OBD-II code · Powertrain (generic, extended)
P2188 System Too Rich at Idle (Bank 1)
Fuel trim on bank 1 hits the rich limit only at idle. Often a leaking injector dribbling fuel at low load, a sticky purge valve dumping fuel vapour, or fuel pressure regulator that fails to relieve pressure when intake vacuum is high.
Is it safe to drive with P2188?
Usually safe to drive in the short term. Get it diagnosed when convenient, sooner if the car drives differently.
Common causes
- Most likelyLeaking injector at idle
- PossiblePurge valve stuck open
Symptoms
- Check engine light on
- Increased fuel consumption
- Black smoke from exhaust on acceleration
- Smell of unburned fuel, fouled spark plugs
Repair at a glance
- Difficulty
- Medium
- DIY friendly
- Often, with basic tools
- Typical labour
- 0.5–3.5 h
- Emissions test
- Likely to fail
- After the fix
- A drive cycle is needed before the light stays off
- Parts involved
- Fuel Injector, Evap Purge Valve, Fuel Pressure Regulator
Related codes
- P0172System Too Rich (Bank 1)
- P2190System Too Rich at Idle (Bank 2)
- P2185Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor 2 Circuit High
- P2186Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor 2 Circuit Low
- P2187System Too Lean at Idle (Bank 1)
- P2189System Too Lean at Idle (Bank 2)
- P218AThrottle Actuator B Control System - Idle Position Not Learned
- P218BThrottle/Fuel Inhibit B Circuit
Code data: OBDex open dataset (CC0). Labour times are typical ranges, not a quote.