My check engine light came on today, the code.

Tiny
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  • MEMBER
  • 2006 KIA OPTIMA
  • 77,000 MILES
My check engine light came on today, the code is p2187 and from my research I see that it could be a few possible things, including an oxygen sensor or vacuum hose. Can I damage my car by driving with this code for another week until I can get it into the shop?
Thursday, December 13th, 2012 AT 12:40 AM

3 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
DTC P2187 SYSTEM TOO LEAN AT IDLE (--ADDITIVE) (BANK 1)

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
In order to provide the best possible combination of driveablity, fuel economy and emission control, the ECM uses a closed loop air/fuel metering system. The ECM monitors the HO2S signal voltage and adjusts fuel delivery based it in closed loop fuel control. Changes in fuel delivery will be indicated by the long-term and the short-term fuel trim values. The ideal fuel trim value is around 0%. The ECM will add fuel when the HO2S signal is indicating a lean condition. Additional fuel is indicated by fuel trim values that are above 0%. The ECM will reduce fuel when the HO2S signal is indicating a rich condition. Reduction in fuel is indicated by fuel trim values that are below 0%. The DTC relevant to fuel trim will be set when the amount reaches excessive levels because of a lean or rich condition.

DTC DESCRIPTION
If the lambda controller reaches the maximum or minimum threshold, then feedback control is no longer possible and emissions will be increased. The ECM sets DTC P2187 if no proportional post catalyst fuel trim adaptation occurs for a defined time after the lambda controller has reached its maximum threshold at idle.

DTC Detecting Condition

SIGNAL WAVEFORM AND DATA

Scan Tool Display for HO2S

Scan Tool Display for MAF

Scan Tool Display for TPS1 & TPS2

MONITOR DTC STATUS

NOTE: If any codes relating to Rear HO2S or TWC(Three Way Catalyst Converter) are stored, do ALL REPAIRS associated with those codes before proceeding with this troubleshooting tree.

Connect scan tool and select "Diagnostic Trouble Codes(DTCs)" mode.
Press F4(DTAL) to select DTC information from the DTCs menu.
Confirm that "DTC Readiness Flag" indicates "Complete". If not, drive the vehicle within conditions noted in the freeze frame data or enable conditions.
Read "DTC Status" parameter.
Is parameter displayed "History(Not Present) fault"?

NOTE:

History (Not Present) fault :DTC occurred but has been cleared.
Present fault :DTC is occurring at present time.

YES - Fault is intermittent caused by poor contact in the sensor's and/or ECM's connector or was repaired and ECM memory was not cleared. Thoroughly check connectors for looseness, poor connection, bending, corrosion, contamination, deterioration, or damage. Repair or replace as necessary and then go to "Verification of Vehicle Repair" procedure.

NO - Go to next step as below.

MONITOR ACTUATION TEST

NOTE: The main purpose of this test is to identify potential engine mechanical condition problems and fuel and ignition systems problems that are not common to all cylinders. For best results, perform this test while maintaining as steady an rpm reading as possible.

WARNING: Before beginning tests; set the parking brake, place gear selector in P or N and block drive wheels for safety.

Warm up the engine to normal operating temperature and let it idle.
Install Scan Tool and select "INJECTOR #1" parameter on the Actuation Test mode shown in the figure.
Monitor engine rpm and shut off the injector #1 by pressing "STRT(F1)" key
Repeat procedure on all injectors and record the engine rpm.

Specification : All cylinders should show an even RPM drop.

Was each cylinder's rpm drop within the same value?

YES - Go to next step as below

NO

Cylinders with the least amount of RPM drop are not contributing their share of power.
Go to "Fuel System Inspection" procedure.

NOTE: If the RPM loss between cylinders is quite large(200 RPM or more) and engine has high mileage, there is possibility of engine wear. Perform compression test with pressure gauge to check the engine wear

CHECK INTAKE/EXHAUST SYSTEM FOR LEAKAGE

Visually/physically inspect the air leakage in intake/exhaust system for the following areas:

Vacuum hoses for splits, kinks and improper connections.
Throttle body gasket
Gasket between intake manifold and cylinder head
Seals between intake manifold and fuel injectors
Exhaust system between HO2S and Three way catalyst for air leakage

Was a problem found in any of the above areas?

YES - Replace or repair as necessary and go to "Verification of Vehicle Repair" procedure

NO - Go to next step as below

Inspect the leakage in EVAP system for the following conditions:

Remove the manifold side vacuum hose from the EVAP canister purge valve.
Using a hand vacuum pump apply specified vacuum(Approx. 15 in. Hg ) to the manifold side of the valve
Does the valve hold vacuum?

YES - Go to next step as below

NO - Repair air leakage and go to "Verification of Vehicle Repair" procedure

SENSOR INSPECTION

NOTE: Refer to "Signal Waveform & Data" in the "General Information" procedure

Visually/physically inspect the front HO2S for the following conditions:

Ensure that the HO2S is securely installed.
Silicon contamination. This contamination will be indicated by a white powdery coating on the portion of the sensor exposed to the exhaust stream and this will result in a but false(high) voltage signal
Fuel, engine coolant or oil contamination
Use of improper sealant
If contamination is evident on the HO2S, Fix the source of the sensor contamination before replacing the sensor to prevent future contamination. Go to "Verification of Vehicle Repair" procedure.

Visually/physically inspect the MAFS for the following conditions:

Contamination or deterioration
Poor connection or damaged harness

Check for an intermittent TPS1 false signal. TPS1 signal displayed on a scantool should increase steadily when depressing accelerator pedal after starting.
Verify that the ECM ground connections are clean and properly tightened.
If test result is NG, repair or replace as necessary and go to "Verification of Vehicle Repair" procedure. If OK, go to next step as below.

NOTE: If the contamination is evident on the HO2S or MAFS. Fix the source of the sensor contamination before replacing the sensor to prevent future contamination.

POSITIVE CRANKCASE VENTILATION SYSTEM INSPECTION

Check the engine oil level. The oil level should be between the min. And max. Marking. Fill to the correct oil level
Check crankcase ventilation valve for improper installation, damaged O-rings and malfunctioning
Warm up the engine to normal operating temperature
Connect Scantool and note the "SHORT TERM FUEL-B1" parameter on the Scantool data list.
Disconnect and plug the positive crankcase ventilation at the intake manifold side
Monitor the "SHORT TERM FUEL-B1" parameter on the Scantool data list once again.

Specification : The value should remain more or less unchanged

Is the displayed value within the specified value?

YES - Go to next step as below

NO - Check the PCV(Positive Crankcase Ventilation) valve for operation properly. If OK, check that engine oil is diluted with fuel. Change the oil or filter as necessary and go to "Verification of Vehicle Repair" procedure

FUEL SYSTEM INSPECTION

Fuel Line Pressure Inspection

Check the fuel for excessive water, alcohol, or other contaminants. Replace contaminated fuel as necessary.
Install a fuel pressure gauge
Inspect fuel pressure with normal idle status

Specification : 338 - 348 kPa (3.45 - 3.55 kg/sq. Cm)

Is fuel pressure within the specified value?

YES - Go to next step as below

NO - Inspect the suspected area. Refer to table. Repair or replace as necessary and go to "Verification of Vehicle Repair" procedure.

Fuel pressure Hold Inspection.

Stop the engine and check for a change in the fuel pressure gauge reading.

Specification : After engine stops, the gauge reading should hold for minimum 5 minutes

Is fuel pressure within the specified value?

YES - Visually/physically inspect the engine mechanical problem. Repair as necessary and go to "Verification of Vehicle Repair" procedure

NO - Inspect the leakage or malfunctioning of suspected area. Refer to table. Repair or replace as necessary and go to "Verification of Vehicle Repair" procedure.

VERIFICATION OF VEHICLE REPAIR
After a repair, it is essential to verify that the fault has been corrected.

Connect scan tool and select "Diagnostic Trouble Codes(DTCs)" mode.
Press F4(DTAL) and confirm that "DTC Readiness Flag" indicates "Complete". If not, drive the vehicle within conditions noted in the freeze frame data or enable conditions.
Read "DTC Status" parameter.
Is parameter displayed "History(Not Present) fault"?

YES - System performing to specification at this time. Clear the DTC

NO - Go to the applicable troubleshooting procedure.

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Thursday, December 13th, 2012 AT 12:54 AM
Tiny
ALLISONWILSON
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Thank you for the timely reply which has been very helpful. I will be taking it into the shop in a week where they will fix all of the problems because it is under warranty, fortunately. Can driving with this code over the next week damage my car or engine? I don't plan on driving excessively, only to work and back. The dealership told me it wouldn't effect it, I can still drive on it and it's nothing major with the car. Is this true?
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Thursday, December 13th, 2012 AT 1:08 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
You can drive it for the week. It should be ok?

Roy
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Thursday, December 13th, 2012 AT 1:10 AM

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