The P219A is a generic diagnostic trouble code (DTC) that stands for Fuel Trim Cylinder Balance Bank 1 – Malfunction. It means that the vehicle’s computer has detected some issues with the fuel delivery system. Meaning, there can be too much fuel or too little fuel in the cylinder.
Read on to find out more about the P219A trouble code, what causes it, what are the symptoms, and how to fix it.
What Does The P219A Trouble Code Mean?
The P219A refers to Fuel Trim Cylinder Balance Bank 1 – Malfunction which means that there are some issues with the fuel delivery system, which in most cases refers to the fuel injectors. This code is triggered when the fuel present in the cylinder is greater or lesser than what the vehicle’s computer commanded.
Which Models Are Affected By The P219A Trouble Code
| Make | Affected By P219A Code |
|---|---|
| Toyota | Yes |
| Nissan | Yes |
| Chevrolet | Yes |
| BMW | Yes |
| Audi | Yes |
| Buick | Yes |
| Mercedes | Yes |
| GMC | Yes |
| Suzuki | Yes |
| Tata | Yes |
| Lexus | Yes |
| Mazda | Yes |
| Mitsubishi | Yes |
| Kia | Yes |
| Jeep | Yes |
| Fiat | Yes |
| Honda | Yes |
| Hyundai | Yes |
| Opel | Yes |
| Ford | Yes |
| Fiat | Yes |
| Peugeot | Yes |
What Are The Possible Causes of The P219A Trouble Code?
The P219A trouble code is caused by the incorrect amount of fuel present in the cylinder before combustion. This means that there could be too little or too much fuel which is not what the vehicle’s computer has ordered.
Possible causes of the P219A trouble code include:
- Clogged or faulty fuel injector
- Bad fuel pump
- Low fuel pressure
- Dirty fuel filter
- Vacuum leak
- Leaky canister purge valve
- Exhaust leak
- Intake leak
- Bad spark plugs
- Damaged ignition coil
What Are The Common Symptoms of The P219A Trouble Code?
The most common symptoms of the P219A trouble code include:
- Check engine light
- Increased fuel consumption
- Engine hesitation (especially when accelerating)
- Misfire
- Rough idle
- The smell of fuel inside the car (unburnt fuel)
- No start
Is It Safe To Drive With a P219A Trouble Code
It is safe to drive with a P219A trouble code, however, due to the imbalance of fuel in the cylinder, the ride will not be smooth and the fuel consumption can be through the roof. When a vehicle throws a P219A code, you should go to the repair shop and have it fixed.
The P219A code will not cause any instantaneous engine damage, but it can cause a no-start which can be quite inconvenient.
How To Diagnose The P219A Trouble Code
Here is how to diagnose a P219A trouble code:
- Scan the vehicle with an OBD2 scanner to verify that you have a P219A Fuel Trim Cylinder Balance Bank 1 – Malfunction trouble code.
- Start the vehicle and open the hood. Look for any broken or loose fuel lines that can contribute to low fuel pressure.
- Check the Ohm resistance on the fuel injectors using a multimeter. The reading should be around 13.
- Remove the fuel filter and inspect it. A clogged fuel filter can cause P219A because it can restrict the fuel flow to the cylinder.
- Turn the ignition key to the ON position and go near the fuel tank to check if the fuel pump engages. It will be a humming noise.
- Remove the spark plugs on the bank 1 side and check the gap and carbon deposit.
- Check the ignition coils, and look for any damage.
- Check for any exhaust or intake leak
How Much Does It Cost To Repair P219A Trouble Code
It costs between $75 – $200 to diagnose the P219A trouble code. However, the cost of repairing P219A will depend on what exactly is causing it. Most often, it will cost around $300 to repair the P219A code, with labor and parts included.
What Repairs Can Fix The P219A Trouble Code
The repairs can that fix the P219A trouble code include:
- Cleaning or replacing the faulty fuel injector
- Changing the dirty fuel filter
- Replacing the fuel pump
- Fixing the leaking canister purge valve
- Replacing any faulty spark plugs
- Replacing any damaged ignition coils
- Replacing any leaking hoses that cause vacuum leaks
How To Fix The P219A Trouble Code
There are a few possible fixes for the P219A depending on what actually caused the code:
- Diagnose the faulty fuel injector by measuring the Ohm resistance using a multimeter to pinpoint the source of the problem and then replace the fuel injector.
- Remove the old fuel filter and replace it with a new one.
- Replace the faulty canister purge valve.
- Remove the spark plugs on bank 1 and measure their gap. Replace the ones that have too much carbon buildup on them and the ones with an increased gap.
- Verify that the fuel pump is not working/not providing enough fuel pressure and replace it.
- Fix or replace any air and fuel hose that can contribute to the fuel imbalance.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, the P219A is a diagnostic trouble code that suggests that there is too much or too little fuel in the cylinder. Something in the fuel system could be clogged and restrict the fuel flow and not enough fuel is getting into the cylinders. The vehicle’s computer will detect this issue and will trigger a check engine light. A technician should look at whatever is causing the restriction of the fuel flow and clean or replace the part.