P2242

O2 Sensor Positive Current Control Circuit High Bank 2 Sensor 1

Q: Is it safe to drive with P2242?

For short trips usually, but because this upstream sensor feeds fuel control, the engine may run rough or rich and waste fuel, so don't delay the repair.

Q: Can I just clear P2242?

It returns once the circuit reads high again. The sensor or its wiring must be repaired for the code to stay off.

Fuel & air metering Generic OBD-II Medium

What it means

P2242 means the positive current control circuit of the bank 2, sensor 1 oxygen sensor is reading too high. This is the upstream wide-band air/fuel sensor, whose internal pump circuit lets it measure the exhaust mixture precisely and feed fuel control. A high reading typically means a wiring fault or a failing sensor. The engine still runs, but fueling can be off, causing rough idle, surging, or higher fuel use.

Medium

Can I keep driving? Driveable, but this upstream air/fuel sensor helps control fueling, so you may notice rough idle, surging, or higher fuel use; repair before long trips.

Real-world scan data

Seen in

scans in the past year

Found in

<0.1%

of scans

<0.1%

of scans that found faults

Figures reflect only diagnostic scans recorded through our own apps and tools. Cars are typically scanned because a symptom or warning light prompted it, so these counts describe our scan records — not the incidence of faults in any model, and not the quality, reliability, or safety of any vehicle. No comparison between manufacturers or models is implied. All trademarks belong to their respective owners; no affiliation or endorsement is implied.

Common symptoms

What you'll notice

Check-engine light on
Rough or unstable idle
Surging or hesitation
Higher fuel consumption

Common causes

Most likely first

Faulty wide-band air/fuel (O2) sensor, bank 2 sensor 1Likely
Open or shorted wiring in the positive current control circuitCommon
Poor or corroded connector at the sensorCommon
Exhaust leak near the sensor affecting its operationLess often

How to diagnose & fix

Work through it in order

Read freeze-frame data and inspect the bank 2 sensor 1 connector and wiring for damage, corrosion, or a short.
Check the sensor's current-control circuit voltage and continuity against spec.
Inspect for exhaust leaks near the sensor that can disturb its readings.
Replace the air/fuel (O2) sensor if the current control circuit stays high with confirmed-good wiring.

FAQ

Quick answers

Is it safe to drive with P2242?+

For short trips usually, but because this upstream sensor feeds fuel control, the engine may run rough or rich and waste fuel, so don't delay the repair.

Can I just clear P2242?+

It returns once the circuit reads high again. The sensor or its wiring must be repaired for the code to stay off.

Read & clear P2242 yourself

Scan your car, confirm the code, and clear it once it's fixed — with OBD DashX on your phone.

▶ Get it on Google Play

✓ Verified name — SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6Guidance reviewed by OBD DashX