P219D Cylinder 2 unbalance error

P219D Cylinder 2 unbalance error

OBD-II DTC Datasheet

Cylinder 2 unbalance error

What does this mean?

This Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) is a generic transmission code and applies to many OBD-II vehicles (1996 and newer). This may include, but is not limited to, Toyota, Audi, Kia, VW, Lexus, etc. Despite the general nature, the exact repair steps may vary depending on the model year, make, model and transmission configuration.

When P219D is stored, it means the powertrain control module (PCM) has detected an imbalance error in cylinder two. The PCM uses data from heated exhaust oxygen sensors (sometimes called air fuel sensors), crankshaft position (CKP) and camshaft position (CMP) sensors to monitor the air to fuel ratio for each cylinder in the engine.

Each oxygen sensor is constructed using a zirconia sensing element located in the center of a vented steel housing. Tiny electrodes (usually platinum) attach the sensor to the wires in the oxygen sensor harness connector and the connector connects to the controller network (CAN) that connects the oxygen sensor harness to the PCM connector.

Each oxygen sensor is screwed (or twisted) into the exhaust pipe. It is positioned so that the sensing element is closer to the center of the pipe. When waste exhaust gases leave the combustion chamber (through the exhaust manifold) and pass through the exhaust system (including catalytic converters), they pass through the oxygen sensors. Exhaust gases enter the oxygen sensor through specially designed air vents in the steel housing and swirl around the sensor element. Swirling ambient air is drawn in through the wire cavities in the sensor body to fill the tiny chamber in the middle of the sensor. Then the air (in a tiny chamber) heats up. This causes the oxygen ions to produce energy, which is recognized by the PCM as voltage. Differences between the amount of oxygen ions in the ambient air (drawn into the O2 sensor) and the number of oxygen molecules in the exhaust cause the oxygen ions inside the O2 sensor to bounce very quickly and intermittently from one platinum layer to the next. ... As the pulsating oxygen ions move between the platinum layers, the output voltage of the oxygen sensor changes. The PCM sees these changes in the oxygen sensor output voltage as changes in the oxygen concentration in the exhaust gas. The voltage outputs from the oxygen sensors are lower when more oxygen is present in the exhaust (lean state) and higher when less oxygen is present in the exhaust (rich state).

Crankshaft and camshaft position sensors are electromagnetic. They are triggered by a steel ring that rotates with the motor. The signal is sent to the PCM as a waveform template. Waveform discrepancies are interpreted by the PCM as changes in engine speed and / or cylinder efficiency.

If the PCM detects an imbalance in the air-fuel ratio for the second cylinder of the engine, code P219D will be stored and a malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) may illuminate. Most vehicles will require several ignition cycles (on failure) to turn on the warning light.

What is the severity of this DTC?

Cylinder imbalance can be caused by both mechanical and electrical reasons. P219D should be classified as serious and should be addressed as soon as possible.

What are some of the symptoms of the code?

Symptoms of a P219D trouble code may include:

• Reduced fuel efficiency
• Lack of overall engine performance
• Stored Misfire Codes or Lean / Rich Exhaust Codes
• Service engine lamp will light up soon

What are some of the common causes for the code?

Reasons for this code may include:

• Insufficient engine compression
• Defective oxygen sensor / s
• Defective CKP or CMP sensor
• Burnt, frayed, broken, or disconnected wiring and / or connectors
• Defective MAF or manifold air pressure sensor.
• Bad fuel pump or clogged fuel filter

What are some steps to troubleshoot the P219D?

All misfire codes, throttle position sensor codes, manifold air pressure codes, and MAF sensor codes must be reviewed before attempting to diagnose code P219D. The engine must also run smoothly and efficiently. If it is determined that a rich or lean mixture (with the engine) exists, this must be corrected as this could be the reason for storing the P219D.

You will need a diagnostic scanner, digital volt / ohmmeter (DVOM) and reliable vehicle information source to accurately diagnose the P219D code. The digital oscilloscope will be useful for testing the output signals of the CKP and CMP sensors.

You can save time by searching for Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) that reproduce the stored code, vehicle (year, make, model, and engine) and symptoms found. This information can be found in your vehicle information source. If you find the right TSB, it can quickly fix your problem.

After connecting the scanner to the vehicle diagnostic port and receiving all stored codes and associated freeze frame data, write down the information (in case the code turns out to be intermittent). After that, clear the codes and test drive the car until one of two things happens; the code is restored or the PCM enters ready mode. The code may be more difficult to diagnose if the PCM enters ready mode at this point because the code is intermittent. The condition that led to storage of P219D may need to worsen before an accurate diagnosis can be made.

If the code clears immediately, continue diagnostics.

You can get connector views, connector pinouts, component locations, wiring diagrams, and diagnostic block diagrams (related to the code and the vehicle in question) using your vehicle information source.

Visually inspect the associated wiring and connectors. Repair or replace cut, burnt, or damaged wiring.

If the engine runs smoothly and the P219D code persists, start the engine and allow it to reach normal operating temperature with the engine idling and the transmission in neutral or park. With the scanner connected to the vehicle diagnostic port, observe the oxygen sensor input in the data stream. Narrow down your data stream to include only relevant data for a faster response. If the oxygen sensors are operating normally, the voltage across the oxygen sensors upstream of the catalytic converter will cycle continuously from 1 to 900 millivolts when the PCM enters closed loop mode. The post-cat sensors will also cycle between 1 and 900 millivolts, but they will be set at a certain point and remain relatively stable (compared to pre-cat sensors). Oxygen sensors that are not working properly should be considered defective if the engine is in good working order.

Use an oscilloscope to check for voltage surges or faults on the inputs of the CKP and CMP sensors.

• In most cases, you will fix the P219D by correcting a mechanical engine failure.

Related DTC discussions

• Audi P219E followed by P219DAudi S2015 3 years old, no modifications. Gave code P219E but showed no classic symptoms like misfiring, bad idling, bad mileage, etc. We briefly spoke to Audi on the phone and they suggested that it might be a faulty injector and what they saw. that it is several times related to this code, this cylinder ... 
• Code P219D from Nissan Armada 2107 (5.6 l)We've noticed a pattern with our 2017 Nissan Armada over the last week or so. (now on round 3 with repetition of the following sequence) Engine light comes on with code P219D (air / fuel ratio imbalance in cylinder 2), but then goes out when the level in the gas tank gets lower. Then the light is on ... 

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