P2244 code meaning
O2 Sensor Reference Voltage Performance (Bank 1 Sensor 1)
Powertrain system Generic code P22xx codes Check engine light
What P2244 means
P2244 stands for a plausibility fault on the reference voltage side of the bank 1 upstream wide-band sensor: the Nernst-cell signal is electrically intact and within limits, but behaves in a way that does not fit the operating state, for instance offset or too slow. No manufacturer documents P2244 publicly. Ford treats this lead only as an open circuit (P2243) and books shorts on any sensor wire under P0131/P0132; GM, Saab and VW likewise publish only the open-circuit code. Bosch specifies the Nernst cell at a nominal 300 ohms and a load of at most 250 microamps, so ageing or contamination shows up as a shifted reading. CARB requires fuel-control sensors to be checked for implausible values as well as circuit faults. P2243 is the open line, P2245/P2246 low/high, P2248 bank 2.
P2244 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyMedium, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.5 to 2 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P2244
- Check engine light
- Slightly higher fuel consumption
- Possible failed emissions test
Common causes of P2244
- Most likelyAged or contaminated wide-band sensor (oil ash, silicone, coolant)
- PossibleHigh resistance in the reference voltage wire or connector
- Less likelyExhaust leak ahead of the sensor distorting the reading
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Oxygen sensor bank1 sensor1Oxygen sensor wiringECM
What each part of P2244 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). |
| 44 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P2244 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 P2244
What does P2244 mean?
P2244 means "O2 Sensor Reference Voltage Performance (Bank 1 Sensor 1)". P2244 stands for a plausibility fault on the reference voltage side of the bank 1 upstream wide-band sensor: the Nernst-cell signal is electrically intact and within limits, but behaves in a way that does not fit the operating state, for instance offset or too slow. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P2244?
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 P2244 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P2244 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 P2244 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 2 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will P2244 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.