P2252 code meaning
O2 Sensor Negative Current Control Circuit Low (Bank 1 Sensor 1)
Powertrain system Generic code P22xx codes Check engine light
What P2252 means
P2252 means the negative current control side of the bank 1 front air-fuel sensor reads too low, typically because that line or the sensor cell is shorted to ground. GM's tables for the Honda-built 3.5 V6 in the Saturn Vue (L66, 2004-05) describe it as a sensor-cell short: once the engine has run for 85 s with the heater working and the element signal between 3.2 and 4.6 V, a sensor-cell voltage under 0.3 V for 0.5 s stores the code in the first drive cycle; P2255 is the bank 2 twin. Mitsubishi's 2022 Outlander service manual update lists P2252 as a two-trip code, and GM's 2018 Duramax table 18OBDG04 counts it among faults that invalidate the front sensor signal. Ford instead books such shorts as P0131. P2251 is the open line, P2253 the high fault.
P2252 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 P2252
- Check engine light
- Higher fuel consumption from open-loop fuelling on bank 1
- Possible hesitation or uneven running
Common causes of P2252
- Most likelyReference ground or sensor-cell wire shorted to ground (chafed against exhaust or body)
- PossibleInternal short in the air-fuel sensor
- Less likelyFault in the sensor interface of 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 bank1 sensor1Oxygen sensor wiringECM
What each part of P2252 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). |
| 52 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P2252 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 P2252
What does P2252 mean?
P2252 means "O2 Sensor Negative Current Control Circuit Low (Bank 1 Sensor 1)". P2252 means the negative current control side of the bank 1 front air-fuel sensor reads too low, typically because that line or the sensor cell is shorted to ground. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P2252?
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 P2252 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P2252 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 P2252 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 P2252 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.