P2E61 code meaning
Alternative Fuel Misfire Detected With Low Fuel
Powertrain system Generic code P2Exx codes Check engine light
What P2E61 means
P2E61 records misfire that occurs while the engine burns its gaseous fuel and that fuel is almost used up. No manufacturer documents the code publicly. CARB treats a bi-fuel car as alternate-fueled only while it runs on gas and lets makers seek approval to suspend misfire monitoring at 15 % fuel or less, since a nearly empty tank can cause misfire by itself. Ford patents explain it for CNG: the regulator keeps the rail at a few bar, but near 500 psi tank pressure the flow chokes and rail pressure wavers, so metering suffers; one known answer is switching to gasoline at low tank pressure. Another Ford patent reads low rail pressure despite gas in the tank, e.g. from ice, as a supply restriction. Refill and recheck; misfire with ample gas is P2E58 to P2E60.
P2E61 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyEasy, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.2 to 2 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P2E61
- Stumbling or power loss on gas when the gas gauge is near empty
- Vehicle changes over to gasoline on its own
- Check engine light on
Common causes of P2E61
- Most likelyGas tank close to empty, so the regulator can no longer hold rail pressure
- PossibleTank pressure or level signal reads too high, so the system stays on gas too long
- PossibleRestriction in the gas line (clogged filter, ice) that only shows when tank pressure is low
- Less likelyWorn plugs or coils that cannot ignite the leaner gas mixture near empty
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Alt fuel injectorsAlt fuel railIgnition coils
What each part of P2E61 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 2 | Generic code (second SAE range): it means the same on every make. |
| 61 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P2E61 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 P2E61
What does P2E61 mean?
P2E61 means "Alternative Fuel Misfire Detected With Low Fuel". P2E61 records misfire that occurs while the engine burns its gaseous fuel and that fuel is almost used up. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P2E61?
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 P2E61 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P2E61 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 P2E61 to fix?
Difficulty: easy. A typical repair takes 0.2 to 2 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will P2E61 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.