P2E6B code meaning
System Too Rich During Cylinder Deactivation Bank 2
Powertrain system Generic code P2Exx codes Check engine light
What P2E6B means
P2E6B closes the set: bank 2 runs rich while cylinders are switched off. GM's 19OBDG07 tables (4.2-litre twin-turbo V8, LTA) fail the test when bank 2's deactivation-mode trim factor falls below 0.77 and has settled; Type B, two trips, same enable conditions as the other three codes. Typical systems keep the valves of the idle cylinders shut and stop fuelling them, so the shut cylinders act as air springs; if a valve or injector of a cylinder that should be off keeps working, measured air and real air per firing cylinder no longer match. Compared with P2E69 the fault sits on the other bank; a rich result on both banks suggests a common source such as purge vapour or fuel-diluted oil. GM calls the system Active Fuel Management.
P2E6B at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyHard
- Typical labor1 to 8 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P2E6B
- Check engine light after two trips
- Higher fuel consumption on the highway
- Possible sooty tailpipe on bank 2 side
Common causes of P2E6B
- Most likelyLeaking injector on bank 2, including one on a cylinder that should be shut off
- PossibleDeactivation rocker or its oil-control solenoid not switching on one cylinder
- PossibleExcess purge vapour or fuel-diluted engine oil
- Less likelyBank 2 oxygen sensor reading biased lean
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Fuel injectorsDeactivation solenoidsIntake system
What each part of P2E6B means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 2 | Generic code (second SAE range): it means the same on every make. |
| 6B | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P2E6B 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 P2E6B
What does P2E6B mean?
P2E6B means "System Too Rich During Cylinder Deactivation Bank 2". P2E6B closes the set: bank 2 runs rich while cylinders are switched off. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P2E6B?
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 P2E6B fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P2E6B 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 P2E6B to fix?
Difficulty: hard. A typical repair takes 1 to 8 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P2E6B 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.