P2181 Chevrolet Equinox 3 Diagnostic Trouble Code

P2181 Chevrolet Equinox 3 code definition:
P2181 is a kind of OBD-II Diagnostic P-Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code for Chevrolet Equinox 3.

P2181 Chevrolet Equinox 3 is defined as Cylinder 3 Injector Circuit Malfunction. This code means the PCM (powertrain control module, also known as ECM or engine control) has detected a problem in the injector or its wiring, or in injector circuit for cylinder 3. Other serious codes may cause this code to pop up, and they may come with dangerous drivability issues that may expose you to safety risks and cause damage to the engine in the long run.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a P2181 Chevrolet Equinox 3 diagnostic trouble code may include:

Hesitation upon acceleration
Excessive exhaust leak
Rich or lean exhaust
Lack of power

Possible Causes :

Some aftermarket accessories and performance modifications
A faulty oxygen sensor. This will set a code in itself, however, a faulty oxygen sensor does not automatically condemn the sensor. The code just means that the sensor signal was not within specifications. An air leak or any of the above will cause an erroneous signal. There is a multitude of O2 codes relating to O2 performance which gives a clue to the problematic area.
Faulty IMRC actuator relay (if equipped)

Common Misdiagnoses

IC Circuit High Voltage Problem
Control Module Throttle Actuator Position Performance Problem
Air Conditioning (A/C) Clutch Feedback Circuit High Voltage Problem
Cruise Vehicle Speed/Set Speed Difference Too High Problem
PCM Stack Overrun Problem

Repair Processes :

With the valve disconnected, the red voltmeter lead should be attached to the IMRC valve power wire and the black voltmeter lead connected to ground. Pack the connector cavity with dielectric silicone compound (same stuff they use for light bulb sockets and spark plug wires) and reassemble.

Process Tips

Diagnostic trouble code P2181 Chevrolet Equinox 3 is not difficult to diagnose and repair. Thus, it always pays to have a qualified technician to look after your vehicle should this error code arise.

Diagnosing this code requires the engine to be in good running shape, without unmetered air entering the engine. If other codes that relates to misfiring condition, lean running or air entering the engine is present, then you must first fix those error codes before P2181 Chevrolet Equinox 3.

Fortunately, P2181 Chevrolet Equinox 3 is a fairly common OBD code, meaning that it applies to all makes and models of vehicles made after 1996.