P2033
PowertrainExhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Circuit High Bank 1 Sensor 2
Most of the time this is the EGT sensor itself or its wiring cooking near the exhaust, common on diesels with a DPF where the sensors live in a brutally hot environment and the looms get brittle over time. The sensor sits downstream of the cat on bank 1, and the ECU is seeing a voltage that's higher than the temperature should ever produce. That usually points to an open circuit or a connector that's lost its grip rather than the exhaust actually being too hot. On something like a PSA or Ford 1.6 HDi/TDCi diesel, a baked sensor lead is a classic.
ⓘ Information only. This page provides general educational information about fault code P2033. We do not assess the urgency or safety implications of any specific fault. That requires in-person diagnosis by a qualified mechanic. Full terms.
Recommended next steps
Whether a fault is urgent, drivable, or routine depends entirely on the cause on a specific vehicle, and that can only be determined by a qualified mechanic with diagnostic equipment. If a warning light is illuminated, the most reliable next step is professional diagnosis.
What does P2033 mean?
P2033 is a Powertrain (engine, transmission, fuel system) fault code. It indicates: Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Circuit High Bank 1 Sensor 2.
This is a standardised OBD-II code. The technical definition is the same regardless of the make or model of vehicle, although specific causes and symptoms can vary between vehicles.
Symptoms commonly associated with this code
Symptoms that drivers often report alongside this code. Not all may apply to every case:
- • Engine warning light on, often with no change in how the car feels day to day
- • Limp mode on some diesels, particularly if the ECU thinks it can't trust its exhaust temperatures
- • Slightly worse fuel economy on cars that lean on the EGT reading for DPF management
- • Hesitation or flat spots under load on a few applications
- • DPF warning light or messages alongside, since these sensors feed into the regen logic
Possible causes
Causes commonly associated with P2033, listed in approximate order of typical investigation. The actual cause on a specific vehicle can only be confirmed by professional diagnosis.
- 1. Faulty EGT sensor on bank 1, sensor 2. These sit in a punishing spot and fail with age and heat cycles
- 2. Heat-damaged or chafed wiring near the exhaust. The insulation goes brittle and the core breaks, giving a high reading
- 3. Corroded or loose connector at the sensor, a very common cause once the seal lets moisture in
- 4. Open circuit in the harness, which the ECU reads as the highest possible voltage
- 5. Short to power somewhere in the sensor circuit, pulling the signal high
- 6. ECM fault, rare but possible if everything else checks out clean
How mechanics typically diagnose
A typical diagnostic sequence used by mechanics, provided here for educational reference only. Diagnostic work should be performed by a qualified mechanic with the appropriate tools and training.
- 1. Read live data and look at the EGT sensor value. If it's pinned high or reading an impossible temperature with a cold engine, the circuit is the problem, not the exhaust
- 2. Unplug the sensor connector and inspect both halves for green corrosion, melted pins, or a lead that's been resting against the exhaust and burned through
- 3. Back-probe the connector and check for the expected voltage with the ignition on, then compare against your service data
- 4. Measure the sensor resistance with a multimeter. Most EGT sensors give a sensible reading at room temperature, and an open circuit (infinite resistance) confirms a dead sensor or broken lead
- 5. Wiggle-test the harness while watching live data. An intermittent jump in the reading points straight to a damaged wire rather than the sensor
- 6. Fit a new sensor if the wiring is sound, then clear the code and road-test long enough for the engine to reach full operating temperature
Common questions about P2033
Can I sort this myself without a garage? +
If you've got the car up on stands or a ramp and can get to the sensor, yes. The part is usually £20 to £60 for a decent aftermarket one, and it unbolts or unscrews like a lambda sensor. The trouble is access and seized threads. These live in the hottest, most corroded part of the exhaust, so soak the fitting in penetrating oil and don't go at it cold and dry, or you'll snap it. Check the wiring before you spend a penny on the sensor, because a chafed lead is just as likely.
If I just clear the code, will it stay gone? +
Only if you've actually fixed the cause. Clear it on a sensor with a broken lead or a corroded plug and it'll be back within a few miles, usually as soon as the engine warms and the ECU runs its monitor again. A high-circuit fault like this doesn't heal itself. If it clears and stays clear after a proper drive, you fixed it. If it returns, the fault is still live.
What am I risking if I leave it for now? +
On a petrol car you're mostly risking a failed MOT and slightly off emissions management. On a diesel with a DPF it's more serious, because the ECU uses exhaust temperature to decide when to run a regeneration. With a bad reading it may block regens or stay in limp mode, and over time that lets the DPF clog up, which is a far bigger bill than a sensor. Don't sit on it for months if you've got a DPF.
How quickly do I need to deal with it? +
It's not a roadside emergency. The car won't strand you over a high EGT signal. That said, sort it within a week or two, especially on a diesel where it interferes with DPF regeneration. If the car has dropped into limp mode you'll want it looked at sooner, since you're driving on reduced power and the fault is clearly affecting how the engine manages itself.
Information only, not professional advice
The information on this page is provided for general guidance and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for diagnosis or repair advice from a qualified mechanic. Always verify any fault before paying for repairs. carfaultcodes.co.uk accepts no liability for decisions made based on this information. Full terms →