If your car is showing the engine code P2251, you have an issue with your front oxygen sensor. Your sensor might have a faulty harness or electrical connection, or the sensor itself could be faulty and need replacement.

If you have an OBD-II reader, you can read diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) from your engine’s computer. These codes signal issues in your engine that need repair. Usually, your

check engine light will turn on

and prompt you to use an OBD-II reader to see what’s up.

DTCs are only good if you know how to interpret them, so the

car insurance

super app

Jerry

is taking you through an array of engine codes step by step. Today, we are looking at the P2251 engine code—its causes, fixes, and costs.

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What does the engine code P2251 mean?

Definition: O2 sensor negative control circuit open bank 1 sensor 1

The P2251 engine code signals an issue with your front oxygen sensor. Your front oxygen sensor measures the amount of oxygen in your exhaust compared to the outside air and sends a signal to your engine control module (ECM) so that your heated oxygen sensor can adjust the voltage to maintain the ideal air-fuel ratio.

Your engine needs to adhere to an ideal air-fuel ratio to operate properly and efficiently. When this ratio is imbalanced, your engine will become inefficient and your car suffers more

wear and tear

How much will it cost to fix it?

If you need to

replace your oxygen sensor

, expect to pay around $200 to $500 for parts and labor. If you plan to fix the issue yourself, you’ll save money on labor and keep the cost of the repair lower.

MORE:

How can I reduce the costs of car maintenance?

What can cause the engine code P2251?

Here are the potential causes of the P2251 engine code:

Faulty oxygen sensor

Oxygen sensor harness is shorted or open

Oxygen sensor circuit has a poor electrical connection

MORE:

How to understand car OBD codes

Common symptoms of the P2251 engine code

Typically the engine light or

service engine soon warning light

will turn on.

How serious is the P2251 engine code?

The P2251 engine code is not absolutely urgent, but you should have it fixed as soon as possible. In short, leaving the P2251 engine code unfixed could mean your car is running on a non-ideal air-fuel ratio.

Your engine will go through significant wear and tear, which could lead to the need for more

car maintenance

in the future—and your vehicle’s overall value could depreciate more quickly.

Can I fix the P2251 engine code myself?

With that attitude, you sure can! Let’s take a look at what goes into fixing the P2251 engine code:

Locate your vehicle’s front oxygen sensor. Make sure your car is completely cooled before doing this—exhaust is hot!

Examine the oxygen sensor harness and circuit for damage. Maybe your sensor’s harness or circuit is worn or shorted. You might just need to repair or replace these parts as opposed to your entire oxygen sensor.

If you find that your oxygen sensor needs to be replaced, continue with the following:

Disconnect oxygen sensor from electrical connection

Use a ratchet wrench to remove the oxygen sensor

Install new oxygen sensor

Reconnect electrical connection and oxygen sensor

Turn on your car and check that the new sensor works

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