What is intake air system leak bank 1?
P2279 is a generic OBD-II diagnostic trouble code (DTC) defined as Intake Air System Leak (Bank 1). It means the Engine Control Module (ECM)—the car’s computer—detects unmetered air entering the engine on Bank 1, the side with cylinder 1. Code P2279 is a code indicating that the ECM is detecting that the engine has too much air entering and sees this as a vacuum leak. An engine running with too much air will run lean and cause the engine to run rough and stall at low engine speeds.These sensors collectively give the PCM information on how much air is entering and exiting your vehicle’s engine. Your PCM can determine that there is a leak if these sensor’s readings are outside of their expected range. This is what causes the P2279 code to be triggered.P2279 is an OBD-II generic code for the engine control module (ECM) detecting a vacuum leak into the engine. This means that unmetered air is entering the engine without the engine sensing it going through the mass air flow sensor and throttle body.In conclusion, the P2279 engine code indicates an airflow leak between the mass airflow sensor (MAF) or throttle body and the intake manifold. This issue can result in various symptoms, including engine stalling, lack of power, and a lean air/fuel mixture.
How to fix an intake leak?
To fix an intake leak due to an unsupported carburetor, be sure to replace the deformed gasket and install a carburetor bracket assembly or a stabilizer for carburetor support. This will prevent it from moving around and damaging the components of the air intake system. Spray water over the suspected vacuum leak area. If you hear it get sucked into the engine, you have a vacuum leak. This test is most effective in identifying larger leaks caused by cracks in the lines that may be difficult to see during a visual inspection.Use a smoke machine to put smoke into the intake system to see where it escapes (do this with the engine off). Spray carburetor cleaner or soapy water around suspected areas while the engine is running. When there’s a change in RPM, that could indicate the location of the leak.Vacuum leaks can and will occur any place where vacuum is present. Less obvious locations include the distributor-vacuum-advance unit, the power-brake-vacuum-hose lead, the multitude of vacuum-operated sensors on late-model engines, or even, on rare occasions, aluminum intake manifolds with casting flaws!
How to fix an intake vacuum leak?
Whether it’s a broken hose or a cracked intake manifold, the only way to repair the leak is to completely replace the part. Depending on where the leak is in your vacuum system, repair costs range from $150 to $1,000. Specifically, it depends on various conditions and, most importantly, where the leaks occur. If you’ll have to replace the intake gasket, the item cost is a mere $30 to $50, with labor costing between $200 to $300.If the problem is with the intake manifold, you may expect to pay between $100 and $320 for the component alone. If there is an issue with the Positive Crankcase Ventilation(PCV) system and there are vacuum hose leaks, the components will cost between $50 and $100. The labor cost will be between $200 to $300.Vacuum leak repair cost varies widely, depending on what is causing the leak. You could end up spending anywhere from $100 to $1,500. If it’s just a hose that’s leaking, and the leak is obvious, the mechanic just needs to install a replacement hose.Repairing a vacuum leak can be an involved, complicated process, and the best way to ensure it’s done correctly is to have it performed by a professional. An adequate repair may require removing the entire intake manifold, it could require cleaning out foreign debris from the vacuum line, and more.Broken vacuum tube or hose: The most common cause of a vacuum leak is a broken, torn or disconnected vacuum hose or tube. Because of the extreme heat generated by an internal combustion engine, these plastic and rubber tubes can deteriorate or break and cause a vacuum leak.