P2248 code meaning
O2 Sensor Reference Voltage Performance (Bank 2 Sensor 1)
Powertrain system Generic code P22xx codes Check engine light
What P2248 means
P2248 is meant for a reference voltage signal on the bank 2 upstream wide-band sensor that is present but implausible, as opposed to an open or shorted line. No manufacturer documents P2248 publicly, and the published diagnostic tables of Ford, GM, Saab and VW cover the bank 2 Nernst-cell line only with the open-circuit code P2247, while Ford routes shorts to P0151/P0152. A drifting reading usually stems from an aged or poisoned sensor element or extra resistance in the circuit, which Bosch's 300-ohm nominal cell value makes measurable. CARB requires upstream sensors to be monitored for out-of-range and implausible output. P2244 is the bank 1 counterpart, P2247 the open line, P2249/P2250 low/high. Mixture control on bank 2 becomes less accurate.
P2248 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 P2248
- Check engine light
- Slightly higher fuel consumption
- Possible failed emissions test
Common causes of P2248
- Most likelyAged or contaminated wide-band sensor on bank 2
- PossibleHigh resistance in the reference voltage wire or connector
- Less likelyExhaust leak ahead of the bank 2 sensor
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 P2248 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). |
| 48 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P2248 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 P2248
What does P2248 mean?
P2248 means "O2 Sensor Reference Voltage Performance (Bank 2 Sensor 1)". P2248 is meant for a reference voltage signal on the bank 2 upstream wide-band sensor that is present but implausible, as opposed to an open or shorted line. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P2248?
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 P2248 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P2248 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 P2248 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 P2248 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.