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P2251 O2 Sensor Code (Causing VTM code 77 Problem?)

38K views 15 replies 6 participants last post by  jeb  
#1 · (Edited)
SOLVED: P2251 O2 Sensor Code (Causing VTM code 77 Problem)

Hey team.

This one has been plaguing me for about a week now. 06 Ridge with 290,000km on the chassis and around 170,000km on a replacement engine.

It was intermittent at first, but now its constant and in the snow and sub-zero temperatures we have here in Calgary the Ridge is pretty useless to drive.

I pulled the codes using my OBD scanner and also the paperclip trick for confirmation.

So the MIL throws code P2251 (O2 Sensor Negative current control circuit/open bank 1, sensor 1) and the VTM-4 warning light throws Code 77, control module failure.

I've attempted to clear the codes, but they come straight back.

Are the two related? It seems the MIL comes on and the VTM-4 light follows it shortly after, normally when i've driven some distance.

Its been a while since the fluid was changed, probably around 30,000km of highway driving through the summer. My battery is also pretty old, but not having any trouble cranking even in -30c.

I'll get the fluid and the battery changed ASAP, but will this cure my ills? Or is this something deeper?

I had been driving around last winter with a P0420 Efficiency below threshold code, but it went away in the warmer weather so I just assumed the old sensors weren't enjoying the winter. It popped back up at the start of winter but haven't had that particular code re-appear since.

Maybe the old thing just isn't cut out for an Alberta Winter in its advanced age and i should just cut my losses and take the $2500 i was offered as a trade in? The way i'm feeling right now with the ****ing thing i could just throw a match and a gallon of petrol at the bastard :)

Any help or suggestions much appreciated.
 
#2 ·
I think the VTM code 77 may be related to the EGR valve. I see references to VTM-4, code 77, EGR, and a TSB with pilots. I've seen weak O2 sensors on some Nissans cause the Knock Sensor and EGR codes to be triggered simultaneously. After replacing the O2 sensors, the KS code disappeared and the EGR disappeared for several months before it returned thus requiring an new EGR. EGR valves run about $60 for quality aftermarket. Sometimes you can clean a carbon filled EGR and remedy a code issue for a while.

I replace O2 sensors as preventative maintenance after 100,000 miles and then hopefully before 130,000 -- like spark plugs all on 5 of my vehicles. I would only use NTK O2 sensors like I use NGK spark plugs.

Here's a link to information about O2 sensor replacement below.

http://www.ridgelineownersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=62274

and info in another link

http://www.ridgelineownersclub.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1138857&postcount=28

Check our sponsor RockAuto for a Standard Motor Product EGR valve. I always use the Intermotor variant of SMP products for my Japanese cars.

From Rock Auto a set of new O2 sensors and an EGR will in the $400 range.

You can most likely get by with only replacing the sensor that is triggering the code. In my experience, the sensors start to fail soon afterward.

If your Ridgeline performs like mine after I replaced O2 sensors it will use less fuel and have improved pep that will make it feel like near new again.

SMP EGR valve link below.

http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=816994&cc=1431832

If you lived near me I would be trying to buy your Ridgeline for $2,500 then spend another $400 on O2 sensors and EGR, fix it myself, and make it run like near new again. No joke.
 
#3 ·
Based solely on the code description P2251 you provided would have me looking for a damaged wire harness. I suppose it is possible the VTM code is related if the wiring is in the same harness, but it sounds like it is unrelated.

Given the mileage and other concerns like your location, I would consider replacing the O2 as was suggested by OwnerCS. This process may also surface some other damage to one or more wiring harnesses. A short in a wiring harness could have killed the VTM control module. That would be my first place to look. The fix for these items may be fairly easy. I'm pretty sure $2500 won't get you anything even close to a Ridgeline.

I don't thing servicing the VTM will relate in any way to the failure code you are getting. Still a good idea...and a new battery always seems appreciated by our trucks. If it were me, I would pay the local dealer to diagnose the problem(s) before making a decision to trade.
 
#4 · (Edited)
I had the same exact issue a couple of years ago. My O2 sensor went out and it disabled the VTM-4 for precautionary reasons (according to Honda) to not further damage the engine. I had the dealership reset it several times but it didn't fix it. They quoted me $400 to replace it. I went and purchased the sensor at a local store for $60 and replaced it myself. It doesn't have anything to do with the temps of where you live. It just goes out.

I have come to learn that random functionality is related to each other with Honda. Lately, I learned that if your TPMS tire pressure alert is lit up, you can't disengage VSA. Random.....
 
#5 · (Edited)
Doesn't the VTM-4 system shut down sometimes with check engine lights?

OP my advice is get that O2 sensor fixed and go from there. I have a feeling that it may just fix your VTM-4 system as there are many people that report VTM4 light with check engine light. Your symptoms remind me of when an O2 sensor went on my MDX. Check engine light comes on, a few miles down the road I heard a click and the VTM4 light was on. Took it to Acura and got the sensor replaced and the VTM4 light never came on again.
 
#7 ·
Okay guys, with a little bit more research and investigation, i decided just to replace all 4 oxygen sensors with the OEM replacements from RockAuto (thanks for the recommendation CS, ordered Monday, arrived Tuesday)

Managed to get them all replaced and all done a vtm4 fluid change and replaced the battery with a brand new one.

Cleared and reset all the codes and took it a drive round the estate and out onto the highway (done about 20km) and no code re-appeared.

I'll keep my eyes on it over the next little while, as I believe OBDII has to do 2 startup and shutdown cycles before it will confirm a code to show the CEL?

Anyway, fingers crossed!
 
#11 ·
a friend of mine had it happen on a Vauxhall C20XE engine (don't know if there's an equivalent over here, a 4cyl GM 2 litre with 156bhp) where the ignition lead melted and the spark plug disintegrated taking out the #4 piston/cylinder/valvetrain)

there's no way to tell what caused it really, as until that point, i hadn't had any CEL codes or other problems with the truck...other than the fact i had no history with the vehicle when i bought it
 
#14 ·
Sounds like it could have been the loose spark plug issue.
 
#13 ·
Awesome! Yeah that check engine light can shut down the whole VTM4 system, depending on what it is.

haggis, i'm down in Vancouver for training right now from Yellowknife... WOW its warm here. Passing through Calgary airport this friday, small layover till I get my Air Canada flight up to YK, come hang out with an internet stranger :D just kiddin!