Code
P2431
Generic
P — Powertrain
AIR System Air Flow/Pressure Sensor Circuit Range/Performance Bank 1
AI status
Completed
Completed
100%
Causes
- Faulty AIR air flow/pressure sensor (Bank 1)
- Open, shorted, corroded or damaged wiring/connector to the sensor
- Blocked, restricted or leaking AIR plumbing (hoses, check valve, fittings)
- Secondary air pump failure or intermittent operation
- Faulty AIR control valve / solenoid or stuck valve
- PCM or grounds faulty (less common)
Symptoms
- MIL (Check Engine Light) illuminated
- Failed emissions test or increased tailpipe emissions
- Secondary air pump runs but diagnostic data shows no/low pressure or no change in sensor output
- Rough cold idle or extended enrichment during cold start (if AIR system not supplying air)
- Audible pump or valve noise if mechanical failure present
What to check
- Read freeze frame and live data for AIR flow/pressure sensor values and related AIR system PIDs
- Confirm the code is current vs. historic and check readiness/other stored codes
- Visually inspect sensor connector and wiring for corrosion, damage, pin push-out, or water entry
- Command the secondary air pump and AIR control valve with a scan tool while monitoring the sensor output
- Perform a smoke test or visual inspection of AIR hoses, check valve and fittings for leaks, restrictions or collapsed hose
- Measure sensor supply voltage, reference ground and signal with a multimeter/oscilloscope.
Signal parameters
- Typical sensor signal: 0–5.0 V (varies by manufacturer); expected to change when pump/valve operate (low-to-high or proportional to pressure)
- Key‑On/Engine‑Off: sensor may show baseline voltage (often ~0.5–1.0 V) with no AIR pump pressure
- With AIR pump active: signal should change smoothly within the sensor’s voltage range; sudden open-circuit (~5 V) or short (~0 V) indicates wiring/sensor fault
- Some systems use a frequency or PWM-type output — check factory spec for exact voltage/frequency/pressure map
Diagnostic algorithm
- Retrieve and record freeze frame/livedata for AIR sensor and related AIR system PIDs; note when the code set.
- Perform visual inspection of the sensor, connector and wiring on Bank 1 for obvious damage, corrosion, rodent chew, or pin issues.
- With ignition ON, measure sensor supply voltage (usually 5 V reference) and ground at the connector; confirm presence and good ground.
- Back-probe the sensor signal and observe voltage with engine off, then command the AIR pump/valve ON with a scanner or run the pump (as applicable). Verify the sensor voltage changes as expected.
- If signal does not change or is out of range, unplug sensor and measure for open/short to power or ground. Repair wiring as needed.
- If wiring and connectors are good but signal is still invalid, remove and bench-test or replace the AIR flow/pressure sensor per OE procedure.
- Inspect AIR system plumbing: check valve(s), hoses, check valve operation and pump output. Use a pressure gauge or vacuum/pressure source at the sensor port to confirm sensor response.
- After repairs, clear codes, perform functional test by commanding pump/valve and confirm sensor behavior returns to specification; road-test as required and verify readiness monitors pass.
Likely causes
- Damaged connector or corroded terminals at the sensor
- Failed or contaminated air flow/pressure sensor
- Blocked hose or failed check valve preventing expected pressure/flow change when pump runs
- Intermittent wiring short to ground or power causing out-of-range voltage readings
Fault status
Status
P2431 – AIR System Air Flow/Pressure Sensor Circuit Range/Performance (Bank 1): PCM detected sensor output outside expected range or inconsistent with AIR system operation.
Repair difficulty: Medium
Diagnostic time: 1.0-2.5 hours
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