AutoCodes – Generic – P2481

P2481 Code - Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor 5 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) 5, Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor 5 harness is open or shorted, Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor 5 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: P2481 indicates Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor 5 Circuit Low Voltage.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor (EGTS) 5, Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor 5 harness is open or shorted, Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor 5 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 6,986

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 P2481 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 P2481 - Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor 5 Circuit Low Voltage - AutoCodes.com — P2481 Code - Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor 5 Circuit Low Voltage

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P2481?

Faulty Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor (EGTS) 5
Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor 5 harness is open or shorted
Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor 5 circuit poor electrical connection
Faulty Engine Control Module (ECM)

How to Fix the DTC P2481?

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 P2481 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 P2481 code?

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Information for Specific Makes

P2481 Chevrolet — Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor 5 Circuit Low Voltage
P2481 Dodge — Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Circuit Low Bank 1 Sensor 5
P2481 Ford — Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Circuit Low Bank 1 Sensor 5
P2481 GMC — Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor 5 Circuit Low Voltage

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.