P2486
Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Circuit Low Bank 2 Sensor 5
Exhaust gas temperature (diesel emissions)
Generic OBD-II
Medium
What it means
P2486 means the engine computer sees an abnormally low voltage from the bank 2, sensor 5 exhaust-gas-temperature (EGT) sensor circuit. These downstream sensors track exhaust heat so the computer can protect the catalyst and diesel particulate filter and time regeneration. A low or shorted signal usually points to the sensor or its wiring rather than an engine mechanical fault.
Medium
Can I keep driving? Usually driveable short-term, but get it checked — a bad exhaust-temperature signal can disable DPF regeneration or trigger a reduced-power mode to protect the exhaust.
Common symptoms
What you'll notice
- Check-engine light on
- Possible reduced power or limp mode
- DPF regeneration may not run or completes poorly
- Occasionally higher fuel use or exhaust smoke on diesels
Common causes
Most likely first
- Faulty bank 2, sensor 5 exhaust-gas-temperature (EGT) sensor reading lowLikely
- Wiring shorted to ground or open in the sensor circuitCommon
- Corroded or poor connector/electrical connectionCommon
- Less commonly, a failing ECM/PCMLess often
How to diagnose & fix
Work through it in order
- Read freeze-frame data and identify the bank 2, sensor 5 EGT sensor (usually the furthest-downstream position).
- Inspect the connector and wiring near the hot exhaust for heat damage or a short.
- Measure the sensor's resistance and signal against specification.
- Check for a short-to-ground in the harness.
- Replace the EGT sensor if it is out of spec, then clear and retest.
FAQ
Quick answers
Is it safe to drive with P2486?+
Short trips are usually fine, but the ECM uses exhaust temperature to protect the DPF and turbo and to time regeneration. Fix it before long or heavy driving to avoid derate or filter problems.
Can I just clear P2486?+
It will come back if the sensor or wiring is still faulty. Repair the circuit or sensor first.
Related codes
Often seen with P2486
Read & clear P2486 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