P0219

What it means

P0219 is the generic code for an engine overspeed condition. The engine control unit recorded engine speed above the maximum limit set in its calibration, usually from the crankshaft position signal. It often follows a over-revving event such as a missed gear change or coasting downhill in the wrong gear, but a faulty signal or a fault that raises engine speed uncontrolled can also set it.

Symptoms

• Engine warning light on
• Engine may have gone into limp mode or cut fuel at high revs
• Hesitation or a rev limiter cutting in earlier than expected
• Erratic or jumping rev counter reading
• Rough running or misfire if the engine has been damaged
• Possible noises from the engine or gearbox after an over-rev

Possible causes

• Driver-induced over-rev, such as a missed shift, wrong downshift or coasting down a hill in too low a gearlikely
• Faulty or contaminated crankshaft position sensor giving a false high speed signalpossible
• Damaged wiring, poor connections or interference on the crankshaft sensor circuitpossible
• Clutch slip or a gearbox or driveline fault that lets engine speed flare beyond normalpossible
• Damaged or worn reluctor wheel or trigger wheel causing a false speed readingrare
• Runaway engine condition, such as a turbocharged diesel drawing in oil or fuel vapour, or a throttle control fault (depends on engine type)rare
• Control unit fault or outdated calibration, only where the manufacturer has identified it as a known issuerare

How to diagnose

1. Ask the driver what happened when the light came on and read the freeze frame data for engine speed, load and vehicle speed
2. Check for any other stored codes, especially crankshaft, camshaft, throttle or transmission faults, and note them before clearing anything
3. Inspect the crankshaft sensor wiring and connector for damage, corrosion, chafing or oil contamination
4. Remove and inspect the crankshaft sensor and reluctor wheel for debris, damage or missing teeth, following the procedure for that model
5. Compare the live engine speed reading with the rev counter and a known good reference to check for signal errors
6. Check the sensor signal on an oscilloscope for dropouts or noise, comparing it with the manufacturer's specification
7. Test the clutch, gearbox and driveline for slip or faults if the over-rev happened during normal driving
8. On a diesel, check for signs of oil or fuel entering the intake, such as a leaking turbo seal or excessive crankcase pressure

How to fix

• If it was a one-off over-rev, check for damage, then clear the code and monitor it
• Replace a faulty crankshaft position sensor
• Repair or replace damaged wiring or connectors on the sensor circuit
• Replace a damaged reluctor wheel or trigger wheel
• Repair the clutch, gearbox or driveline fault causing the speed flare
• Repair the cause of any runaway condition, such as a failed turbo seal, before the engine is run again

Can I keep driving?

Nearby codes

• P0218GenericTransmission Fluid Temperature Sensor A Over Temperature Condition
• P021AGenericCylinder 7 Injection Timing