P2230 – Barometric Pressure Circuit Intermittent

System: Powertrain | Standard: ISO/SAE Controlled | Fault type: General

Definition source: SAE J2012/J2012DA (industry standard)

DTC P2230 indicates the powertrain control module has detected an intermittent fault in the barometric pressure circuit. “Intermittent” means the signal is not consistently failing; it may drop out, spike, or become erratic, often depending on vibration, temperature, moisture, or harness movement. The exact sensor layout and how barometric pressure is measured (dedicated sensor vs. integrated with another sensor) varies by vehicle, so confirm the circuit description, pinouts, and expected values using the correct service information before testing. Addressing intermittents typically requires careful visual inspection and signal monitoring.

What Does P2230 Mean?

P2230 – Barometric Pressure Circuit Intermittent means the control module has identified an intermittent electrical issue affecting the barometric pressure circuit signal. Under SAE J2012 DTC structure, this code is an ISO/SAE-controlled powertrain diagnostic that flags an on-again/off-again circuit condition rather than a steady high, low, or out-of-range value. In practical terms, the module is seeing barometric pressure input that is periodically unstable, missing, or inconsistent with a reliable electrical connection, and it has set the code when that intermittent behavior meets its enable conditions and fault thresholds.

Quick Reference

  • System: Powertrain
  • Official meaning: Use the official definition provided by the data source for this code.
  • Standard: ISO/SAE controlled
  • Fault type: Circuit intermittent
  • Risk level: Moderate; an unstable barometric signal can trigger drivability changes or reduced performance depending on strategy.

Symptoms

  • Check engine light: MIL illuminated, sometimes after specific driving conditions or bumps.
  • Intermittent drivability: Occasional hesitation, stumble, or uneven response that comes and goes.
  • Reduced power: Periodic power limitation or torque reduction depending on calibration.
  • Fuel economy: Temporary decrease in fuel efficiency when the signal drops out or becomes erratic.
  • Hard starting: Intermittent extended crank or poor start quality in some conditions.
  • Rough idle: Idle quality may fluctuate when the input becomes unstable.
  • Other codes: Additional sensor or circuit-related codes may appear if the intermittent affects shared references or grounds.

Common Causes

  • Intermittent open, short-to-ground, or short-to-power in the barometric pressure sensor circuit wiring (signal, reference, or ground)
  • Loose, spread, corroded, water-intruded, or damaged terminals at the barometric pressure sensor connector
  • Poor sensor ground integrity (high resistance in ground path causing unstable sensor output)
  • Unstable sensor reference voltage feed (intermittent 5V reference due to wiring, connector, or shared-reference faults)
  • Sensor internal fault causing an intermittent or erratic output signal
  • Harness routing issues (chafing, pinched loom, heat damage) that create momentary circuit interruptions
  • Connector strain or vibration-related movement leading to momentary loss of contact (intermittent connection)
  • Control module input/terminal concern (less common), such as an intermittent pin fit issue at the module connector

Diagnosis Steps

Tools typically needed include a scan tool capable of reading live data and freeze-frame, a digital multimeter (with min/max recording if available), and basic back-probing leads. Depending on vehicle design, a wiring diagram and connector pinout are essential to identify the barometric pressure circuit reference, signal, and ground paths. If access allows, a harness inspection light and contact-cleaning supplies can help confirm connector issues.

  1. Confirm the code and context: scan for stored and pending DTCs, record freeze-frame data, and note any other sensor/reference-voltage or ground-related codes that may point to a shared circuit issue.
  2. Check service information for the vehicle’s barometric pressure sensor configuration (standalone or integrated varies by vehicle) and identify the exact pins for sensor reference, signal, and ground at the sensor and at the control module.
  3. Review live data for barometric pressure and observe whether the reading is stable at key-on engine-off and at idle; look specifically for momentary dropouts, spikes, or a value that intermittently becomes implausible or unavailable.
  4. Perform a thorough visual inspection of the sensor, connector, and harness routing: look for chafing, pinched sections, heat damage, previous repair points, and signs of moisture or corrosion at the connector.
  5. Do a controlled wiggle test while monitoring live data: gently move the harness near the sensor connector and along known rub points; if the reading glitches or the DTC sets, narrow the fault to the section that triggers the change.
  6. Key on, back-probe the sensor reference voltage and ground: verify the reference feed is present and stable and that the ground is solid; use the meter’s min/max function if available to catch intermittent drops.
  7. Measure voltage drop on the ground path under load (where applicable): check for excessive ground-side voltage drop that could cause intermittent sensor output instability; repair any high-resistance ground connection found.
  8. Verify the signal circuit integrity: check for intermittent opens and shorts by performing continuity checks (with the circuit powered down as directed by service info) and by inspecting terminal tension/pin fit at both ends of the circuit.
  9. If wiring and connector integrity are confirmed, evaluate the sensor output behavior directly: compare the sensor signal stability against expected behavior per service information; intermittent signal dropout with stable reference and ground supports a sensor fault.
  10. If the problem persists with known-good wiring/connector/sensor (as applicable), inspect the control module connector pins for spread terminals, corrosion, or poor pin fit, and follow service procedures for module input circuit testing before considering module replacement.

Professional tip: Intermittent circuit faults are often contact-related. After verifying live data instability, prioritize connector terminal fit and harness movement testing over static resistance checks alone. Logging the barometric pressure PID while performing a methodical wiggle test (sensor connector first, then harness segments, then module connector) can pinpoint the exact location of an intermittent open or short that only appears under vibration.

Possible Fixes

  • Repair or replace damaged wiring in the barometric pressure signal circuit (chafed insulation, stretched conductors, poor splices), then secure the harness to prevent repeat intermittent faults.
  • Clean, reseat, or replace corroded/loose connectors at the barometric pressure sensor and at the control module side; ensure proper terminal tension and correct pin fit.
  • Correct power supply or ground issues affecting the barometric pressure circuit (restore reference voltage feed, repair ground path, address high resistance found by voltage-drop testing).
  • Replace the barometric pressure sensor if testing confirms intermittent internal failure or an unstable output under vibration/heat.
  • Update or reprogram the control module only if service information calls for it and all circuit and sensor checks pass.
  • Clear codes and perform a verification drive while monitoring live data to confirm the intermittent condition is resolved.

Can I Still Drive With P2230?

Usually you can drive cautiously for a short time, but treat P2230 as a moderate risk fault because an intermittent barometric pressure circuit can cause unstable calculations and inconsistent engine behavior. If you notice reduced power, poor throttle response, stalling, hard starting, or the vehicle enters a failsafe mode, do not continue driving; stop when safe and diagnose the circuit. If the warning light is flashing, or drivability becomes unpredictable, arrange service or towing to avoid a safety hazard.

What Happens If You Ignore P2230?

Ignoring P2230 can lead to recurring warning lights, inconsistent performance, and drivability complaints that come and go, making the vehicle harder to diagnose over time. Because the fault is intermittent, it may worsen as corrosion spreads or a conductor breaks further, potentially causing more frequent reduced-power events or stalling depending on vehicle strategy. Long-term operation with inaccurate pressure input can also contribute to poor fuel economy and emissions readiness issues, which may cause an inspection failure.

Related Codes

  • P2268 – Water in Fuel Sensor Circuit Intermittent
  • P2267 – Water in Fuel Sensor Circuit High
  • P2266 – Water in Fuel Sensor Circuit Low
  • P2265 – Water in Fuel Sensor Circuit Range/Performance
  • P2264 – Water in Fuel Sensor Circuit
  • P2229 – Barometric Pressure Circuit High
  • P2228 – Barometric Pressure Circuit Low
  • P2227 – Barometric Pressure Circuit Range/Performance
  • P2226 – Barometric Pressure Circuit
  • P2299 – Brake Pedal Position / Accelerator Pedal Position Incompatible

Key Takeaways

  • P2230 indicates an intermittent fault in the barometric pressure circuit, so diagnosing wiring and connection integrity is the priority.
  • Focus on finding conditions that make the signal unstable: vibration, heat, moisture intrusion, loose terminals, and harness movement.
  • Confirm the issue with live-data logging and a controlled wiggle test before replacing parts.
  • Repairs typically involve connector/terminal service, wiring repair, or sensor replacement after verification.
  • If drivability becomes erratic or the vehicle stalls/reduces power, avoid driving until the circuit is repaired.

FAQ

What does “circuit intermittent” mean for P2230?

It means the barometric pressure circuit signal (or its electrical supply/ground) is not consistently stable. The fault may appear and disappear due to a loose connection, damaged wiring, moisture, or an internal sensor issue that acts up with vibration or temperature changes.

Will clearing P2230 fix the problem?

Clearing the code only resets stored fault information; it does not correct the underlying intermittent circuit condition. If the wiring, connector, power/ground, or sensor problem remains, P2230 will typically return when the intermittent condition reoccurs.

What is the best way to confirm an intermittent barometric pressure circuit fault?

The most effective approach is to monitor the barometric pressure parameter and related reference voltage/ground integrity while recreating the conditions that trigger the fault. Use data logging and a careful harness/connector wiggle test, plus voltage-drop checks on power and ground, to locate momentary signal dropouts or spikes.