OBD · Fuel delivery

P2188 System too rich at idle (bank 1)

Monitor

What this code means

P2188 is a generic OBD code shared by all manufacturers since 2001 for petrol and 2004 for diesel. It relates to: fuel delivery. The code tells you what the ECU measured as abnormal, not necessarily which part to replace.

Severity: Monitor. You can drive normally but get it checked in the coming weeks. It may fail an MOT or roadworthiness test.

Most common causes

  1. Dirty or faulty injector#1
    Garage price: Diesel injector £245 – £650
  2. Dirty mass air flow sensor#2
    Garage price: Mass air flow sensor £90 – £255

Cost of related repairs

Independent garageMain dealer
Diesel injector£245 – £650£310 – £975
Mass air flow sensor£90 – £255£115 – £365

How to read this code

An OBD scanner plugged into the 16-pin socket under the steering wheel reads and clears codes. Bluetooth models cost £20 to £40. Clearing a code without fixing the fault is pointless: it comes back.

Related problems

Engine cranks but won't startCar judders when acceleratingLoss of power and limp modeWhite smoke from exhaustBlack smoke when acceleratingRough or unstable idle

Frequently asked questions

What does code P2188 mean?

P2188: System too rich at idle (bank 1). P2188 is a generic OBD code shared by all manufacturers since 2001 for petrol and 2004 for diesel. It relates to: fuel delivery. The code tells you what the ECU measured as abnormal, not necessarily which part to replace.

Can I drive with code P2188?

Monitor. You can drive normally but get it checked in the coming weeks. It may fail an MOT or roadworthiness test.

How much does it cost to fix P2188?

Diesel injector: £245 – £650, Mass air flow sensor: £90 – £255.

How to read this code

An OBD scanner plugged into the 16-pin socket under the steering wheel reads and clears codes. Bluetooth models cost £20 to £40. Clearing a code without fixing the fault is pointless: it comes back.