P2DEA code meaning
Cylinder 1 Intake Valve Lift Range/Performance
Powertrain system Generic code P2Dxx codes Check engine light
What P2DEA means
P2DEA says the intake valves of cylinder 1 do not reach the lift the engine computer asks for, or get there too slowly. It is the first of a row of per-cylinder lift checks. CARB's rule for valve timing and lift systems demands that such systems be watched for missing the commanded position and for reacting too slowly, and explicitly lists one cylinder's lift pin failing to move as a case the failure analysis must cover. A GM patent shows how such a single-cylinder fault can be found without extra sensors: crank speed yields each cylinder's indicated mean effective pressure, and if its coefficient of variation does not shift by roughly 5 percent after a commanded lift change, that cylinder is flagged as stuck in high or low lift. No manufacturer documents P2DEA publicly. Expect rough running, a cylinder 1 misfire and the lamp.
P2DEA at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyHard
- Typical labor1 to 8 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P2DEA
- Check engine light on
- Rough idle or shaking at low load
- Misfire code for cylinder 1 at the same time
Common causes of P2DEA
- Most likelySwitching element or hydraulic link of cylinder 1 sticking (sludge, wear)
- PossibleLow oil level, wrong oil or restricted oil feed to the lift actuator
- PossibleCylinder 1 lift solenoid sluggish though electrically intact
- Less likelyDamaged cam follower, valve spring or lifter on cylinder 1
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Intake valve lift actuator cyl 1VVT system
What each part of P2DEA means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 2 | Generic code (second SAE range): it means the same on every make. |
| EA | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P2DEA 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 P2DEA
What does P2DEA mean?
P2DEA means "Cylinder 1 Intake Valve Lift Range/Performance". P2DEA says the intake valves of cylinder 1 do not reach the lift the engine computer asks for, or get there too slowly. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P2DEA?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P2DEA the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P2DEA fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P2DEA 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 P2DEA to fix?
Difficulty: hard. A typical repair takes 1 to 8 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P2DEA clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.