P2085
Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Circuit Intermittent Bank 1 Sensor 2
Exhaust / emissions
Generic OBD-II
Medium
What it means
P2085 means the exhaust gas temperature (EGT) sensor at bank 1, sensor 2 is sending an intermittent or erratic signal — the reading cuts out or jumps around rather than failing outright. That points to a loose connector or chafed wiring more often than a dead sensor. On diesels the EGT reading manages particulate-filter regeneration, so a dropout can interrupt that process.
Medium
Can I keep driving? Drivable; the fault is intermittent, but on diesels it can interrupt filter regeneration — fix the loose connection or sensor to avoid DPF problems.
Common symptoms
What you'll notice
- Check-engine light on (may come and go)
- Possible intermittent power reduction or interrupted regeneration (diesel)
- Erratic exhaust-temperature readings
Common causes
Most likely first
- Intermittent poor connection or chafed wiring at the EGT sensorLikely
- Faulty exhaust gas temperature (EGT) sensorCommon
- Corroded or loose connectorCommon
- Failed PCM (rare)Less often
How to diagnose & fix
Work through it in order
- Scan freeze-frame; because it's intermittent, wiggle-test the harness and connector while watching the signal.
- Inspect the EGT sensor wiring (routed near hot exhaust) for chafing, heat damage, or loose pins.
- Repair the connection or replace the sensor if the signal drops out under movement or temperature.
- Clear the code and drive to confirm it doesn't return.
FAQ
Quick answers
Is it safe to drive with P2085?+
Usually yes for short periods. Because it's intermittent, the risk is mainly that a diesel may skip a regeneration cycle. Track down the loose connection or sensor soon.
Can I just clear P2085?+
It may stay away briefly, but an intermittent wiring or connector fault brings it back. Find and fix the loose connection first.
Related codes
Often seen with P2085
Read & clear P2085 yourself
Scan your car, confirm the code, and clear it once it's fixed — with OBD DashX on your phone.
✓ Verified name — SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6Guidance reviewed by OBD DashX