P2481
Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Circuit Low Bank 1 Sensor 5
Auxiliary emissions / exhaust temperature
Generic OBD-II
Low
What it means
P2481 means the exhaust gas temperature sensor on bank 1, sensor position 5, is reporting a voltage lower than the expected range. This sensor helps the ECM protect the catalyst and particulate filter and manage regeneration. A low reading usually comes from a wiring short to ground or a failed sensor, and the ECM may pause regeneration until it trusts the signal again.
Low
Can I keep driving? Safe to drive normally in the short term; the ECM may disable DPF regeneration or limit power until the reading is trustworthy.
Common symptoms
What you'll notice
- Check-engine light on
- DPF regeneration disabled or incomplete
- Possible reduced power
- Often no everyday driving symptom
Common causes
Most likely first
- Short to ground in the EGT sensor signal wiringLikely
- Failed EGT sensor reading permanently lowCommon
- Corroded or damaged connectorCommon
- Exhaust-heat damage to the harnessLess often
How to diagnose & fix
Work through it in order
- Check the EGT sensor's live-data value against the other exhaust temperature sensors.
- Inspect the signal wiring for a short to ground.
- Check the connector for corrosion or heat damage.
- Measure the sensor resistance against specification.
- Replace the EGT sensor if it reads low with good wiring.
FAQ
Quick answers
Is it safe to drive with P2481?+
Yes for normal short-term driving. It affects exhaust-temperature monitoring and regeneration, not the engine's ability to run.
Can I just clear P2481?+
It returns while the circuit still reads low. Fix the wiring short or replace the sensor first.
Related codes
Often seen with P2481
Read & clear P2481 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