P2098 Code – What Does It Mean & How To Fix It

This is one of the most frequent OBD2 trouble codes. Read the full article below to know what it means, how to fix it, and what other codes may show related to it.

This OBD-II code comes from Bank 2, which has a lambda probe before and after the catalytic converter. The ECM sees if the amount of oxygen in Bank 2 is adequate for several minutes at a high load and then moves on to look at other exhaust gases. If P2098 shows up again, this means the Fuel Trim system is not working correctly.

Causes

Common causes for this code include:

• Broken or loose wiring to the Fuel Trim system or its components (sensors, etc.)
• A vacuum leak in the intake manifold
• Distorted/bad fuel injector(s) 
• Exhaust leaks before and/or after the catalytic converter
• A faulty MAF (Mass Air Flow) sensor
• Faulty Fuel Pressure regulator
• A loose/damaged vacuum hose or disconnected line

Symptoms

The symptoms of a P2098 code are:

• A trouble code is stored and the MIL (Malfunction Indicator Lamp) is illuminated
• Misfire at low RPM (idle)
• Car may not start or run smoothly
• The engine may be sluggish or lack power
• Poor fuel economy
• Red hot catalytic converter

Diagnosis

To diagnose a P2098 DTC code, a technician would:

1. Scan for codes in the ECM and look at the freeze frame data for failure.
2. The ECM receives data from the O2 sensors, which are located on each cylinder bank of your car. The code is cleared by scanning the ECM to see whether one or both sides of the engine have a problem. It's necessary to erase the code in order to get the engine out of failure mode fuel strategy.
3. Exhaust leaks, a faulty oxygen sensor or electrical problems need to be checked.
4. Check the engine for any additional codes that might cause the O2 sensors to fail.

Common mistakes

The following are common mistakes when diagnosing the trouble code P2098:

Clearing the code and confirming that they're gone before inspecting and repairing any problems 

Not erasing the trouble codes after replacing an oxygen sensor, pump, lines, etc.

When diagnosing this problem as simply as possible, make sure to scan the ECM first before looking at one specific area (for example O2 sensors). 

If you find more than two codes being shown on the scan tool, inspect them all thoroughly until you have checked for anything that looks suspicious. It may be necessary to perform a visual inspection of areas such as hoses and wiring in order to narrow down the problem.

It's a common mistake for technicians to replace parts that don't need replacing, such as an oxygen sensor just because they're cheap.

How serious is this?

A P2098 code is not one to ignore, but it may not be the DTC that's causing your car to misfire. When the code is not due to a major problem, it can be cleared. However, if you are having problems with your car that seem serious enough, don't ignore them by clearing the trouble codes.

If you are experiencing misfires or other mechanical problems that are causing this code to show up, get your engine checked as soon as possible.

What repairs can fix the code?

The following are solutions that may fix this problem:

• Replacing the pre-catalyst O2 sensor
• Replacing the fuel injectors 
• Fixing vacuum leaks in the intake manifold
• Repairing hoses or electrical wiring to components of the Fuel Trim system (sensors, etc.) 
• Tightening loose wires (sensors, hoses, etc.)
• Replacing a faulty O2 sensor
• Clearing trouble codes and retesting to see if they come back again

Related codes

A P2098 is related to and may be accompanied by the following codes: 

P0131 – System too Lean (Bank 1)

P0132 – System too Lean (Bank 2)

Also in some cases: P2099, P2082, U0100, P2089.

How much does it cost to fix the P2098 code?

The repair cost of a P2098 code varies depending on what needs to be fixed. However, the average repair cost is usually around $200-$300 dollars, not including diagnostic time or labor.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the P2098 code is a generic trouble code that means the computer has detected an issue with the air-fuel ratio. It's usually accompanied by other trouble codes relating to O2 sensors, throttle position sensors or faulty hoses. If your car is misfiring or sluggish, be sure to get it checked out as soon as possible to avoid further problems later on.