P2228 code meaning
Barometric Pressure Sensor A Circuit Low
Powertrain system Generic code P22xx codes Check engine light
What P2228 means
P2228 sets when the voltage from barometric pressure sensor A stays below the lowest value a real atmosphere could produce. Ford's gasoline summaries (2012 and 2020-2023) use under 2.0 V, which would mean an altitude above 15,000 ft, for 5 s; on these engines the sensor is mounted on the PCM circuit board. Ford's 2023 diesels flag under 0.25 V (about 6 kPa) after 0.5 s. GM's 2018 diesel tables attribute it to a grounded or broken signal line on a pull-down input: below 35.5 % of the 5 V supply (equal to 50 kPa) in 320 of 400 readings, Type B with the MIL after two trips. In Ford's 2024 software the same fault appears as P2226-16. P2229 is the high counterpart. The engine runs on a substitute pressure, so drivers mostly see only the lamp.
P2228 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 P2228
- Check engine light
- Auto start-stop deactivated
- Scan tool shows an implausibly low barometric pressure
Common causes of P2228
- PossibleSignal wire of an external BARO sensor shorted to ground or open
- PossibleDefective sensor inside the PCM (Ford, Mazda and others), PCM replacement
- Less likelyLow or missing 5 V reference to the sensor
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Barometric pressure sensorSensor wiring
What each part of P2228 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). |
| 28 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P2228 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 P2228
What does P2228 mean?
P2228 means "Barometric Pressure Sensor A Circuit Low". P2228 sets when the voltage from barometric pressure sensor A stays below the lowest value a real atmosphere could produce. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P2228?
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 P2228 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P2228 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 P2228 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 2.5 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P2228 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.