Powertrain, generic (extended)

P2DEA Cylinder 1 Intake Valve Lift Range/Performance

Check engine lightOn
EmissionsRelevant
Drive cycleNot required
Limp modePossible

P2DEA says the intake valves of cylinder 1 do not reach the lift the engine computer asks for, or get there too slowly. It is the first of a row of per-cylinder lift checks. CARB's rule for valve timing and lift systems demands that such systems be watched for missing the commanded position and for reacting too slowly, and explicitly lists one cylinder's lift pin failing to move as a case the failure analysis must cover. A GM patent shows how such a single-cylinder fault can be found without extra sensors: crank speed yields each cylinder's indicated mean effective pressure, and if its coefficient of variation does not shift by roughly 5 percent after a commanded lift change, that cylinder is flagged as stuck in high or low lift. No manufacturer documents P2DEA publicly. Expect rough running, a cylinder 1 misfire and the lamp.

Likely causes

Switching element or hydraulic link of cylinder 1 sticking (sludge, wear)
Low oil level, wrong oil or restricted oil feed to the lift actuator
Cylinder 1 lift solenoid sluggish though electrically intact
Damaged cam follower, valve spring or lifter on cylinder 1

Symptoms

  • Check engine light on
  • Rough idle or shaking at low load
  • Misfire code for cylinder 1 at the same time

Repair estimate

DifficultyHardWorkshop job
Parts and labour€150–2,500
Time1–8 h

Typical range across vehicles; the real cost depends on what the testing finds.

Parts involved

intake valve lift actuator cyl 1vvt system

Related codes

P2DEBP2DF0P2DF2P0301P2CDB

References: law.cornell.edu, image-ppubs.uspto.gov, en.wikipedia.org.