P240B: EVAP System Leak Detection Pump Heater Control Circuit Low
Same as P240A with the control line shorted to ground. The sensor heater warms the element to operating temperature (~600 °C); without it the lambda sensor stays inactive in closed loop and the ECM cannot trim mixture.
What P240B means
P240B is a generic OBD-II powertrain code in the emissions group. In plain English: the computer sees a voltage on that circuit that is lower than it should ever be — often a short to ground, an open, or a failed sensor.
- Check engine light
- Usually on
- Emissions-related
- Yes — can fail inspection
- Limp mode possible
- Not typical
- Drive cycle to clear
- Not required
Get it fixed
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Symptoms
- Check engine light on
- Possible smell of fuel near tank or engine bay
- Failed emissions inspection
- Loose-cap warning may appear
Common causes
- 01Control line shorted to groundMost likely
- 02Connector pins corroded - high contact resistanceLess likely
- 03Harness chafing through insulationLess likely
Can I drive with P240B?
Generally yes.
This fault is unlikely to affect how the car drives, but it will usually fail an emissions inspection. Fix it when convenient.
Why we rate it low
- Turns on the check engine light
- Emissions-related: will usually fail an OBD inspection
- EVAP leaks rarely affect how the car drives
Severity is our rule-based rating from the code’s flags in OBDex and the system it affects, not an inspection of your car. If the check engine light is flashing, or you notice overheating, low oil pressure, or brake or steering problems, stop driving and get help.
How to diagnose P240B
- 1
Confirm the code and save freeze-frame data
Read the codes with an OBD-II scan tool and note every code, not just P240B. Save the freeze-frame data (speed, load, temperature when the fault set) before clearing anything; it tells you when the fault happens.
- 2
Fix other faults first
If other codes are stored, start with power-supply, sensor-circuit and communication codes. They can cause this code as a side effect.
- 3
Test the circuit
Inspect the wiring and connector at the evap leak detection pump heater for damage, corrosion or chafing. With a multimeter, check supply voltage, ground and signal against the specifications in the service manual for your vehicle.
- 4
Test the likely causes in order
Start with the most likely cause and work down: Control line shorted to ground; connector pins corroded - high contact resistance; harness chafing through insulation. Test before replacing parts.
- 5
Check for recalls and service bulletins
Look up recalls for your exact vehicle with its VIN, and ask a dealer about technical service bulletins (TSBs). Manufacturers sometimes issue software updates or extended warranties for known faults.
- 6
Clear the code and verify the repair
After the repair, clear the code and drive the car under the conditions in the freeze-frame data to confirm it does not return.
P240B repair cost estimate
Estimate, not a quote. Labor times are typical ranges for this code from OBDex, and $125/hr is an assumed rate. Shop rates and labor times vary by vehicle and region. Diagnosis time may be billed separately.
- DIY difficulty
- Moderate
- Good DIY job?
- Yes, with a scan tool
Needs a scan tool and some experience with testing.
Parts and systems involved
- EVAP leak detection pump heater
P240B FAQ
What does P240B mean?
P240B means “EVAP System Leak Detection Pump Heater Control Circuit Low”. Same as P240A with the control line shorted to ground. The sensor heater warms the element to operating temperature (~600 °C); without it the lambda sensor stays inactive in closed loop and the ECM cannot trim mixture.
Is P240B serious? Can I keep driving?
We rate P240B as low severity. Generally yes. This fault is unlikely to affect how the car drives, but it will usually fail an emissions inspection. Fix it when convenient.
What causes P240B?
The most common causes, from most to least likely: Control line shorted to ground; Connector pins corroded - high contact resistance; Harness chafing through insulation. Test before replacing parts, because several causes can set the same code.
How much does it cost to fix P240B?
Typical labor is about $65–$225 at an assumed $125/hour shop rate, plus parts. That is an estimate, not a quote: labor times and rates vary by vehicle and region, and diagnosis may be billed separately.
Can I fix P240B myself?
DIY difficulty is moderate. Many owners can handle it with a scan tool, a multimeter and basic hand tools. Always confirm the cause before buying parts.
Will P240B clear itself?
If the fault was intermittent, the warning may go off once the computer stops seeing it, but the code stays in memory. Fix the cause; clearing the code alone doesn’t repair anything.