The P2227 trouble code is car-defined. It has been defined in Chevrolet TSB as Barometric Pressure Circuit Low.
If you have diagnosed this code in your Chevy Cruze or your technician mansions it to you but don’t know what it means, then you are in the right place.
I will examine the meaning, symptoms, causes, and solution of the P2227 code in your vehicle. After reading through, you will better understand what causes this trouble code and what fixes you can try to make it go away.
What Does a P2227 Code Indicate?
P2227 code is a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) indicating a malfunction in Barometric (BARO) Sensor performance. When this code appears, there is a fault with the Barometer Sensor, MAF sensor, and other related components.
The Barometric Air Pressure (BAP) sensor is one of the engine sensors responsible for determining the atmospheric pressure of your driving area.
It typically helps to measure the altitude of your driving environment. The air supply plays a major role in combustion: the air-fuel ratio.
Environments with higher altitudes will have less oxygen for the engine to use during air intake and combustion.
What the BAP sensor does is that it determines the level of pressure present outside the engine using a diaphragm in the sensor that opens up and closes at each atmospheric condition. The movement is then turned into an electronic pulse or trigger.
That electrical pulse is then transferred to the Engine Control Unit (ECU). The ECU can determine the best fuel condition for efficient engine performance with this information.
It is important to note that although the BAP and MAP sensors have similar functions, they differ. The BAP measures the atmospheric pressure, while the MAP sensor measures the pressure inside the engine’s manifold.
In addition, the location of the BAP sensors makes it a lot easier for the sensors to get damaged. It can be seen in the fender skirt or placed on the firewall. In some cars, within the MAP sensor in the engine intake manifold.
When the BAP sensor fails, the ECU cannot determine the right fuel to be injected into the engine’s combustion system.
If the voltage sent to the sensor’s ECU is too high or too low, then the P2227 will be triggered during diagnosis.
Symptoms
The P2227 code comes with some common and very easy-to-identify symptoms. They include the following.
1. Reduced engine performance
When the code comes up, it could be that the damaged BAP sensor or its component has led to a drop in the quality and quantity of air going into the engine. It could cause the engine to reduce performance drastically because the engine can not create the power it needs to perform.
2. Increased fuel consumption
When there is a problem with the BAP sensor, the engine may not be able to receive the best air conditions. The engine will have to compensate for this by injecting more fuel into the combustion chamber.
As a result, the fuel consumption of your engine will increase significantly.
3. Reduced responsiveness
When the BAP is not working well or malfunctioning, you can expect a slow throttle response whenever you hit the pedal. It is due to the reduced engine power caused by a low supply of air pressure to the engine.
4. Fuel odor
Another symptom of the P2227 code is a fuel smell from the exhaust system. When more fuel is injected into the combustion system, the unburnt fuel will find its way into the exhaust, which will cause it to smell when the engine is running.
In cases like this, you could also experience exhaust backfire.
5. Slow acceleration
Also, expect a slow acceleration when you hit the pedal. Your engine requires adequate power generation to be able to accelerate faster. If insufficient power is due to a damaged BAP sensor, your engine will take some time to accelerate.
If you find this article useful, you can check out our guides on fixing other Chevy trouble codes: C0561, P00B7, and 7e8 Engine Code.
Causes
Various factors could cause the P2227 code to be thrown. Here are the common causes of the P2227 trouble code.
01. Damaged BAP sensor
A damaged BAP sensor is one of the most common causes of the P2227 code. The sensor communicates with the ECU, and the code is thrown once the wrong signal or no signal is sent.
The BAP sensor can be damaged by many factors, including corrosion, heat, etc. It is due to the location of the sensor.
02. Damaged ECU
Another common cause of the code is damaged ECU. A damaged ECU can throw multiple trouble codes as it manages various engine components.
When the ECU gets damaged, it can not properly control the engine’s parts, and many problems could arise as a result of this.
03. Faulty wiring
Also, faulty wiring can cause a disconnect between the BAP sensor and the ECU. As a result, the ECU will be unable to receive the signal that will be used to administer the right fuel injection into the engine.
04. Faulty Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor
The MAF sensor is a piece of equipment that determines the amount of mass air going into the engine system. When the MAF gets damaged, it affects the ECU’s functioning and does not allow proper air and fuel mixture. When this happens, the OBD scanner will show a P1101 code as well, indicating a faulty MAF sensor.
Related content: Why would a car run better with an unplugged mass air flow sensor?
How to Diagnose
When carrying out a diagnosis, you need to take note of some important factors so that you do not make mistakes.
Suppose you suspect your vehicle has DTC P2227; I recommend you physically inspect BAP, MAF, and TPS sensors. These are the major sensors that can cause the code to trigger in your vehicle.
If any of these components are damaged, you will need to replace them urgently and clear the code.
Also, check the sensor’s wiring for disconnection or openings that could cause the P2227 code.
Do not forget to check the ECU, as it is a major cause of the P2227 code and other codes that may come up during diagnosis.
You can also use an OBD-2 scanner to ensure the problem is a code P2227. Please take note of other codes the scanner brings up and get them fixed.
How to Fix
Below are ways to fix the P2227 code and its symptoms.
- Replace the BAP sensor
- Replace the MAF or TPS sensor if faulty
- Replace the ECM if damaged
- Repair damaged wiring or replace it if necessary
- Clean the BAP, TPS, and MAF if the fault is caused by dirt
- Update ECU software
Can You Drive with the P2227 Code?
While some DTC codes may allow you to continue driving the vehicle safely, you should avoid driving the vehicle if you read a P2227 trouble code. I would class the severity of this code as medium. Therefore, you should consider driving the car to your local repair garage as soon as possible and have the issue repaired.
Final Thoughts
The P2227 code should be taken seriously, as it could cause a significant reduction in your engine’s performance. The code is related to BAP sensors but can also be traced to the MAF or TPS sensors.
When the code is diagnosed, it is best to fix the problem immediately.
Mark is a senior editor for Mechanic Ask, creating tech-focused articles about diagnostics, tools, and new auto servicing methods. He attends industry shows to stay current. With a mechanical engineering degree, Mark is able to translate complex technical details into explanations understandable for shop owners and technicians. His articles help shops improve processes, reduce costs, and boost productivity.
