P2219 code meaning
NOx Sensor Heater Control Circuit Low (Bank 2)
Powertrain system Generic code P22xx codes Check engine light
What P2219 means
P2219 means the heater control line of the bank 2 NOx sensor is pulled toward ground when it should not be, typically a heater lead chafed against the exhaust or a shorted output stage in the sensor electronics. The control unit then switches the heater off to protect itself. Bank 2 use is not documented by any manufacturer, as known SCR diesels combine both banks. For the bank 1 counterpart P2206, GM's 3.0L Duramax (LZ0) counts 80 failures in 160 samples taken every 25 ms, with relay voltage above 11 V and the dew point passed, and stores a Type B fault lighting the MIL after two trips. Volvo and Mack treat P2206 on their inlet sensor as a sensor failure. P2218 is the open circuit, P2220 the short to power.
P2219 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyMedium
- Typical labor0.5 to 2.5 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P2219
- Malfunction indicator lamp on after two trips
- Bank 2 NOx sensor stays cold and delivers no value
Common causes of P2219
- Most likelyHeater lead of the bank 2 sensor chafed through to ground
- PossibleShorted heater or output stage inside the sensor
- Less likelySalt water bridging pins in the connector
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Nox sensorNox sensor heaterNox sensor wiring
What each part of P2219 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 2 | Generic code (second SAE range): it means the same on every make. |
| 2 | Area: fuel and air metering (injector circuit). |
| 19 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P2219 and any other codes stored with it: several codes together often point to one cause.
- Check for loose connectors and damaged wiring around the parts the code names.
- Check open recalls for your car: some faults are fixed for free by the dealer. Enter your VIN.
- Clear the code only after the repair. If it comes back, the fault is still there.
Buying a used car? Scan it for stored codes before you pay. A recently cleared memory can hide a problem.
Questions about P2219
What does P2219 mean?
P2219 means "NOx Sensor Heater Control Circuit Low (Bank 2)". P2219 means the heater control line of the bank 2 NOx sensor is pulled toward ground when it should not be, typically a heater lead chafed against the exhaust or a shorted output stage in the sensor electronics. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P2219?
Usually yes, for a short time, if the check engine light is steady and the car drives normally. If the light flashes or the car runs badly, stop and have it checked.
Will P2219 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P2219 is emissions-related, so most inspection programs fail a car while it is stored or while the check engine light is on.
How hard is P2219 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 2.5 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P2219 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.