What Is the P2279 Code?
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The P2279 code indicates that unmetered air is entering your engine after the airmass meter and before the secondary O2 sensors. The intake air system includes the mass air flow sensor (MAF), air intake temperature sensor, and oxygen sensor, all of which manage information about the amount of air both entering and then exiting the engine. If there’s more air than expected, then these sensors will notify the PCM, which will indicate this error.
More About the P2279 Code
The air-to-fuel ratio within your engine is one of the most important parts of your engine’s proper functioning. The amount of fuel and air inside the engine allows the engine to spark accurately and provides the right efficiency for the engine. However, if there’s a leak somewhere within the air or fuel valves, you’ll get more air than you’d expect, which can cause a variety of functioning issues.
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What Are the Symptoms of a P2279 Code?
The main symptoms of this code are various engine-related symptoms. The check engine light should be illuminated, as this code will send a signal to the light. You’ll almost certainly notice generally rough issues with running the engine, and if the leak is extremely prominent, the engine may even stall. You may experience issues with misfiring, as the engine will likely be running lean. For some engines, you might have less braking power or a harder time braking, as vacuum pressure in the intake manifold may help with braking. Finally, listen carefully for a hissing sound within the vehicle’s engine, which can indicate the sound of leaking air.
What Are Some Causes of a P2279 Code?
As you might expect, the main cause of this code is, in fact, a general leak. This might happen due to a disconnected or broken vacuum hose, a leak in the air duct in or around the engine, a problem with the fuel injector seal, or a leak within the throttle body or intake air temperature sensor. The PCM doesn’t monitor any of the hoses leading up to the MAF or the air filter; it must be coming after the MAF.
How Serious Is the P2279 Code?
The seriousness of this code depends entirely on how much air is making its way into the engine. If the leak is incredibly severe, then you may find that your engine stalls out regularly and isn’t able to run on a regular basis. However, even if the leak is fairly minor, you can experience serious damage to the catalytic convertors or even the combustion chamber, valves, and pistons. While most modern vehicles will limit this by utilizing “Limp Home” modes and “Failsafe” modes, assume that the code is serious and take it in for inspection.
Can I Still Drive with a P2279 Code?
You should avoid driving with the P2279 code. Not only can it be a very frustrating experience in general, but the rough driving process isn’t very enjoyable for anyone and can negatively impact your vehicle in the long run. Additionally, if the problem is impacting your brakes, that can make it less safe to drive in your vehicle, which means that you need to fix the problem as soon as possible.
How Easy Is It to Diagnose a P2279 Code?
If the leak is extremely surface-level and easy to access, then you might be able to fix this problem yourself with electrical tape or a similar sealant tape. However, if the problem is any deeper than this or you’re unable to find it yourself, it’s best to talk to an expert. There are many areas where a missed connection or a very slightly ajar hose can create a leak, and only an expert will be able to see them.
How Difficult Is It to Inspect a P2279 Code?
The inspection process can be very difficult if you have to look deep inside your engine. Again, while you might be able to fix your engine yourself if the leak is happening on the surface of the engine in an easily-accessible hose or tube, more deeply hidden hoses are much more difficult to handle on your own.
Need Additional Help with Your P2279 Code?
The P2279 code can be very confusing to diagnose and fix, especially because many leaks can be hidden very deep within your engine, and you might not have the tools necessary to identify and diagnose the leak, even if you know there is one. Instead of trying to identify and diagnose a leak using only the tools at your disposal, you should contact an expert.
It’s easy to find a repair shop in your area using the repair shop locator at KBB. With these tools, you can determine the best location to visit for different needs, no matter what make and model of vehicle you have and what problems you’re experiencing.
If you want to learn more about the code system in general or about specific codes within the system, then the KBB OBD-II database is a great choice. With this database, you can learn more about how OBD codes function and what the codes in your engine might mean.
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