P223D applies the pump-current plausibility test to the front wide-band sensor of bank 2 on V engines. GM's 2016 and 2018 tables describe it for engines with a Continental interface chip: during a fuel cut-off window between 5 s and 12 s, a reading above 5.0 mA, within ±0.3 mA of zero, or below -0.10 mA is counted, and 40 hits in 160 samples in any window set the code as Type B. The test is skipped while bank 2 heater faults (P0050-P0052) or P0155 are active, because a cold element pumps poorly. The Bosch LSU 4.9 data sheet shows why the check works: pump current is zero at lambda 1, negative when rich and positive when lean, so air must give a clear positive value. P223C is the bank 1 version; P2240, P2247 and P2254 isolate open wires.
Medium severity. Can I keep driving?Yes, you can normally drive in moderation, but get it repaired soon: you will use more fuel and the catalytic converter can be damaged over time.
Bank 2 is the side without cylinder 1, so it only exists on V or boxer engines.
Symptoms
- Check engine light after two drives
- Often no driveability complaint
Most likely causes
- Worn bank 2 wide-band sensor that no longer pumps correctly in air
- Interrupted pump-current or reference circuit of the bank 2 sensor
- Sensor heater too weak to keep the element at temperature
What to check, in order
Start with the simplest. You can tick off each step.
Good to know
- Repair difficulty: medium
- It affects emissions.
What each character of P223D means
- P: Powertrain: engine and transmission
- 2: Generic code: same on every make
- 2: Fuel injection
- 3D: Specific fault in that system
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep driving with code P223D?
Yes, you can normally drive in moderation, but get it repaired soon: you will use more fuel and the catalytic converter can be damaged over time.
What causes code P223D?
The most common causes are: worn bank 2 wide-band sensor that no longer pumps correctly in air; interrupted pump-current or reference circuit of the bank 2 sensor; sensor heater too weak to keep the element at temperature.
Related codes
- P223CO2 Sensor Pumping Current Range/Performance (Bank 1)
- P223FO2 Sensor Reference Resistance Out Of Range (Bank 2)
- P2240O2 Sensor Positive Current Control Circuit/Open (Bank 2 Sensor 1)
- P2247O2 Sensor Reference Voltage Circuit/Open (Bank 2 Sensor 1)
- P2254O2 Sensor Negative Current Control Circuit/Open (Bank 2 Sensor 1)
- P0155O2 Sensor Heater Circuit Bank 2 Sensor 1
Sources
- gsi.ext.gm.com: 18OBDG03A Engine Diagnostics
- gsi.ext.gm.com: 16OBDG05 Engine Diagnostics
- bosch-motorsport.com: Data Sheet 69034379 Lambda Sensor LSU 4.9
- law.cornell.edu: 13 CCR 1968.2
Values and procedures vary by manufacturer. If it affects brakes, steering, fuel or high voltage, see a professional. Updated: 2026-11-04. How we build these pages.