P2A97 code meaning
Alternative Fuel Tank Select Valve B Control Circuit Low
Powertrain system Generic code P2Axx codes Check engine light
What P2A97 means
P2A97 indicates that the drive line of tank select valve B reads too low. If the module feeds the valve from the positive side, a short to ground in the wire or a coil with shorted windings drags the output down, and the stage switches off to protect itself, so valve B falls back to its spring position. If the module switches the ground side instead, the same short can hold the valve energised all the time. The practical effect is that the choice of vessel no longer follows the strategy: in the staged scheme Cespira patented for two gas supplies, the controller cannot react when a supply reaches its lower pressure limit. No manufacturer documents P2A97. Look for chafing where the harness crosses tank straps and brackets. P2A98 is the high counterpart.
P2A97 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyHard
- Typical labor1 to 4 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P2A97
- Malfunction lamp on
- Tank change does not happen or happens at the wrong time
- Gas mode ends early with fuel still on board
Common causes of P2A97
- Most likelyWire to valve B chafed against a tank strap or bracket
- PossibleShorted windings in the coil of valve B
- Less likelyMoisture bridging the pins of the valve B plug
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Alt fuel tank select valve bWiring harnessAfcm
What each part of P2A97 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. |
| 97 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P2A97 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 P2A97
What does P2A97 mean?
P2A97 means "Alternative Fuel Tank Select Valve B Control Circuit Low". P2A97 indicates that the drive line of tank select valve B reads too low. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P2A97?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P2A97 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P2A97 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P2A97 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 P2A97 to fix?
Difficulty: hard. A typical repair takes 1 to 4 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P2A97 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.