P2359 code meaning
Cylinder 10 Pressure Variation Low
Powertrain system Generic code P23xx codes Check engine light
What P2359 means
P2359 means the pressure trace of cylinder 10 changes too little: the build-up through compression and combustion is flatter than the ECM expects. No manufacturer documents this code for cylinder 10. Saab's 9-5 diesel lists the cylinder-1 analogue P039C with three sub-types, 00, 01 and 02, and counts it as a signal performance fault that reacts after 0.2 s out of range; what separates the sub-types is not explained there. BorgWarner's sensor glow plug passes the pressure through a flexible heater rod onto a measuring diaphragm, so a rod jammed by carbon or a stiff diaphragm flattens the curve. A cylinder with hardly any compression looks the same. In a V10 firing 1-6-5-10-2-7-3-8-4-9, as Ford's 6.8 L and Audi's 5.2 do, cylinder 10 is the fourth to fire.
P2359 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyMedium
- Typical labor1 to 3.5 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P2359
- Check engine light on
- Engine behaviour usually unchanged
Common causes of P2359
- Most likelyHeater rod stuck in carbon, pressure no longer reaches the diaphragm
- PossibleSensing element has lost sensitivity
- Less likelyCylinder 10 builds up hardly any pressure
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Cylinder pressure sensor glow plugSensor wiringEngine control moduleFuel injector
What each part of P2359 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 2 | Generic code (second SAE range): it means the same on every make. |
| 3 | Area: ignition system or misfire. |
| 59 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P2359 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 P2359
What does P2359 mean?
P2359 means "Cylinder 10 Pressure Variation Low". P2359 means the pressure trace of cylinder 10 changes too little: the build-up through compression and combustion is flatter than the ECM expects. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P2359?
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 P2359 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P2359 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 P2359 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 1 to 3.5 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P2359 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.