Faulty crankcase pressure sensor B, including internal sensor failure or contamination; Damaged or corroded wiring and connectors in the sensor B circuit, such as open circuits, shorts to ground, or shorts to voltage; Leaking or disconnected crankcase ventilation hoses, causing incorrect pressure readings; A clogged or faulty positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve or oil separator, leading to abnormal crankcase pressure; Engine oil leaks or excessive blow-by from worn piston rings or turbocharger seals, altering crankcase pressure; Powertrain control module (PCM) software issues or internal faults, though less common

DTC codes / P2Cxx · Hybrid propulsion / P2C33

P2C33Crankcase Pressure Sensor B Circuit Range/Performance

Q: What does code P2C33 mean?

Crankcase Pressure Sensor B Circuit Range/Performance. P2C33 indicates that the powertrain control module has detected an out-of-range or performance fault in the electrical circuit for crankcase pressure sensor B, which is often the second sensor in a dual-sensor arrangement or a specific sensor within the crankcase ventilation system. The computer compares the sensor signal against expected values for the current operating conditions and sets this code when the signal falls outside the allowable range or fails a rationality check.

P2C33 indicates that the powertrain control module has detected an out-of-range or performance fault in the electrical circuit for crankcase pressure sensor B, which is often the second sensor in a dual-sensor arrangement or a specific sensor within the crankcase ventilation system. The computer compares the sensor signal against expected values for the current operating conditions and sets this code when the signal falls outside the allowable range or fails a rationality check.

SystemPowertrain

Code typeGeneric (all makes)

SeverityMedium

Fix difficultyIntermediate

AreaHybrid propulsion

Symptoms you may notice

Illumination of the check engine light, often with no other noticeable symptoms
Rough idle or unstable engine operation due to incorrect crankcase pressure readings
Oil leaks or excessive oil consumption if crankcase pressure is not properly regulated
Poor fuel economy or increased emissions as the engine management system compensates for faulty pressure data
Possible whistling or hissing noises from the engine bay if a crankcase ventilation hose is disconnected or cracked

Common causes, most likely first

Faulty crankcase pressure sensor B, including internal sensor failure or contamination
Damaged or corroded wiring and connectors in the sensor B circuit, such as open circuits, shorts to ground, or shorts to voltage
Leaking or disconnected crankcase ventilation hoses, causing incorrect pressure readings
A clogged or faulty positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve or oil separator, leading to abnormal crankcase pressure
Engine oil leaks or excessive blow-by from worn piston rings or turbocharger seals, altering crankcase pressure
Powertrain control module (PCM) software issues or internal faults, though less common

How to diagnose and fix it

Perform a visual inspection of the crankcase pressure sensor B, its wiring, and connectors for damage, corrosion, or loose connections
Check for technical service bulletins (TSBs) or software updates for the PCM that may address this code
Use a scan tool to monitor live data from crankcase pressure sensor B and compare it with expected values under various operating conditions
Test the sensor B circuit with a multimeter to verify reference voltage, ground, and signal integrity, and repair any wiring faults
Inspect the crankcase ventilation system for leaks, blockages, or a faulty PCV valve, and repair or replace components as needed
If the circuit and ventilation system are intact, replace crankcase pressure sensor B with a quality part and clear the code
After repairs, clear the diagnostic trouble codes and perform a road test to verify the code does not return

Crankcase Pressure Sensor B Pitfalls

A common mistake is replacing the sensor B without first checking the crankcase ventilation system for leaks or blockages, which can cause the new sensor to set the same code.
The code can be triggered by a simple loose oil filler cap or dipstick, which allows unmetered air into the crankcase and skews pressure readings.
On some vehicles, crankcase pressure sensor B is part of a combined sensor assembly that also includes the PCV valve, so a failure in one component may require replacing the entire unit.
Incorrect oil viscosity or overfilling the engine oil can alter crankcase pressure enough to set this code, so always verify oil level and specification before condemning the sensor.
A faulty sensor B can sometimes cause no drivability symptoms, leading technicians to overlook it during routine maintenance, but ignoring it can lead to seal failures and oil leaks over time.

Can I keep driving with P2C33?

It is generally safe to continue driving with this code if the engine runs smoothly and there are no other warning lights, but avoid aggressive acceleration or heavy load until the fault is repaired. Prolonged driving with incorrect crankcase pressure can damage engine seals and lead to oil leaks, so schedule a diagnosis soon.

Tools that help

Tools we recommend are in the Auto Veteran shop on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Guidance is general and written for all OBD-II vehicles. Exact tests and values vary by model, so confirm the fault before replacing parts.