AutoCodes – Generic – P2081

P2081 Code - Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit Intermittent

Quick Answer

The Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensors (EGTS) are variable resistors that measure the temperature of the exhaust gas. Common causes include Exhaust leaks, Faulty Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor (EGTS) 1, Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor 1 harness is open or shorted. Severity is High - diagnose this code as soon as possible. Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

What it means: P2081 indicates Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit Intermittent.
Common causes: Common causes include Exhaust leaks, Faulty Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor (EGTS) 1, Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor 1 harness is open or shorted.
Severity: High - diagnose this code as soon as possible.
Can I drive?: Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

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Code Popularity 16,888

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

Repair Importance Level

Urgent (Diagnose now) (3 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Advanced (Pro) (3 / 3)

What is this?

Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Jul 26, 2021

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
Comments
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Code P2081 Description

The Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensors (EGTS) are variable resistors that measure the temperature of the exhaust gas. The exhaust temperature sensor 1 is the first exhaust temperature sensor on 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 be set when the ECM detects that the Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor resistance has changed greater than a calibrated amount in less than 1 s.

OBDII Code P2081 - Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit Intermittent - AutoCodes.com — P2081 Code - Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit Intermittent

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P2081?

Exhaust leaks
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
Excessive particulate matter buildup on sensor
Faulty Engine Control Module (ECM)

How to Fix the DTC P2081?

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 is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P2081 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.

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Information for Specific Makes

P2081 Buick — Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit Intermittent
P2081 Cadillac — Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit Intermittent
P2081 Chevrolet — Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit Intermittent
P2081 Dodge — Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Circuit Intermittent Bank 1 Sensor 1
P2081 Ford — Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Circuit Intermittent Bank 1 Sensor 1
P2081 GMC — Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit Intermittent
P2081 Lincoln — Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Circuit Intermittent Bank 1 Sensor 1
P2081 Mercedes-Benz — Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Circuit Intermittent Bank 1 Sensor 1
P2081 Mercury — Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Circuit Intermittent 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.