What it means
Voltage from the barometric pressure sensor is below the calibrated minimum. The signal is too low for any plausible atmospheric pressure, suggesting a short to ground or sensor fault.
At a glance
- Usually lights the check-engine light
- Affects emissions; the car can fail an emissions test
How it works
Barometric Pressure Sensor A supplies ambient pressure data for the controller's engine calculations. P2230 indicates an intermittent or erratic Sensor A signal, where the reading may drop out or fluctuate; this differs from a steady low or high signal fault.
Common causes
Most likely first.
- Signal wire shorted to ground
- Internal sensor fault
- Connector pins corroded - high contact resistance
Symptoms
- Check-engine light on
- Reduced engine performance
- Increased fuel consumption
- Hesitation or rough running
How to diagnose it
- Save freeze-frame data and monitor Sensor A's live pressure reading for dropouts or sudden changes, comparing it with Sensor B and plausible local pressure.
- Inspect Sensor A's connector and harness for loose or corroded terminals, moisture, damaged seals, and chafing.
- Move the Sensor A harness gently while watching live data to check for a vibration-sensitive interruption.
- Test Sensor A's signal, reference, and ground circuits for intermittent opens or poor terminal contact.
- If the wiring remains sound, inspect the pressure port if fitted and test Sensor A against the manufacturer's specification.
Common fixes
- Reseat and secure Sensor A's connector.
- Clean or repair corroded Sensor A terminals.
- Repair chafed or intermittently open wiring and secure the harness.
- Replace Sensor A if its signal remains erratic with sound wiring.
Can I keep driving?
If the engine runs smoothly, keep driving limited and avoid hard acceleration until the intermittent fault is found. The signal may drop out again, causing hesitation or reduced performance and potentially increasing fuel use and emissions.
A code shows where the control module detected a fault, not always which part failed. Check the causes in order and confirm with a test before replacing parts. Have several codes? Check them together
This is a generic code: it means the same on every make. The car’s maker may add more detail in its own service information.