P2189 System too poor at idle (bank 2), code

P2189 System too poor at idle (bank 2), code

OBD-II DTC Datasheet

The system is too poor when idle (bank 2)

What does this mean?

This Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) is a generic transmission code. It is considered universal as it applies to all makes and models of vehicles (1996 and newer), although the specific repair steps may differ slightly depending on the model.

This is an ambiguous code in itself. This code is difficult to crack without a diagnostic strategy. During the last two starts, the ECM detected a problem with the idle fuel mixture.

It looks like the fuel mixture is too lean (too much air and not enough fuel) at idle speed.

There is an extensive list of components that can cause this scenario. For the most part, the diagnostic procedure is simple - just time consuming unless it is checked first. The strategy requires that controllability problems be observed and noted, then start with the most common problems and work your way up.

Note. This code is identical to P2187. The difference is that P2187 refers to block 1 (the side of the engine containing cylinder # 1) and P2189 refers to block 2.

symptoms

With a wide range of possibilities, the listed problems may or may not be present. But here it is important to pay special attention to the observed symptoms and make notes about which and when symptoms appear for a diagnostic strategy.

• Car disappears at idle speed
• Difficult to start, especially when it's hot
• Very irregular idle
• Additional codes to determine the cause of the P2189 source code
• Whistling noises
• Smaller turbo boost numbers
• Fuel smell

Possible Causes of DTC P2189

• Defective O2 sensor (front)
• Defective gas cap seal
• Leaky or leaky oil filler cap
• Air leakage into the intake manifold after the MAF sensor due to the manifold itself, a disconnected or cracked vacuum hoses, a leak in the MAP sensor, a leak in the turbocharger bypass or is it stuck open, a brake booster hose or a leak in the EVAP hoses.
• Defective MAP sensor
• EVAP canister purge valve
• Leaking fuel injector
• Defective fuel pressure regulator
• Exhaust leaks
• Malfunction of the variable valve timing system
• Defective ECM (engine control computer)
• Defective O2 heater (front)
• Clogged fuel filter
• The fuel pump wears out and creates low pressure.
• Defective mass air flow sensor

Diagnostic / repair steps

Your strategy for finding this problem begins with a test drive and observing any symptoms. The next step is to use a code scanner (available at any auto parts store) and get any additional codes.

The computer has set code P2189 to indicate that the fuel mixture is lean at idle speed. This is the basic code, however any faulty component in this cycle that could cause a lean mixture will also be set in the code.

If the test drive shows no symptoms, it may not be the real code. In other words, the fuel mixture is not lean and the computer or oxygen sensor is responsible for setting the code.

Every car has at least two oxygen sensors - one before the catalytic converter and one after the converter. These sensors signal the amount of free oxygen left in the exhaust after ignition, which determines the fuel ratio. The front sensor is primarily responsible for the mixture, the second sensor behind the exhaust is used for comparison with the front sensor to determine if the converter is working properly.

If rough idling is present or one of the other symptoms is present, start the process first with the most likely cause. Either unmeasured air is entering the intake manifold or there is no fuel pressure:

• Check the fuel tank cap for cracks, leaks and functionality.
• Raise the hood and make sure the oil filler cap is tightly closed.
• If additional codes were present, start by checking them.
• Look for air leaks starting with the MAF sensor. Check the hose or connection between the sensor and the intake manifold all the way to the manifold for cracks or loose connections. Carefully check all vacuum hoses attached to the intake manifold to connect them to the brake servo. Check the hose to the MAP sensor and all hoses to the turbocharger, if equipped.
• With the engine running, use a can to clean the carburetor and spray a small mist around the base of the intake manifold and where the two halves meet if it is in two parts. Spray the cleaner around the EGR base for leaks into the manifold. RPM will increase if a leak is found.
• Check the tightness of the PCV valve and hose.
• Inspect the fuel injectors for external fuel leaks.
• Inspect the fuel pressure regulator by removing the vacuum hose and shaking it to check for fuel. If so, replace it.
• Stop the engine and install a fuel pressure gauge on the Schrader valve on the fuel rail to the injectors. Start the engine and note the fuel pressure at idle speed and again at 2500 rpm. Compare these numbers with the desired fuel pressure found online for your vehicle. If volume or pressure is out of range, replace pump or filter.

The rest of the components must be checked by a service center that has a Tech 2 scanner and programmer.

Related DTC discussions

• 2006 Kia sedona code P2189Does anyone have any experience with code P2189 on a 2006 Kia Sedona EX with low mileage of only 31,000? I'm trying to focus on the fixes that are most common for this year and model…. 
• 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe p0026, p2189, p2187, etc.I have a 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe that reads the following codes and I have no idea where to look, where I can replace these parts myself. The codes are as follows: + p0026 / + p0011 / + poo12 + p0441 / + p2189 / + p2187 / + p2189. Can anyone please help me? Desperate…. 
• 06 Cad CTS DTCs p2187 and p2189First post here friends, I hope I got to the right place. I have a new DTC 06 Cad CTS P2187 P2189 PO300 301 and 303. The expected codes are the same as above but also 304 and 306, but no codes for 303 and 305. Has anyone had this problem before? I kind of lean towards a faulty fuel r ... 
• Hyundai Santa Fe Error Codes P0174 and P2189Hi everyone. New in OBD codes, published for the first time. Thanks in advance for your help. I am the original owner of a 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe 3.3. There are 139,000 in the car. This car was the best car I have ever owned. The only thing I did was change the oil, buy new tires, change the axles ... 
• U0447 p300,302,304,306, p2189 / p21872014 Range Rover sport hse supercharged Working fine, no problem 3 weeks ago changed the oil by a local mechanic who did it once before no problem. Accidentally fueled with gas the same day after they took the car, put the ortho, as it turned out later, reading the post, their premium quality is of low quality. The car walks with a fin ... 
• mazda 6 p2179 p2189how to repair my mazda 6 system that is too loose from idle bank 2 p2179 p2189 ... 

Need more help with your p2189 code?

If you still need help with DTC P2189, post a question in the comments below this article.

NOTE. This information is provided for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be used as a repair recommendation and we are not responsible for any action you take on any vehicle. All information on this site is protected by copyright.