P2A31 code meaning
Alternative Fuel Tank Shutoff Valve E Control Circuit High
Powertrain system Generic code P2Axx codes Check engine light
What P2A31 means
P2A31 closes the shutoff valve series with the high fault on valve E: the module measures voltage on the control wire where none should be. TransEco names a short to power and lights the MIL while the gas system continues; it prints P2A21 beside the code. Ford's Boss 302S list includes P2A31 without a MIL marker. In operation this can mean that cylinder E keeps supplying gas when the module wants it locked, for example after the inertia switch has tripped, the device through which Ford cut gas on its 2003 bi-fuel CNG vehicles. In the J2012 range the AFCM power relay codes follow from P2A32 onwards. P2A30 is the low-side code for the same valve, P2A2D the high fault on valve D.
P2A31 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyHard
- Typical labor0.5 to 3 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P2A31
- Check engine light
- Cylinder E not locked when it should be
Common causes of P2A31
- Most likelyValve E wire shorted to a voltage source
- PossibleDriver for valve E in the module stuck on
- Less likelyValve E fed from a wrong circuit after an upfit
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Alt fuel tank shutoff valve eWiring harnessAfcm
What each part of P2A31 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 2 | Generic code (second SAE range): it means the same on every make. |
| A | Area: hybrid propulsion. |
| 31 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P2A31 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 P2A31
What does P2A31 mean?
P2A31 means "Alternative Fuel Tank Shutoff Valve E Control Circuit High". P2A31 closes the shutoff valve series with the high fault on valve E: the module measures voltage on the control wire where none should be. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P2A31?
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 P2A31 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P2A31 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 P2A31 to fix?
Difficulty: hard. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 3 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P2A31 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.