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P2031

Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Circuit - Bank 1, Sensor 2

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By
KBB Service Advisor
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Reviewed by
Gary Hardesty

What Codes Will This Page Cover?

  • P2031 Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Circuit – Bank 1, Sensor 2
  • P2032 Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Circuit Low – Bank 1, Sensor 2
  • P2033 Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Circuit High – Bank 1, Sensor 2

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What Is the P2031 Code?

Symptoms
Causes
Seriousness
Can I Still Drive?
Diagnose
Difficulty of Inspecting
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The P2031, P2032, and P2033 codes indicate that the exhaust gas temperature sensor 2 circuit in engine bank 1 did not reach the desired response during testing. The three codes all indicate different specific conditions.

  • P2031 Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Circuit – Bank 1, Sensor 2
  • P2032 Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Circuit Low – Bank 1, Sensor 2
  • P2033 Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Circuit High – Bank 1, Sensor 2

The first code (P2031) indicates a general concern, while the second (P2032) indicates that the circuit is too low, and the third code (P2033) indicates that the circuit is too high. These three codes are all generic codes and only give a small amount of information, but the specific information they offer can give you more insight into the actual problem.

More About the P2031, P2032, and P2033 Codes

These three codes have to do with the exhaust gas temperature monitor, which, as the name implies, monitors the temperature of the gas that comes out of the exhaust. These sensors are used mostly in diesel powered engines, as the high compression and temperatures related to a diesel powered engine needs to keep to around 1200 degrees Fahrenheit, with some peaking as high as 1400. Very high exhaust temperatures can cause the engine or the turbocharger to fail, so this temperature monitor allows the engine to adapt and change temperatures to avoid issues with long-term harm coming to the engine due to high temperatures.

What Are the Symptoms of a P2031 Code?

It’s common for the P2031, P2032, and P2033 codes to have very little in the way of symptoms and even fewer when it comes to very serious symptoms. Most of the time, the P2031, P2032, and P2033 codes will only cause the check engine light to turn on and nothing else. If there are other codes that are coming along with these codes, however, you may notice symptoms associated with those codes.

What Are Some Causes of a P2031 Code?

The most common causes of the P2031, P2032, and P2033 codes are exhaust leaks and electrical connections, including connections directly to the exhaust gas temperature sensor as well as connections to the circuit surrounding it. In some rare cases, the exhaust gas temperature sensor in question may have completely failed, although you should assume that this cause is very uncommon.

How Serious Is the P2031 Code?

The P2031, P2032, and P2033 codes should not be especially serious at the very beginning. With very few symptoms in general and even fewer symptoms having to do with drivability, you may even just assume that the problem is overall not at all serious. However, if the exhaust gas temperature gets too high, you can experience very severe problems with the engine and the turbocharger, problems that your engine won’t be able to avoid if the exhaust gas temperature sensor isn’t working appropriately. That’s why it’s so important to fix this problem early on.

Can I Still Drive with a P2031 Code?

You will be physically able to drive when the P2031, P2032, and P2033 codes are active, but that definitely doesn’t mean it’s a good idea. As previously mentioned, these codes can contribute to concerns surrounding your engine and turbocharger, which means that once you know the codes are active, you should stop driving the vehicle and get expert assistance. However, you don’t have to worry if you notice these codes and you’ve been previously driving your vehicle with the check engine light active.

How Easy Is It to Diagnose a P2031 Code?

Specialty tools and knowledge are very common necessities to solve the P2031, P2032, and P2033 codes. You need to be able to check for problems like an exhaust leak, issues with your electrical connections, and problems with the sensor, and that means you’ll need both specialty tools and overall knowledge of your car’s specific make and model. That’s something that will be easy for an expert but might not be accessible to you.

How Difficult Is It to Inspect a P2031 Code?

The inspection process for the P2031, P2032, and P2033 codes is not generally very simple for most people, as most people don’t have to inspect the exhaust gas temperature sensor unit on a regular basis. If you’re not someone who’s done a lot of work on cars, especially your car’s specific make and model, then it’s best to hand it off to someone who has.

Need Additional Help with Your P2031 Code?

The P2031, P2032, and P2033 codes can be very difficult to handle by yourself, and it’s common for people to seek out professional help to handle them. An expert will be able to help you determine what the problem is and how to fix it.

First, you’ll need to find a repair shop in your area using KBB. With this service locator, you’ll be able to find a high-quality professional in your area who has lots of experience with your vehicle type.

Finally, if you’ve also noticed other codes alongside the P2031, P2032, and P2033 codes, check out the KBB OBD-II database to learn what these codes mean and how to handle them.

P2031 Q&A

Common Error Codes

P0128 - Coolant Thermostat (Coolant Temperature Below Thermostat Regulating Temperature)

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