Code
P22C1
Generic
P — Powertrain
O2 Sensor Negative Current Control Circuit High Bank 2 Sensor 2
AI status
Completed
Completed
100%
Causes
- Faulty bank 2 sensor 2 (wideband/UEGO)
- Open, short or high-resistance wiring in sensor negative current/control circuit
- Corroded or loose sensor connector or grounding point
- Failed sensor heater or supply circuit fault
- Exhaust leaks near the sensor or damaged sensor harness from heat/abrasion
- Contaminated sensor (oil, coolant, silicone or fuel additives)
Symptoms
- MIL (check engine light) illuminated
- Possible failed emissions test or elevated tailpipe emissions
- Stored O2 sensor-related fault codes and freeze-frame data showing abnormal sensor values
- Possible poor fuel trim behavior or drivability issues (less common with downstream sensor)
- Reduced fuel economy (in some systems)
What to check
- Read and record all stored/related DTCs and freeze-frame data with a capable scan tool (include live data and fuel trims)
- Confirm which physical sensor is Bank 2 Sensor 2 (downstream) before proceeding
- Visually inspect sensor connector and wiring for damage, corrosion, burns, or pin platen issues
- Check for exhaust leaks near the downstream sensor that could affect readings
- Inspect ECM grounds and power feeds related to sensor circuits
- Using a scan tool, monitor sensor parameters (pump current, sensor voltage, heater status) while engine is warm and under known conditions
Signal parameters
- Sensor type: downstream O2 (Bank 2 Sensor 2) — often UEGO/wideband on modern systems
- Sensor output: linear UEGO signal; expected to vary near nominal values when system is healthy (specific values vehicle-dependent)
- Pump/negative current: normally controlled around zero with small positive/negative excursions; sustained high negative current triggers the fault
- Heater circuit: when commanded on, heater supply should be near battery voltage and the heater current within manufacturer spec
- Control/reference signals: ECM should command and measure pump current; abnormal reading suggests wiring, sensor or ECM issue
Diagnostic algorithm
- Confirm the code and freeze-frame data with a scan tool. Record live data for Bank 2 Sensor 2 (pump current, sensor voltage, heater status, and comparison to Bank 1 Sensor 2 if available).
- Perform a thorough visual inspection of the sensor connector, wiring, and nearby heat sources. Repair any obvious damage, corrosion, or chafing.
- Check power and ground circuits: verify sensor heater supply fuse/relay, measure voltage at the connector with key on/engine off and while commanded on. Verify ECM ground integrity.
- Measure continuity and resistance between the sensor negative/current control pin and the ECM pin; check for shorts to battery, ignition, or chassis ground.
- Perform a wiggle test on harness and connector while watching live data to reveal intermittent faults.
- If wiring and power/ground are good, test or bench-test the sensor per manufacturer procedure (measure pump cell current behavior or swap with a known-good identical sensor if available and harnesses are the same).
- Check for exhaust leaks or catalytic converter damage that could cause abnormal downstream readings; repair as required.
- If sensor replacement is required, install a correct OE or OE-equivalent downstream sensor, clear codes and road-test to verify. If new sensor shows same fault and wiring is confirmed good, suspect ECM fault and consider module diagnostics or replacement.
- After repairs, erase codes and confirm no reoccurrence after a full drive cycle and that emissions-related monitors complete.
Likely causes
- Damaged or chafed wiring to Bank 2 Sensor 2 causing intermittent short to voltage/ground
- Connector corrosion or water intrusion at the sensor
- Sensor element failure (pump cell or internal electronics) after prolonged service
- Failed heater or blown fuse affecting sensor performance
- Exhaust manifold/header or gasket leak upstream of the sensor causing abnormal readings
Fault status
Status
O2 Sensor Negative Current Control Circuit High — Bank 2 Sensor 2
Repair difficulty: Medium
Diagnostic time: 1-3 hours
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