P0219 Engine overspeed condition

OBD-II Trouble Code - P0219 - Data Sheet

P0219 - Engine overspeed condition.

Code P0219 means that the engine RPM measured by the tachometer has exceeded a pre-set limit set by the vehicle manufacturer.

What does trouble code P0219 mean?

This is a generic transmission diagnostic trouble code (DTC) applicable to OBD-II vehicles. This may include, but is not limited to, Ford, Honda, Acura, Chevrolet, Mitsubishi, Dodge, Ram, Mercedes-Benz, etc. Although the general repair steps may vary depending on the model year, make, model and transmission configuration ...

When the P0219 code persists, it means the powertrain control module (PCM) has detected that the engine has been running at a revolutions per minute (RPM) level that exceeds the maximum threshold.

The PCM uses inputs from the crankshaft position (CKP) sensor, the camshaft position (CMP) sensor, and the transmission output speed sensor / sensors to determine if (or not) an overspeed condition has occurred.

In most cases, the overspeed condition will be automatically met by the RPM limiter when the transmission is in neutral or park position. When the PCM detects an overspeeding condition, one of several actions can be taken. Either the PCM will stop the fuel injector pulse and / or slow down the ignition timing to reduce engine RPM until it returns to an acceptable level.

If the PCM is unable to effectively return engine RPM to an acceptable level, a P0219 code will be stored for a period of time and a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) may illuminate.

What is the severity of this DTC?

Since overspeeding can cause catastrophic damage, a stored P0219 code should be cleared with some degree of urgency.

Instrument cluster showing the tachometer in action:

What are some of the symptoms of the code?

Symptoms of a P0219 trouble code may include:

• There will likely not be any drivability symptoms associated with a stored P0219 code.
• The engine may be allowed to overspeed several times
• Knock Sensor / Knock Sensor Activation Codes
• Clutch slip (vehicles with manual transmission)
• This code usually has no symptoms associated with it.
• You can connect an OBD-II scanner and simply erase this code to turn off the Check Engine light. This code is essentially just a warning to the driver that the engine cannot run safely at those speeds.

What are some of the common causes of a code P0219?

Reasons for this P0219 transfer code may include:

• Driver error due to deliberate or accidental overspeeding of the engine.
• Defective CKP or CMP sensor
• Faulty gearbox input or output speed sensor
• Open or short circuit in the speed sensor circuit at the input / output of CKP, CMP or transmission
• Defective PCM or PCM programming error
• Causes of a code P0219 may include a faulty engine speed sensor or a faulty transmission control module.
• The most common reason for this code is actually due to young drivers who want to drive fast and push their car to the limit.
• This code can also be caused by an inexperienced driver driving a car with a manual transmission. On a manual transmission vehicle, the crankshaft rpm will continue to rise as the accelerator pedal is depressed until the driver shifts into the next gear.

What are some steps to troubleshoot the P0219?

I like to have access to a diagnostic scanner, digital volt / ohmmeter (DVOM), oscilloscope and reliable source of vehicle information before attempting to diagnose a vehicle with a stored P0219 code. If possible, a scanner with a built-in DVOM and an oscilloscope is suitable for this task.

Obviously, you want to make sure that the car has not been operated (intentionally or accidentally) at higher rpm levels than recommended by the manufacturer. This is especially true when considering vehicles with a manual transmission. In these vehicle types, you should also ensure that the clutch is working effectively before attempting to diagnose this code.

You need to connect the scanner to the car diagnostic port and get all stored codes and freeze frame data. Recording this information has proven useful (to me) more times than I can count. Now clear the codes and drive the car normally to check if the code has been cleared.

If the codes are reset:

1. Use DVOM and oscilloscope to check CKP, CMP and baud rate sensors as recommended in vehicle information source. Replace sensors if necessary.
2. Test the reference and ground circuits at the sensor connectors with the DVOM. The vehicle information source should provide valuable information on the respective voltages in the individual circuits.
3. Disconnect all associated controllers and test individual system circuits (resistance and continuity) with the DVOM. Repair or replace system circuits as necessary.
4. If all associated sensors, circuits, and connectors are within the manufacturer's specifications (as stated in the vehicle information source), suspect a faulty PCM or a PCM programming error.

• Check the appropriate Technical Service Bulletins (TSB) as an additional source of diagnostic help.
• Ensure that all vehicle safety reviews (related to the issue in question) have been completed before proceeding with the diagnosis.

Common Mistakes When Diagnosing Code P0219

A common mistake that can be made when diagnosing code P0219 is to replace the engine speed sensor or transmission control module when there is actually no need to replace parts.

The first thing to do if a P0219 code exists is to use an OBD2 scanner to erase the code and road test the vehicle. If the code does not return after about twenty miles, the code was likely set due to the driver operating the vehicle outside the acceptable performance range in which it was intended to be operated.

How serious is the P0219 code?

The code P0219 is not too serious if the driver does not allow this code to be set multiple times.

The tachometer is mounted on the dashboard of the car so that the driver knows the engine speed. Until the tachometer needle goes into the red zone, this code should not appear.

What repairs can fix code P0219?

• Just erase the code
• Replacement engine speed sensor
• Replacing the power unit control unit.

Additional comments regarding code P0219

To prevent code P0219 from being stored in your vehicle's transmission control module, keep an eye on the tachometer and make sure the needle is out of the red zone.

It is also important to keep in mind that the lower the tachometer needle remains, the better the car's gas mileage. It is best to change gears at a lower RPM to increase fuel economy and keep the engine in good condition.

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Need more help with the P0219 code?

If you still need help with DTC P0219, post a question in the comments below this article.

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