AutoCodes – Generic – P0545

P0545 Code - Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit Low Voltage

Quick Answer

The Exhaust Gas Temperature sensors (EGTS) are variable resistors that measure the temperature of the exhaust gas. Common causes include Faulty Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor (EGTS) 1, Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor 1 harness is open or shorted, Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor 1 circuit poor electrical connection. Severity is Moderate - service should be scheduled soon. The vehicle may still be drivable for short trips if it runs normally, but avoid hard driving and repair it soon.

What it means: P0545 indicates Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit Low Voltage.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor (EGTS) 1, Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor 1 harness is open or shorted, Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor 1 circuit poor electrical connection.
Severity: Moderate - service should be scheduled soon.
Can I drive?: The vehicle may still be drivable for short trips if it runs normally, but avoid hard driving and repair it soon.

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Code Popularity 29,673

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

Repair Importance Level

Moderate (Service soon) (2 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Intermediate (2 / 3)

What is this?

Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Jul 03, 2022

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Tech Notes
Cost to Diagnose
Comments
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Code P0545 Description

The Exhaust Gas Temperature sensors (EGTS) are variable resistors that measure the temperature of the exhaust gas. Exhaust temperature sensor 1 is the first exhaust temperature sensor in the exhaust system, the following exhaust temperature sensors are counted upward from the engine outlet to the exhaust system end. The Engine Control Module (ECM) supplies 5 V to the exhaust gas temperature signal circuit and supplies a ground to the low reference circuit. The exhaust gas temperature sensor temperature information is used by the ECM during the exhaust gas particulate filter cleaning process. The Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) will ve set when the ECM detects that the exhaust gas temperature sensor is less than 158 Ω for greater than 2 s.

OBDII Code P0545 - Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit Low Voltage - AutoCodes.com — P0545 Code - Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit Low Voltage

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0545?

Faulty Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor (EGTS) 1
Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor 1 harness is open or shorted
Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor 1 circuit poor electrical connection
Faulty Engine Control Module (ECM)

How to Fix the DTC P0545?

Review the 'Possible Causes' above and visually examine the corresponding wiring harness and connectors. Check for damaged components and inspect connector pins for signs of being broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded.

What does this mean?

Code Tech Notes

After starting the engine, the exhaust gas temperature sensor temperature should rise steadily, then stabilize after the engine reaches operating temperature. Exhaust gas temperature sensors may fail intermittently while operating under extreme temperatures. Review the Freeze Frame/Failure Records to verify the failure criteria.

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P0545 code, it typically requires 1.0 hour of labor. Rates vary by location, vehicle, and shop. Many shops charge between $80–$150 per hour; dealerships and metro areas may be higher, independents may be lower.

Need more information about the P0545 code?

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Information for Specific Makes

P0545 Chevrolet — Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit Low Voltage
P0545 Dodge — Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Circuit Low Bank 1 Sensor 1
P0545 Ford — Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Circuit Low Bank 1 Sensor 1
P0545 GMC — Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit Low Voltage
P0545 Lincoln — Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Circuit Low Bank 1 Sensor 1
P0545 Mercedes-Benz — Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Circuit Low Bank 1 Sensor 1
P0545 Mercury — Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Circuit Low Bank 1 Sensor 1
P0545 Subaru — Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Circuit Low Bank 1 Sensor 1
P0545 Volkswagen — Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Circuit Low Bank 1 Sensor 1

About the author: William Orellana is a Master Mechanic and Mechanical Engineer with over 30 years of experience diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Learn more about his background.