Question

2011 Dodge Challenger RT with aftermarket headers & exhaust getting p2096 Error code

Answer 1

Possible Causes
EXHAUST LEAK
ENGINE MECHANICAL PROBLEM
1/2 O2 SENSOR
(K141) O2 SENSOR 1/2 SIGNAL CIRCUIT
(K299) O2 1/2 HEATER CONTROL CIRCUIT
(K904) O2 DOWNSTREAM RETURN CIRCUIT
FUEL CONTAMINATION


Always perform the Pre-Diagnostic Troubleshooting procedure before proceeding. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).

Diagnostic Test
1. ACTIVE DTC

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NOTE: Check the vehicle repair history. If the 1/2 O2 has been replace make sure that the O2 sensor was properly installed and meets OEM specification.



NOTE: Check for contaminants that may have damaged the O2 Sensor: contaminated fuel, unapproved silicone, oil and coolant.


Ignition on, engine not running.
With a scan tool, read DTCs.

Is the DTC active at this time?

Yes
Go To 2

No
Refer to the INTERMITTENT CONDITION Diagnostic Procedure.
Perform the POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE - STANDARD PROCEDURE)



2. EXHAUST LEAK

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Turn the ignition off.

WARNING: To avoid personal injury from the exhaust system being hot, allow the exhaust to cool down to a safe temperature before performing a physical inspection. Failure to follow these instructions can result in personal injury or death.


Visually and Physically inspect for holes, cracks and blockage in the exhaust system.

Is the exhaust system is good condition?

Yes
Go To 3

No
Repair or Replace as necessary.
Perform the POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE - STANDARD PROCEDURE)



3. ENGINE MECHANICAL PROBLEM

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Check for any of the following conditions/mechanical problems.
AIR INDUCTION SYSTEM - must be free from leaks
ENGINE VACUUM - must be at least 13 inches in neutral
ENGINE VALVE TIMING - must be within specifications
ENGINE COMPRESSION - must be within specifications
ENGINE EXHAUST SYSTEM - must be free of any restrictions or leaks
ENGINE PCV SYSTEM - must flow freely
TORQUE CONVERTER STALL SPEED - must be within specifications
POWER BRAKE BOOSTER - no internal vacuum leaks
FUEL - must be free of contamination
FUEL INJECTOR - plugged or restricted injector; control wire not connected to correct injector

Are there any engine mechanical problems?

Yes
Repair as necessary.
Perform the POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE - STANDARD PROCEDURE)

No
Go To 4



4. O2 SENSOR

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Ignition on, engine not running.
Disconnect the 1/2 O2 Sensor harness connector.
With the scan tool, monitor the 1/2 O2 Sensor voltage.
The O2 Sensor voltage should read 5.0 volts on the scan tool with the connector disconnected.
Using a jumper wire, jump the (K141) O2 Sensor 1/2 Signal circuit to the (K904) O2 Downstream Return circuit in the O2 Sensor harness connector.

NOTE: The voltage should drop from 5.0 volts to 2.5 volts with the jumper wire in place.



Did the O2 Sensor volts change from 5.0 volts to 2.5 volts?

Yes
Replace the O2 Sensor
Perform the POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE - STANDARD PROCEDURE)

No
Go To 5



5. (K141) O2 SENSOR 1/2 SIGNAL CIRCUIT

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Remove the jump wire.
Ignition on, engine not running.
With the scan tool, monitor the 1/2 O2 Sensor voltage.

Is the voltage above 4.8 volts?

Yes
Go To 6

No
Check the (K141) O2 Sensor 1/2 Signal circuit for an open or short to voltage. Inspect the O2 Sensor connector and the PCM harness connector. If OK, replace and program the Powertrain Control Module per Service Information.
Perform the POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE - STANDARD PROCEDURE)



6. (K299) O2 SENSOR 1/2 HEATER CONTROL CIRCUIT

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Turn the ignition off.
Measure the resistance between ground and the (K299) O2 Sensor 1/2 Heater Control circuit in the O2 Sensor harness connector.

Is the resistance below 5.0 ohms?

Yes
Repair the short to ground in the (K299) O2 Sensor 1/2 Heater Control circuit.
Perform the POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE - STANDARD PROCEDURE)

No
Go To 7



7. (K904) O2 DOWNSTREAM RETURN CIRCUIT

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Measure the voltage on the (K904) O2 Downstream Return circuit in the O2 Sensor harness connector.

Is the voltage at 2.5 volts?

Yes
Check the fuel system for contaminants.
Perform the POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE - STANDARD PROCEDURE)

No
Check the (K904) O2 Downstream Return circuit for a short to ground, open, or short to voltage. Inspect the O2 Sensor connector and the PCM harness connector. If OK, replace and program the Powertrain Control Module per Service Information.
Perform the POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE - STANDARD PROCEDURE)