What it is and how to fix it

An unexpected Check Engine Light (CEL) or Service Engine Soon (SES) light can ruin your day terribly quickly. Whether it’s preventing your vehicle from passing state emissions testing, interrupting your commute, or managing to show up on the way to vacation, the uncertainty of these warning lights can make anyone nervous. The severity of repairs required can range from inexpensive repairs to engine overhauls and transmission replacements.

Luckily here CarBuzzWe are committed to providing you with the most accurate information on how to deal with Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs). In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about trouble code P219B, specifically described as a fuel trim cylinder balance bank 2 trouble code. Let’s take a closer look at the meaning of the code, symptoms associated with the code, common causes of the error, how to fix it, and how much it costs to fix.

What does error code P219B mean?

The P219B code is a manufacturer-specific code typically used by Chevrolet. The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) uses multiple sensors to achieve optimal efficiency. However, there are two afterburning oxygen or air/fuel sensors mounted on the exhaust in front of the catalytic converter of each bank. These sensors monitor the air-fuel ratio and the PCM makes fuel trim adjustments based on their readings.

The PCM constantly changes the injection pulse depending on the signals from the mass air flow sensor (MAF), the throttle position sensor (TPS) and the readings of the oxygen sensors after combustion. This code is set by the PCM when the vehicle runs the fuel trim balance diagnostic strategy and detects a rich or lean air/fuel ratio imbalance. The P219B code indicates that the problem is specific to the “Bank 2” cylinders.

What causes the P219B error code?

Below are the most commonly reported causes of error code P219B:

• Altered, damaged, leaking or restricted air intake
• Defective PCV valve
• Split, kinked or incorrectly connected vacuum hoses
• Clogged, damaged, leaking or altered exhaust system from the catalytic converter onwards
• Faulty fuel injectors (clogged, leaking or inoperable)
• Worn fuel pump or fuel filter
• Incorrect fuel pressure
• Contaminated fuel
• Defective ignition system (worn spark plugs or defective ignition coils)

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Symptoms of P219B trouble code

Below are the most commonly reported symptoms associated with error code P219B:

• Check engine light lights up
• Decreased performance
• Reduced fuel consumption
• Rough idle
• Hesitate
• Emissions test failed
• Misfiring in the cylinder

Can I still drive with error code P219B?

In most cases, you can continue driving with trouble code P219B active. Although some users experience more serious driving symptoms such as reduced performance or hesitation, most people will only notice the check engine light coming on. We recommend monitoring your vehicle’s symptoms closely as symptoms may worsen over time. If your vehicle experiences more serious symptoms, we recommend seeking repairs immediately.

How do I fix the P219B error code?

If you want to troubleshoot the cause of the P219B code, we recommend first checking to see if the code is listed as an active trouble code. To do this, your PCM must be scanned by a scanner. This can be done at emissions testing facilities, local parts stores, repair shops, and even yourself if you have a scanner. Be sure to note any additional DTCs, such as: B. the P0300 code. These additional DTCs help diagnose the exact cause of the P219B code.

The exact repair your vehicle may need may differ as the P219B code can have a variety of causes. We recommend starting with a few simple checks.

Check for vacuum leaks

Testing for vacuum leaks can be done by most people themselves. Simply open the hood, remove all engine covers and check the air intake from the filter housing to the throttle body. If no burst or cracked hoses are found, run the engine and listen for a hissing noise. It may be necessary to spray starting fluid around the hissing areas. If the engine speed or noise changes, this is the location of the vacuum leak. If you don’t have starting fluid, you can use a propane torch instead. Open the valve to release the gas. DO NOT light the flashlight. Use the gas as a leak detector. If the speed or noise changes, the leak has been detected. A common area for vacuum leaks is around the intake manifold.

Check the exhaust system

A leaky exhaust can cause the oxygen sensors to provide inaccurate readings. We recommend thoroughly checking the exhaust for leaks, particularly in front of or near the sensor. You should follow the manufacturer’s testing procedure for the oxygen sensors. A quick way to test an oxygen sensor is to monitor the data with a scan tool. If the data varies between 0.200 mV and 0.800 mV, the sensor will display the values ​​it should have. You can test this by removing a vacuum line from the engine and checking the sensor’s response. Both a faulty sensor and a leaking exhaust can result in trouble code P219B.

Check ignition system and spark plugs

If your ignition system is faulty, you likely have cylinder misfire codes stored in the PCM. We recommend that you check your spark plugs and ignition coils. According to the Mileage Service Interval Chart, Chevy recommends replacing the spark plugs on the 5.3L V8 engine after 97,500 to 100,000 miles.

Check for incorrect fuel pressure

Check fuel pressure with a fuel pressure gauge. Most domestic vehicles have a fuel pressure test port directly on the fuel rail. Some vehicles require the fuel lines to be removed and a gauge installed. If the fuel pressure is below the permissible value, most likely the filter and fuel pump will need to be replaced. Other areas of fuel system failure that can lead to the P219B code include dirty or defective fuel injectors and/or a faulty fuel injector control module.

If you cannot find the fault using the above measures, you should contact a professional repair shop for advanced computer diagnostics.

Some vehicles that set the P219B code may be covered by this Chevrolet Technical Service Bulletin (TSB). This bulletin applies to models such as Blazer, Bolt EV, Camaro and Silverado.

How much does it cost to fix P219B error code?

Repairing the P219B code can be difficult, especially if no corresponding trouble codes are set by the PCM. This usually results in longer diagnostic times, which is why we recommend looking for simple problems like vacuum leaks first. In most cases, a simple vacuum hose repair will cost between $5 and $100 if you do the repair yourself. More serious leaks, such as a leaky intake manifold gasket, can cost up to $800, according to RepairPal.

Exhaust gaskets are inexpensive, only costing between $15 and $30. A replacement pipe can cost around $350 as long as a catalytic converter is not installed. Oxygen sensors for a Chevy code P219B cost around $300. The replacement can be carried out by most do-it-yourselfers.

An engine tune-up will likely cost you around $300, while a bad ignition coil will cost you between $50 and $150. Replacing a fuel pump can be costly. RepairPal estimates that replacing a fuel pump will cost around $1,800. Fuel injector cleaning services typically cost between $100 and $200, and fuel injector replacements can cost up to $1,000. A defective fuel injector control module can cost up to $1,600. However, some companies can restore a faulty module for around $200.

Sources:
RepairPal, ALLDATA, NHTSA, Tsbsearch