What is P2279 fault code and what does it mean? What is the description of an Intake Air System Leakage? How do you fix the P2279 fault code What are the causes and symptoms of the P2279 error code?
What is the P2279 fault code? What does it all mean?
A code P2279 is an indication that the powertrain management module (PCM), has found a vacuum leak inside the engine. This means that unmetered air has entered it. This means that there is more air entering the intake manifold then the mass air flow sensor (MAF) or manifold absolute (MAP) sensors calculate.
Modern vehicles require that the PCM can accurately measure the volume and amount of gasoline entering an engine in order to make it run efficiently. It is crucial to determine the volume of air entering an engine in order for it to produce the ideal mixture of fuel and air.
Modern engines have a MAF sensor, or MAP sensor on older models to measure the airflow into the intake manifold. The intake air temperature sensor (IAT) is used to monitor temperature. Because the volume and density of the air entering the engine are directly affected by its temperature, the IAT sensor can also be used to monitor temperature. The barometric pressure (BARO), sensors can also be used to measure atmospheric pressure. As the air’s volume and density decreases with elevation, (or above sea level), so are their prices. All these sensors are used by the PCM for calculating the volume, density, and temperature of the air entering an engine. Based on these values, the PCM determines the amount of fuel that will be injected into the engine.
This sensor uses either a hot wire, or a film. The MAP sensor measures pressure in the manifold. The PCM heats the nickel foil or platinum wire in the MAF sensor to a preset temperature. The PCM maintains the temperature by altering the voltage according the flow of air through the wire. The engine’s temperature, volume, and density are indicated by the change in resistance. Based on these changes, the PCM adjusts injector timing.
The PCM uses oxygen sensors (O2) to monitor the amount and fuel ratio in the exhaust. O2 sensors can detect excess air in the exhaust system and will tell the PCM to run the engine in a lean mixture (air with too little fuel). The PCM can’t monitor every area where unmetered air could enter the engine. If it finds a mismatch between data from the sensors, and the air entering an engine, the PCM concludes there is an issue with the intake air systems. It is unable to control the air-fuel mixture effectively and assigns fault code P2279.
Note: It is necessary to find the source of the air leak between MAF sensor and throttle body. This code is not activated by air filters, hoses to MAF sensors, or the throttle body that have air leaks.
The P2279 fault code can affect vehicles of all makes and models, including but not limited to: Honda, Acura (VW), Audi, Saab (VW), Suzuki, Chevrolet, Peugeot, Mercedes, Ford, Nissan, Porsche, Jaguar, Vauxhall, Opel, and Mercedes.
What causes the P2279 Fault code?
These are just some of the possible causes for P2279 codes. But, be aware that it is not an exhaustive list and that there may be other vacuum leaks that require professional assistance or special equipment.
- – Leaky intake manifold gaskets
- – MAF, IAT, or other related sensors are defective
- – Leaky throttle body gaskets
- – Leaky fuel injector gaskets
- – Vacuum line for brake booster vacuum leak
- – A damaged or leaked brake booster diaphragm
- Defective components in the turbo control and/or intake flow control system
- – Defective PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) valve
- – Punctured, split, dislodged or damaged vacuum lines/hoses in engine vacuum system/EVAP system between the EVAP purge vale and the intake manifold
- – Oil filler cap gasket damaged
- Cracked intake manifold
What are the symptoms of the P2279 Fault Code?
These symptoms may be present if you own a vehicle with fault code P2279:
- – Illumination at the check engine lights
- Engine stalling is when the vehicle slows down, or stops.
- – Fluctuations at idle speed
- – Insufficient power in the engine
- – Acceleration: Hesitation or stumbling
- Engine misfires
- – Air leaks can cause hissing sounds
- – Increased fuel consumption
- – Hardening your brake pedal
How do I fix the P2279 fault code?
There are several repairs that can resolve the P2279 fault code.
- – Replace or repair the PCV valve/hose
- Repair of leaking intake manifolds and throttle gaskets
- – Replacing faulty MAF,MAP or other sensors
- – Reintroduce the throttle position to PCM
- – Replacing the damaged intake tube
- – Repair and replacement of fuel injectors with leaks
- – Replacing defective brake booster components
How serious is the P2279 Fault code?
The P2279 signal indicates that the PCM detected too much air in the engine and is diagnosing it as a vacuum leak. Too much air causes an engine to lean towards a lean mixture, misfires, stalling, and irregular idling. You must immediately correct the problem or you will lose your ability to drive the vehicle.
