Hyundai P2187 P2189 codes and what they mean

Hyundai P2187 P2189 codes are usually caused by a bad purge valve

Hyundai P2187 P2189 codes are pretty common. Here’s what the codes mean:

P2187- bank 1 system lean
P2189- bank 2 system lean

Both of these codes may make you think you’ve got a fuel delivery problem, and most DIYers start by changing the fuel filter, checking the fuel pressure, or cleaning the fuel injectors. That would be a complete waste of time and money because the real problem is a bad EVAP system purge valve.

How a bad purge valve causes Hyundai P2187 P2189 codes

This purge valve on Hyundai vehicles is a common failure point. When the valve sticks open, the intake continues to suck fuel vapors from the charcoal canister.

The oxygen sensor sees a rich mixture and commands a leaner mixture to compensate. These valves can also develop cracks in the vacuum hose from the charcoal canister to the valve and from the valve to the intake.

If you have a scan tool with live data, see if the fuel trims are too high. If so, pinch off the vacuum line to the canister purge valve to see if they change. If so, you’ve found your problem. If the fuel trims are low or negative, try the same trick. That’ll block off extra fuel from the canister. If that works, replace the valve.

For more information on how the EVAP system works, read this post

©, 2015 Rick Muscoplat