P2242 code meaning
O2 Sensor Positive Current Control Circuit High (Bank 2 Sensor 1)
Powertrain system Generic code P22xx codes Check engine light
What P2242 means
P2242 flags the pump-current circuit of the bank 2 front wide-band sensor as too high, usually a short to the heater feed or battery voltage, or a signal locked at its midpoint although the mixture is being changed. No manufacturer publicly documents P2242 with thresholds. Saab describes the bank 1 version P2239 for its 2.0 turbo: 1.48-1.51 V held for 1 s while closed loop enriches the mixture. Ford's 2020-2023 summary routes any short to battery on a wide-band sensor wire to P0152 instead. CARB requires fuel-control sensors to be checked for wiring faults and implausible readings. P2240 is the open circuit, P2241 the low fault, P2239 the same fault on bank 1. Since a voltage short can kill a replacement sensor, the bank 2 harness should be checked first.
P2242 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyMedium, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.5 to 2.5 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P2242
- Check engine light
- Bank 2 lambda value stuck near 1.0
- Replacement sensor fails again if the short remains
Common causes of P2242
- Most likelyBank 2 pump-current wire shorted to heater supply or battery voltage
- PossibleInternal short in the bank 2 wide-band sensor
- Less likelyDamaged sensor interface in the ECM
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Oxygen sensor bank2 sensor1Oxygen sensor wiringECM
What each part of P2242 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). |
| 42 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P2242 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 P2242
What does P2242 mean?
P2242 means "O2 Sensor Positive Current Control Circuit High (Bank 2 Sensor 1)". P2242 flags the pump-current circuit of the bank 2 front wide-band sensor as too high, usually a short to the heater feed or battery voltage, or a signal locked at its midpoint although the mixture is being changed. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P2242?
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 P2242 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P2242 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 P2242 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 2.5 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will P2242 clear itself after the repair?
After the repair the car has to complete a drive cycle (a mix of city and highway driving) before the test runs again. Until then the readiness monitor shows "not ready", which can fail an inspection.