immediately show as active, take the vehicle for a multi-stop road test to see if they reappear. If any of the codes are reactivated by the ECM (engine control module), continue diagnosing that one.

Basic Step #2

Next, you should check the exhaust for any leaks. Black soot around cracks and/or joints in the system is a good sign of a leak. This should be addressed accordingly; most of the time, an exhaust gasket is fairly simple to replace. A fully sealed exhaust is integral to the sensors involved in your exhaust system.

Basic Step #3

Using an infrared temperature gun, you can monitor the exhaust temperature before and after the catalyst. You will then need to compare the results to the manufacturer’s specifications, so refer to the specific service manual for this.

Basic Step #4

If the catalytic converter temperature is within specifications, focus on the electrical system involved with these sensors. Start with the harness and connector of the Bank 2 NOx sensor. Often, these harnesses tend to crack and fail due to proximity to extreme exhaust temperatures. Repair any damaged wires by soldering the connections and heat-shrinking them. Also, inspect the oxygen sensors involved in Bank 2 to ensure they are not damaged, which could potentially affect downstream NOx readings. Repair any connector that is not making sufficient contact or not locking properly.

This article is strictly for informational purposes only, and the technical data and service bulletins for your specific vehicle should always take precedence.

P2222 – NOx Sensor Heater Sensing Circuit Range/Performance, Bank 2…

How serious is this DTC?

If the fault codes are ignored and no action has been taken to repair it, it could lead to catalytic converter failure. If the symptoms and causes of these fault codes are left unaddressed, it could result in further complications for your car, such as constant stalling and reduced fuel economy. If you notice any of the potential symptoms in the list below, it is highly recommended to have it checked by a professional.

What are some of the symptoms of the code?

Symptoms of a P2222 diagnostic code may include:

  • Intermittent stalling
  • Engine not starting when hot
  • Decreased engine performance
  • During acceleration, there may be whistling and/or hesitation
  • The engine may run lean or rich on bank #2 exclusively

What are some of the common causes of the code?

The causes

of this P2222 NOx sensor code may include:

  • Malfunctioning catalytic converter
  • Incorrect fuel mixture
  • Faulty coolant temperature sensor
  • Broken manifold air pressure sensor
  • Issues with the mass air flow sensor
  • Faulty fuel injection component
  • Broken fuel pressure regulator
  • There have been misfires
  • Leaks from the exhaust manifold, flex pipe, downpipe, or any other exhaust component
  • Broken oxygen sensors

What are the diagnostic and troubleshooting steps for P2222?

The first step in the troubleshooting process for any malfunction is to check the Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) for known issues with the specific vehicle.

Advanced diagnostic steps become very vehicle-specific and may require the appropriate advanced equipment and knowledge to operate accurately. We include the basic steps below, but refer to a repair guide specific to the year/make/model/drivetrain for steps tailored to your vehicle.

Basic Step #1

The first step should always be to clear the codes and scan the vehicle again. If none of the fault codes (diagnostic trouble codes) immediately show as active, take the vehicle for a multi-stop road test to see if they reappear. If only one of the codes is reactivated by the ECM (engine control module), continue diagnostics for that one.

Basic Step #2

Next, you should check the exhaust for any leaks. Black soot around cracks and/or joints in the system is a good sign of a leak. This should be addressed accordingly; most of the time, an exhaust gasket is fairly simple to replace. A fully sealed exhaust is integral to the sensors involved in your exhaust system.

Basic Step #3

Using an infrared temperature gun, you can monitor the exhaust temperature before and after the catalyst. You will then need to compare the results to the manufacturer’s specifications, so refer to the specific service manual for this.

Basic Step #4

If the catalytic converter temperature meets specifications, focus on the electrical system involved with these sensors. Start with the harness and connector of the Bank 2 NOx sensor. Often, these harnesses tend to crack and fail due to proximity to extreme exhaust temperatures. Repair damaged wires by soldering connections and heat-shrinking them. Also, inspect the oxygen sensors involved in Bank 2 to ensure they are not damaged, which could potentially affect downstream NOx readings. Repair any connector that is not making sufficient connections or not locking properly.

This article is strictly for informational purposes only, and the technical data and service bulletins for your specific vehicle should always take precedence.

P2223 – Low Value of NOx Sensor Heater Detection Circuit, Row 2

How serious is this DTC?

If the fault codes are ignored and no action has been taken to repair it, it could lead to catalytic converter failure. If the symptoms and causes of these fault codes are left unaddressed, it could result in further complications for your car, such as constant stalling and reduced fuel economy. If you notice any of the potential symptoms in the list below, it is highly recommended to have it checked by a professional.

What are some of the symptoms of the code?

Symptoms of a P2223 diagnostic code may include:

  • Intermittent stalling
  • Engine not starting when hot
  • Decreased engine performance
  • During acceleration, there may be whistling and/or hesitation
  • The engine may run lean or rich on bank #2 exclusively

What are some common causes of the code?

The causes

of this P2223 NOx sensor code may include:

  • Malfunctioning catalytic converter
  • Incorrect fuel mixture
  • Faulty coolant temperature sensor
  • Broken manifold air pressure sensor
  • Issues with the mass air flow sensor
  • Faulty fuel injection component
  • Broken fuel pressure regulator
  • There have been misfires
  • Leaks from the exhaust manifold, flex pipe, downpipe, or any other exhaust component
  • Broken oxygen sensors

What are the diagnostic and troubleshooting steps for P2223?

The first step in the troubleshooting process for any malfunction is to check the Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) for known issues with the specific vehicle.

Advanced diagnostic steps become very vehicle-specific and may require the appropriate equipment and advanced knowledge to operate accurately. We include the basic steps below, but refer to a repair guide specific to the year/make/model/drivetrain for steps tailored to your vehicle.

Basic Step #1

The first step should always be to clear the codes and scan the vehicle again. If none of the fault codes (diagnostic trouble codes) immediately show as active, take the vehicle for a multi-stop road test to see if they reappear. If any of the codes are reactivated by the ECM (engine control module), continue diagnostics for that one.

Basic Step #2

Next, you should check the exhaust for any leaks. Black soot around cracks and/or joints in the system is a good sign of a leak. This should be addressed accordingly; most of the time, an exhaust gasket is quite simple to replace. A fully sealed exhaust is integral to the sensors involved in your exhaust system.

Basic Step #3

Using an infrared temperature gun, you can monitor the exhaust temperature before and after the catalyst. You will then need to compare the results to the manufacturer’s specifications, so refer to the specific service manual for this.

Basic Step #4

If the catalytic converter temperature meets specifications, focus on the electrical system involved with these sensors. Start with the harness and connector of the Bank 2 NOx sensor. Often, these harnesses tend to crack and fail due to proximity to extreme exhaust temperatures. Repair damaged wires by soldering connections and heat shrinking them. Also inspect the oxygen sensors involved in Bank 2 to ensure they are not damaged, which could potentially affect downstream NOx readings. Repair any connector that is not making sufficient connections or not locking properly.

This article is strictly for informational purposes only, and technical data and service bulletins for your specific vehicle should always take precedence.

P2224 – High Value of NOx Sensor Heater Detection Circuit, Row 2

How serious is this DTC?

If the fault codes are ignored and no action has been taken to repair it, it could lead to catalytic converter failure. If the symptoms and causes of these fault codes are left unaddressed, it could result in further complications for your car, such as constant stalling and reduced fuel economy. If you notice any of the potential symptoms in the list below, it is highly recommended to have it checked by a professional.

What are some of the symptoms of the code?

Symptoms of a P2224 diagnostic code may include:

  • Intermittent stalling
  • Engine not starting when hot
  • Decreased engine performance
  • During acceleration, there may be whistling and/or hesitation
  • The engine may run lean or rich on bank #2 exclusively

What are some common causes of the code?

Causes

of this P2224 NOx sensor code may include:

  • Malfunctioning catalytic converter
  • Incorrect fuel mixture
  • Faulty coolant temperature sensor
  • Broken manifold air pressure sensor
  • Issues with the mass air flow sensor
  • Faulty fuel injection component
  • Broken fuel pressure regulator
  • There have been misfires
  • Leaks from the exhaust manifold, flex pipe, downpipe, or any other exhaust component
  • Broken oxygen sensors

What are the diagnostic and troubleshooting steps for P2224?

The first step in the troubleshooting process for any malfunction is to check the Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) for known issues with the specific vehicle.

Advanced diagnostic steps become very vehicle-specific and may require the appropriate advanced equipment and knowledge to perform accurately. We include the basic steps below but refer to a repair guide specific to the year/make/model/drivetrain for steps tailored to your vehicle.

Basic Step #1

The first step should always be to clear the codes and scan the vehicle again. If none of the fault codes (diagnostic trouble codes) immediately show as active, take the vehicle for a multi-stop road test to see if they reappear. If any of the codes are reactivated by the ECM (engine control module), continue diagnostics for that one.

Basic Step #2

Next, you should check the exhaust for any leaks. Black soot around cracks and/or joints in the system is a good sign of a leak. This should be addressed accordingly; most of the time, an exhaust gasket is quite simple to replace. A fully sealed exhaust is an integral part of the sensors involved in your exhaust system.

Basic Step #3

Using an infrared temperature gun, you can monitor the exhaust temperature before and after the catalyst. You will then need to compare the results to the manufacturer’s specifications, so refer to the specific service manual for this.

Basic Step #4

If the catalytic converter temperature meets specifications, focus on the electrical system involved with these sensors. Start with the wiring harness and connector of the Bank 2 NOx sensor. Often, these harnesses tend to crack and fail due to proximity to extreme exhaust temperatures. Repair damaged wires by soldering connections and heat-shrinking them. Also, inspect the oxygen sensors involved in Bank 2 to ensure they are not damaged, which could potentially affect downstream NOx readings. Repair any connector that does not make sufficient connections or does not lock properly.

This article is strictly for informational purposes only, and the technical data and service bulletins for your specific vehicle should always take precedence.