P2E8B
Moderate Severity (Level 3)Proximity Detection Circuit B Intermittent/Erratic
P2E8B usually means proximity Detection Circuit B Intermittent/Erratic.
Can you still drive with P2E8B?
⚠️Short-distance driving is usually OK, but have this diagnosed within a week to prevent further damage.
Typical repair cost: $100 – $1600
Severity Level 3 — Moderate
This code indicates a moderate issue that may affect vehicle performance and fuel economy. Continued driving is possible in most cases, but prompt diagnosis and repair are recommended to prevent further damage.
Common Symptoms
- No pattern to failure — seems random
- Engine performance working fine one moment, failing the next — classic intermittent fault
- Check Engine Light illuminated
- Poor electrical connection causing intermittent signal dropouts
Possible Causes
- Loose or corroded electrical connector in the powertrain/engine system — vibration causes intermittent contact
- Internal failure in engine sensor or actuator — works when cold, fails when hot (thermal expansion breaks internal connection)
- Wiring harness partially broken inside the insulation — flex point in the harness causing intermittent open circuit
- Moisture in the powertrain/engine system electrical connector causing intermittent shorts — common after car wash or heavy rain
Common Fixes
- Scan vehicle with a professional-grade OBD2 scanner to read all stored codes and freeze frame data — note the conditions when the code set ($21-107 at shop, free at auto parts store for basic scan)
- Visually inspect the powertrain/engine system wiring harness and connectors — look for chafed wires, melted insulation, green corrosion, loose pins, or rodent damage (often free to check yourself, $71 diagnostic fee at shop)
- Replace engine sensor or actuator if testing confirms it has failed — use OEM quality, avoid the cheapest no-name aftermarket parts that fail in a year ($80-1200)
- Check and replace any blown fuses in the powertrain/engine system fuse circuit — if fuse blows again, there's still a short that needs to be found ($1-12 for fuses)
- Perform a wiggle test on the powertrain/engine system wiring harness while monitoring live data — see if the fault returns when you move the harness at different points ($0-148 diagnostic labor)
Estimated Repair Cost
These are estimated costs based on generic repair data. Actual costs may vary depending on your vehicle, location, and labor rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does P2E8B mean?
P2E8B stands for "Proximity Detection Circuit B Intermittent/Erratic". P2E8B usually means proximity Detection Circuit B Intermittent/Erratic.
Can you drive with P2E8B?
Short-distance driving is usually OK, but have this diagnosed within a week to prevent further damage.
How much does it cost to fix P2E8B?
Repair costs for P2E8B typically range from $100 to $1600, depending on your vehicle make, model, and local labor rates. Common fixes include: Scan vehicle with a professional-grade OBD2 scanner to read all stored codes and freeze frame data — note the conditions when the code set ($21-107 at shop, free at auto parts store for basic scan); Visually inspect the powertrain/engine system wiring harness and connectors — look for chafed wires, melted insulation, green corrosion, loose pins, or rodent damage (often free to check yourself, $71 diagnostic fee at shop); Replace engine sensor or actuator if testing confirms it has failed — use OEM quality, avoid the cheapest no-name aftermarket parts that fail in a year ($80-1200).
Will P2E8B clear itself?
Explore Repair Costs
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