OBDHut

OBDHut

P2189

Moderate

System Too Lean at Idle Bank 2

What Does P2189 Mean?

The PCM is adding excessive fuel (positive long-term fuel trim) at idle to compensate for a lean condition on Bank 2. The air/fuel mixture contains too much air or insufficient fuel at idle speeds only on the Bank 2 cylinder bank.

Common Causes

40%

Vacuum leak specific to Bank 2 intake runners or gaskets

Intake Manifold Gasket
Vacuum Hoses Bank 2

25%

Clogged or restricted fuel injectors on Bank 2 cylinders

Bank 2 Fuel Injectors

15%

Low fuel pressure or weak fuel pump affecting Bank 2

Fuel Pump
Fuel Pressure Regulator

15%

Exhaust leak before Bank 2 oxygen sensor

Bank 2 Exhaust Manifold Gasket

5%

Failed Bank 2 oxygen sensor providing false rich reading

Bank 2 Oxygen Sensor

Diagnostic Steps

1

Step 1: Compare Bank 1 and Bank 2 fuel trim values at idle; Bank 2 should show significantly higher positive LTFT if lean

2

Step 2: Perform smoke test or propane enrichment focused on Bank 2 intake manifold area and vacuum connections

3

Step 3: Check for exhaust leaks specific to Bank 2 (passenger side on most engines) before upstream O2 sensor

4

Step 4: Test fuel injector resistance and flow balance for Bank 2 cylinders; clean or replace as needed

5

Step 5: Verify fuel pressure meets specification; monitor Bank 2 O2 sensor response to rule out sensor malfunction

Estimated Repair Cost

$100 - $850

Parts + labor, varies by vehicle and location

Frequently Asked Questions

What does P2189 mean?

The PCM is adding excessive fuel (positive long-term fuel trim) at idle to compensate for a lean condition on Bank 2. The air/fuel mixture contains too much air or insufficient fuel at idle speeds only on the Bank 2 cylinder bank.

What causes P2189?

The most common cause of P2189 (System Too Lean at Idle Bank 2) is: Vacuum leak specific to Bank 2 intake runners or gaskets

How much does it cost to fix P2189?

Typical repair costs for P2189 range from $100 to $850, depending on the vehicle, location, and whether you do it yourself or go to a shop.

Is it safe to drive with P2189?

Safe to drive but may experience rough idle, misfires on Bank 2 cylinders, or hesitation. Prolonged lean operation can damage catalytic converter and cause Bank 2 cylinders to overheat.

How do I diagnose P2189?

Start by connecting an OBD2 scanner to read the code and any freeze frame data. Then follow the diagnostic steps specific to P2189 to identify the root cause.

OBDHut Mobile App

Scan codes directly from your car with the OBDHut app.

Coming Soon

Quick Info

Category

Powertrain

System

Fuel System

Difficulty

Moderate

Type

Generic (SAE)

Recommended Tools

OBD2 Scanner

A quality scan tool helps you read codes, view live data, and clear faults.