VOLVO
ECM-P218821 - System Too Rich at Idle - Bank 1. General Signal Failures. Signal too low
System
Engine Control Module (ECM)
Volvo models this fault code applies to
Applies to the following models:
3 modelsS60 (2011–), S80 (2007–), V70 (2008–)
Show models by year and engine (9)
- Volvo S60 (2011–)2011–2012Engine B5254T5 only
- Volvo S80 (2007–)2007–2008Engine B5254T6 only
- Volvo S80 (2007–)2009Engine B5254T6, B5254T8 only
- Volvo S80 (2007–)2010–2011Engine B5254T10, B5254T11, B5254T8 only
- Volvo S80 (2007–)2012Engine B5254T10 only
- Volvo V70 (2008–)2008Engine B5254T6 only
- Volvo V70 (2008–)2009Engine B5254T6, B5254T8 only
- Volvo V70 (2008–)2010–2011Engine B5254T10, B5254T11 only
- Volvo V70 (2008–)2012Engine B5254T10 only
What does this fault code mean?
The engine control module (ECM) adjusts injection from the lambda sensor reading. The code is set when the correction has to be close to its maximum at idle and the signal is too low. The fault may lie in leaking injectors, the mass air flow sensor, the engine oil or oil level, the lambda sensor or the calculated ethanol content.
Possible causes
- Leaking injectors
- Damaged mass air flow (MAF) sensor
- Contaminated engine oil
- Oil level too high
- Damaged heated oxygen sensor (HO2S)
- Incorrectly calculated ethanol content
What you can do
- 1Check that the fuses are intact; their locations are in the owner's manual or on the fuse box cover
- 2Have a workshop measure the fuel and residual pressure to check whether the injectors leak
- 3Look at the dipstick, where the oil should sit between the two marks, and check the oil for dirt
- 4Check the mass air flow sensor for damage and dirt
- 5Think back on how the car has been refuelled; and have a workshop check the ethanol calculation if it may be wrong
- 6Replace the lambda sensor if nothing above cures the fault, since a damaged lambda sensor can also set this code
Symptoms you may notice4
- The malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) is lit
- The engine stalls when accelerating
- The idle is uneven
- The engine does not start and only cranks
General guidance for car owners. Diagnosis on the car can point to a different cause.