Catalytic Converter
Catalytic Converter Cleaner
Oxygen Sensor
Oxygen Sensor Socket Set
Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor
MAF Sensor Cleaner
The necessary parts and tools to clear this Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) might differ depending on your vehicle's make and model. If your Check Engine light is illuminated, stop by any O’Reilly Auto Parts and get an O’Reilly VeriScan® for your car, truck, or SUV and get a detailed VeriScan report with more information about your vehicle’s Diagnostic Trouble Code(s), along with possible causes and repair solutions. If you aren’t comfortable making these repairs yourself, our parts professionals can recommend a local shop to make your repair.
OBD-II fault code P2096 means “Post Catalyst Fuel Trim System is Too Lean” in bank 1. Code P2098 indicates the same issue, but for bank 2. Bank 1 and bank 2 are names indicating the banks of cylinders and corresponding components on either side of a V-type engine. Bank 1 is the side of the engine that contains cylinder 1, and bank 2 is the opposite side. In four-cylinder or straight-six engines, there will not be a bank 2, since there are not two sides to the engine itself.
When you see P2096 or P2098, it means the powertrain control module in your vehicle is receiving information that indicates your engine’s exhaust contains too much air in the exhaust system, or is “running lean”. This code is also specific to the readings from the downstream oxygen sensor, or the oxygen sensor installed in the system after your catalytic converter. There is also typically an upstream oxygen sensor, and there may be an upstream and downstream sensor on both banks of the exhaust system, all of which would be indicated by different codes.
P2096 and P2098 Code Diagnosis
When you experience a P2096 and P2098 diagnostic trouble code, your vehicle may be experiencing failure in one of a few areas:
- Engine vacuum
- Exhaust leaks
- Catalytic converter clogs or issues
- Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor
- Oxygen sensor
- Circuitry
- Fuel delivery
- Powertrain or Engine Control module
P2096 and P2098 OBD-II Code Symptoms
Aside from a Check Engine light, you may notice performance problems, black smoke from your tailpipe, or poor fuel economy.
Additional symptoms of a P2096 or P2098 Code can include:
- Check Engine light
- Poor engine performance
- Decreased fuel economy
- Rotten egg smell
Rotten egg odors from the exhaust are typically related to a catalytic converter that has failed or is clogged. This may in some cases be able to be treated with a catalytic converter cleaning product. If that is not sufficient, or if the catalytic converter is damaged, it may need to be replaced entirely.
In some cases, this code could be related to a faulty oxygen sensor. There may be up to four oxygen sensors in the system, and this code can help you determine which downstream sensor may need attention. If you need to replace your oxygen sensor, or if you want to learn more about how to use an oxygen sensor socket available in our Loaner Tool program, check out our How-To Hub for additional repair resources.
Even though your vehicle will still run and you may not even notice any symptoms, it’s important to have this code diagnosed as soon as possible to avoid more serious issues or damage to your engine or exhaust system down the road.
If your Check Engine light is on, stop by any O’Reilly Auto Parts location where our Parts Professionals can scan and diagnose your illuminated Check Engine light for free with our exclusive O’Reilly VeriScan code reading service. An O’Reilly VeriScan provides a detailed report of possible causes and solutions or repairs for your illuminated Check Engine light. The O'Reilly VeriScan report, along with the O’Reilly Auto Parts How-To resources can help you understand what parts, tools, and services you need to clear your DTCs and Check Engine lights. If you aren’t comfortable performing any necessary repairs yourself, we are also happy to recommend a local repair shop.
