OBD-II reference

All 9.533 generic OBD-II codes, explained in detail.

Causes, inspection steps and sources — a comprehensive DIY archive. Created and maintained with love for the detail. Good luck and have fun!

Powertrain generic / SAE

P230B

Cylinder 2 Air-Fuel Ratio Imbalance Adjustment At Limit During Balance

The ECU continuously trims individual cylinders to equalise air-fuel ratio across the bank using ion-current or per-cylinder lambda feedback. For cylinder 2 the per-cylinder fuel correction has hit its software-side maximum or minimum without restoring balance, indicating the underlying mechanical or fuelling deviation is too large to compensate.

SystemPowertrain
Typegeneric / SAE
GroupP2
Range / number3 / 0B

Possible causes

  • Fuel injector for cylinder 2 has drifted in flow rate high
  • Local intake or vacuum leak at cylinder 2 medium
  • Reduced compression on cylinder 2 medium

Inspection / repair

  • Difficulty: medium
  • DIY: shop recommended
  • Estimated cost: 200–1200 €
  • Estimated time: 1–4 h
  • Component: fuel injector cyl 2
  • Component: intake manifold
  • Component: cylinder compression
  • Component: per cylinder lambda strategy
  • MIL / check engine light
  • emissions-relevant

Sources

References

How to read OBD-II codes

The first letter names the vehicle system, the second digit distinguishes generic from manufacturer-specific, the remaining digits group fault area and number.

PPowertrain: engine, transmission, emissions
BBody: chassis trim, comfort, interior
CChassis: suspension, brakes, steering
UNetwork: CAN, control modules, communication