P2E61: Alternative Fuel Misfire Detected With Low Fuel
Misfire detected during alternative fuel operation with low tank level. Possible fuel starvation or pressure regulation off.
What P2E61 means
P2E61 is a generic OBD-II powertrain code in the misfire & ignition group. In plain English: the engine computer counted combustion events that didn’t fire properly.
- Check engine light
- Usually on
- Emissions-related
- Yes — can fail inspection
- Limp mode possible
- Yes
- Drive cycle to clear
- Required
Get it fixed
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Symptoms
- Check engine light on or flashing
- Rough idle and uneven running
- Power loss, hesitation under acceleration
- Increased fuel consumption
- Possible smell of unburned fuel from exhaust
Common causes
- 01Alt fuel tank near emptyMost likely
- 02Pressure regulation unstable at low levelPossible
Can I drive with P2E61?
Only gently, and not if the light is flashing.
A flashing check engine light means an active misfire that is dumping unburned fuel into the exhaust. Stop driving and have it towed or repaired; continuing can melt the catalytic converter.
Why we rate it urgent
- Misfires can overheat and ruin the catalytic converter
- Can put the vehicle in limp mode (reduced power)
- Turns on the check engine light
- Emissions-related: will usually fail an OBD inspection
- Needs a drive cycle to confirm a repair
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 P2E61
- 1
Confirm the code and save freeze-frame data
Read the codes with an OBD-II scan tool and note every code, not just P2E61. 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 alt fuel injectors and alt fuel rail 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: Alt fuel tank near empty; pressure regulation unstable at low level. 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 complete a full drive cycle (cold start, idle, steady highway cruise, deceleration). The code is fixed when the related readiness monitor completes without it returning.
P2E61 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?
- Usually a shop job
Needs a scan tool and some experience with testing.
Parts and systems involved
- Alt fuel injectors
- Alt fuel rail
- Ignition coils
P2E61 FAQ
What does P2E61 mean?
P2E61 means “Alternative Fuel Misfire Detected With Low Fuel”. Misfire detected during alternative fuel operation with low tank level. Possible fuel starvation or pressure regulation off.
Is P2E61 serious? Can I keep driving?
We rate P2E61 as urgent severity. Only gently, and not if the light is flashing. A flashing check engine light means an active misfire that is dumping unburned fuel into the exhaust. Stop driving and have it towed or repaired; continuing can melt the catalytic converter.
What causes P2E61?
The most common causes, from most to least likely: Alt fuel tank near empty; Pressure regulation unstable at low level. Test before replacing parts, because several causes can set the same code.
How much does it cost to fix P2E61?
Typical labor is about $125–$750 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 P2E61 myself?
DIY difficulty is moderate. Most owners leave this to a shop because it needs involved testing or specialist tools. Always confirm the cause before buying parts.
Will P2E61 clear itself?
Once the fault is fixed, the check engine light usually goes off by itself after the system passes its self-test over several drive cycles. Clearing the code with a scan tool resets readiness monitors, so an inspection station may turn you away until a full drive cycle is completed.