OBD-II code · Powertrain (generic, extended)
P2173 High Airflow/Vacuum Leak Detected (Slow Accumulation)
Long-term fuel and air adaptation values indicate a slow but continuous excess of air entering the engine. The ECU concludes that an unmetered air leak is gradually growing in the intake system.
Is it safe to drive with P2173?
Usually safe to drive in the short term. Get it diagnosed when convenient, sooner if the car drives differently.
Common causes
- Most likelyCracked vacuum hose or intake gasket
- PossibleDirty mass airflow sensor
Repair at a glance
- Difficulty
- Medium
- DIY friendly
- Often, with basic tools
- Typical labour
- 0.5–2.5 h
- Emissions test
- Likely to fail
- After the fix
- A drive cycle is needed before the light stays off
- Parts involved
- Intake Manifold Gasket, Vacuum Hoses, Throttle Body, Mass Air Flow Sensor
Related codes
- P2170Exhaust Pressure Regulator Vent Solenoid Control Circuit Low
- P2171Exhaust Pressure Regulator Vent Solenoid Control Circuit High
- P2172Throttle Actuator Control System - Sudden High Air Flow Detected
- P2174Throttle Actuator Control System - Sudden Low Air Flow Detected
- P2175Throttle Actuator Control System - Low Air Flow Detected
- P2176Throttle Actuator A Control System - Idle Position Not Learned
Code data: OBDex open dataset (CC0). Labour times are typical ranges, not a quote.