Toggle Side Panel

Shopping Cart

No products in the basket.

Shopping Cart

No products in the basket.

Close search
Home / DTC / P2042 — Reductant Temperature Sensor A Circuit

P2042 — Reductant Temperature Sensor A Circuit

Detailed page for trouble code P2042.

32,770codes
59brands
10,313generic
22,457specific
All codes P-codes (Powertrain) B-codes (Body) C-codes (Chassis) U-codes (Network/User) Tesla Alerts
Reset
Code

P2042

Generic P — Powertrain

Reductant Temperature Sensor A Circuit

Brand: Generic
Type: P — Powertrain
Views: UK: 8 EN: 20 RU: 14
AI status
Completed
ready
Completed 100%
Page language: EN

Causes

  • Open or shorted wiring between sensor and ECM
  • Corroded, loose or contaminated connector at sensor or ECM
  • Failed reductant temperature sensor (NTC thermistor or sensor with integrated heater)
  • Blown fuse or faulty power/ground supply to the sensor circuit
  • Contamination or crystallized DEF (urea) on sensor or harness
  • ECM or control module internal fault (rare)

Symptoms

  • Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) / check engine light illuminated
  • Reduced or disabled SCR/DEF dosing; possible emission system derate
  • Possible message on dash about SCR/DEF system or reduced performance
  • Failed emissions test or increased NOx output
  • Engine may run normally otherwise unless ECM applies limp mode

What to check

  • Read freeze frame data and live PID for reductant temperature and sensor status
  • Visually inspect sensor, connector and wiring for damage, corrosion or DEF crystallization
  • Check for related codes (heater circuit, CAN bus faults) that could point to power/ground issues
  • Backprobe sensor connector with ignition ON to measure reference voltage, signal voltage and ground
  • Measure continuity and resistance of wiring between sensor connector and ECM connector
  • Inspect fuses and relays that supply power to the reductant system

Signal parameters

  • Sensor type: typically an NTC thermistor (resistance falls as temperature rises)
  • Typical signal: resistive sensor read by ECM — common interface 0–5 V (voltage varies with resistance via pull‑up)
  • Approx. resistance ranges (generic example; consult OEM spec): very high resistance at low temps (kΩ–MΩ), lower resistance at high temps (hundreds of Ω to low kΩ)
  • Heater circuit (if present): low-voltage supply with expected current up to ~1 A when active (check OEM spec)
  • Expected behavior: smooth temperature change with actual thermal conditions; no open-circuit or short-to-power/ground

Diagnostic algorithm

  1. Retrieve and record all codes and freeze frame data. Note ambient and reductant temps when code set.
  2. Visually inspect sensor, harness and connectors for damage, corrosion, or DEF contamination. Repair/clean as needed.
  3. With connector disconnected, check for obvious short to battery or ground using a DVOM (check resistance to ground and to battery).
  4. Backprobe the sensor connector (ignition ON, engine OFF) and measure signal voltage, reference voltage and ground continuity. Compare to OEM spec.
  5. If sensor is a thermistor, measure resistance of the sensor at ambient temperature (with sensor removed) and compare with expected resistance chart or a known-good sensor.
  6. Wiggle test harness and connector while monitoring live data for intermittent changes. Repair any damaged wiring or secure harness.
  7. If heater circuit exists, check for correct supply voltage and measure heater resistance/current when commanded ON using scan tool functions (follow OEM safety procedures).
  8. If wiring and power/ground check OK but sensor readings are out of range, replace sensor and retest. Clear codes and perform drive cycle to verify the code does not return.
  9. If code returns after sensor replacement and wiring checks, consider ECM/module fault and consult manufacturer service information before replacement.

Likely causes

  • Damaged connector at the reductant tank or dosing module
  • Wiring chafed where it passes through body or bracket, causing intermittent contact
  • Sensor failed due to exposure to contaminated DEF or long service life
  • Connector corrosion from DEF leaks or road salt leading to high resistance
  • Faulty sensor heater circuit (if sensor has integrated heater)

Fault status

⚠️ Status
ECM detected an open, short, or out-of-range condition in the reductant temperature sensor A circuit. This may disable or limit SCR/DEF dosing and will illuminate the MIL until the circuit returns to normal.
🟡 Repair difficulty: Medium
⏱️ Diagnostic time: 1-2 hours

Similar codes

P2040 P2041 P2043 P2044 P20A0
Workshop Manuals

Available brands with manuals

2
AUDI 11

6-speed manual gearbox 0B1, front-wheel drive — Workshop Manual (Edition 05.2014)

Workshop Manual
Years: 2008 Manual in English Pages: 187 4.9 MB
Short description

Workshop manual for the 6‑speed manual gearbox 0B1 (front‑wheel drive). Includes identification, technical data, gearbox/selector removal & installation procedures, clutch hydraulics, adjustment instructions and front differential service. Applicable to Audi A4, Audi A5 (Coupé, Cabriolet, Sportback) and Audi Q5 as referenced in the manual. Edition: 05.2014.

Contents
Key sections:
  • 00 - Technical data
  • 1 Identification
  • 1.1 Gearbox identification
  • 2 Technical data
  • 2.1 Allocation of gearbox to engine
  • 2.1.1 Allocation - Audi A4 2008 ►
  • 2.1.2 Allocation - Audi A5 Coupé 2008 ►, Audi A5 Sportback 2010 ►
  • 2.1.3 Allocation - Audi A5 Cabriolet 2009 ►
  • 2.1.4 Allocation - Audi Q5 2008 ►
  • 2.2 Capacities
  • 3 Transmission layout
  • 3.1 Transmission layout - front‑wheel drive
Download

Audi A3 (1997) – 1.6L 4-cylinder (2‑valve) Engine Mechanical Components Service Manual (AEH, AKL, APF) – Edition 07.2002

Workshop Manual
Years: 1997 Manual in English Pages: 283 4.3 MB
Short description

Service manual for Audi A3 (1997) 1.6L 4‑cylinder (2‑valve) engines (codes AEH, AKL, APF). Includes technical data, engine removal/installation, crankshaft group, cylinder head and valve gear, lubrication, cooling and exhaust system procedures. Edition 07.2002.

Contents
Key sections:
  • 00 - Technical data ............................................................1
  • 1 Technical data ............................................................1
  • 1.1 Technical data .......................................................1
  • 1.2 Engine number .......................................................1
  • 1.3 Engine data ........................................................1
  • 10 - Removing and installing engine ..........................................3
  • 1 Removing and installing engine .........................................3
  • 1.1 Removing and installing engine ....................................3
  • 1.2 Removing - vehicles with engine codes AEH, AKL .....................4
  • 1.3 Removing - vehicles with engine code APF ..........................18
  • 1.4 Detaching engine from gearbox ...................................35
  • 1.5 Attaching engine to repair stand ................................38
Download

AUDI A3 (2004) Workshop Manual — 2.0L FSI Turbo (4‑cyl, 4‑valve) Engine, Mechanics — Edition 03.2017

Workshop Manual
Years: 2004 Manual in English Pages: 235 3.8 MB
Short description

Official workshop manual for the Audi A3 2.0L FSI turbo engine (mechanics). Includes step‑by‑step removal/install procedures, technical data, tightening torques and diagnostic/repair instructions. Intended for professional garages and experienced technicians.

Contents
Key sections:
  • 00 - Technical data
  • 1 Engine number
  • 2 Engine data (code letters AXX, BPY, BWA, BHZ, BZC, CDL — capacity, power, torque, bore/stroke, compression, ignition)
  • 3 Safety precautions
  • 3.1 Working on the fuel system
  • 3.2 Procedure before opening high-pressure section
  • 3.3 Working on the cooling system
  • 3.4 Using testers during road test
  • 3.5 Working on the exhaust system
  • 4 General repair instructions
  • 4.1 Cleanliness rules for fuel/injection/turbo
  • 4.2 Checking fuel system for leaks
Download

Audi A3 2004 — Electrical System (Workshop Manual, Edition 02.2018)

Workshop Manual
Years: 2004 Manual in English Pages: 150 68.2 MB
Short description

Workshop manual for the Audi A3 (2004) — Electrical system. Includes procedures for battery, starter, alternator, gauges, wipers, exterior/interior lighting and wiring. Edition 02.2018.

Contents
Key sections:
  • List of Workshop Manual Repair Groups
  • - 27 Starter, current supply, CCS
  • - 90 Gauges, instruments
  • - 92 Windscreen wash/wipe system
  • - 94 Lights, bulbs, switches - exterior
  • - 96 Lights, bulbs, switches - interior
  • - 97 Wiring
  • 27 - Starter, current supply, CCS
  • 1 Contact corrosion
  • 2 Battery
  • 2.1 Battery - general notes
  • 2.2 Maintenance-free batteries
Download

Audi A4 / A4 Cabriolet – 4.2 l V8 (5‑valve, timing chains) – Workshop Manual (Mechanics) – Edition 04.2007

Workshop Manual
Years: 2001–2003 Manual in English Pages: 307 7.3 MB
Short description

Comprehensive workshop manual for Audi A4 (2001) and A4 Cabriolet (2003) with the 4.2 L V8, 5‑valve engine with timing chains (Engine IDs BBK/BHF). Includes step‑by‑step procedures for engine removal/installation, crankshaft and timing chain service, cylinder head/valve gear, lubrication, cooling and exhaust system repairs. Intended for professional technicians and service workshops.

Contents
Key sections:
  • 00 - Technical data
  • 1 Engine number
  • 2 Engine data (Codes: BBK / BHF; 4.163 l; 253 kW @7000 rpm; torque 410–420 Nm; bore 84.5 mm; stroke 92.8 mm; compression ratio 11.5; RON 98)
  • 3 Safety precautions
  • 4 General repair instructions (cleanliness, fuel system, contact corrosion)
  • 10 - Removing and installing engine
  • 1 Removing engine - vehicles with manual gearbox
  • 1.1 Removing engine (tools, drain fluids, remove bumper, lock carrier, disconnect wiring, fuel, coolant, A/C lines, suspension components, propshaft, exhaust, support engine on platform, lower assembly)
  • 1.2 Separating engine and gearbox (subframe removal, support sets, remove front exhaust pipes, bolt sequence)
  • 1.3 Securing engine to engine and gearbox stand (lifting tackle, VAS 6095 support)
  • 1.4 Installing engine (clutch remarks, alignment, torque values)
  • 2 Removing and installing engine - vehicles with automatic gearbox (procedure parallels manual gearbox with ATF/torque converter notes)
Download

Audi A4 / A4 Cabriolet — Auxiliary Heater Workshop Manual (Edition 08.2004)

Workshop Manual
Years: 2001 Manual in English Pages: 259 2.0 MB
Short description

Workshop Manual for Audi A4 and A4 Cabriolet — Auxiliary Heater (Edition 08.2004). Contains self-diagnosis procedures, fault tables, electrical and fuel system checks, final control tests, CO₂ exhaust adjustment and step-by-step removal/installation and repair procedures. Intended for professional workshop use.

Contents
Key sections:
  • 01 - Self-diagnosis, electrical checks
  • 1 Auxiliary heater self-diagnosis
  • 1.1 Technical data of self-diagnosis
  • 1.2 Function
  • 1.3 Fault recognition
  • 1.4 Guided fault-finding
  • 1.5 Technical data of self-diagnosis
  • 1.6 Test requirements for self-diagnosis
  • 1.7 Safety precautions
  • 2 Self-diagnosis procedure
  • 2.1 Connecting vehicle diagnostic VAS 5051A/K-wire adapter
  • 2.1.1 Control unit identification
Download

Audi A4 / A4 Cabriolet (1.8T 4‑cyl turbo) — Motronic Injection & Ignition System Service Manual (Edition 01.2015)

Workshop Manual
Years: 2001 Manual in English Pages: 34 851.0 KB
Short description

Service manual for Audi A4 (2001‑) and A4 Cabriolet (2003‑) with 1.8L 4‑cylinder turbo engines. Covers Motronic fuel injection and ignition systems, diagnostic and maintenance procedures. Includes technical data, removal/installation steps and system checks.

Contents
Key sections:
  • 24 - Mixture preparation - injection
  • 1 Safety precautions and rules for cleanliness
  • 1.1 General notes on self-diagnosis
  • 1.2 Safety precautions when using testers and measuring instruments during a road test
  • 1.3 Rules for cleanliness and instructions for working on fuel system
  • 1.4 Checking vacuum system
  • 2 Injection system
  • 2.1 Technical data
  • 2.2 Overview of fitting locations - injection system
  • 3 Intake manifold
  • 3.1 Exploded view - intake manifold
  • 3.2 Removing and installing intake manifold
Download

Audi A8 (2003) — Electrical System Workshop Manual (Edition 08.2014)

Workshop Manual
Years: 2003 Manual in English Pages: 369 9.1 MB
Short description

Comprehensive workshop manual for the Audi A8 (2003) electrical system — Edition 08.2014. Covers battery, alternator, starter, instrument cluster, wiper/washer systems, exterior/interior lighting and wiring repair procedures with step-by-step illustrations. Includes diagnostic and adjustment procedures and torque/data specifications.

Contents
Key sections:
  • 27 - Starter, current supply, CCS
  • 1 Contact corrosion
  • 2 Battery
  • 2.1 Battery - general notes
  • 2.2 Maintenance-free batteries
  • 2.3 Disconnecting and connecting battery
  • 2.4 Removing and installing battery
  • - Remove luggage compartment side trim (right-side)
  • - Connect battery charger for back-up power
  • - Detach earth and positive cables, central venting hose
  • - Remove battery retainer plate and lift battery out
  • - Installation notes, adaptation via Vehicle diagnostic tester
Download

Audi Q4 e-tron (Type F4) - Self-study Programme SSP 685

Workshop Manual
Years: 2021 Manual in English Pages: 186 82.7 MB
Short description

Official Audi Service Training self‑study programme SSP 685 for the Audi Q4 e‑tron (Type F4). Covers body, power units, power transmission, running gear, electrics & electronics, high‑voltage system, thermal management, driver assist and infotainment. Intended for internal service training and technical familiarisation; not a workshop repair manual.

Contents
Key sections:
  • Introduction
  • - Introduction to Audi Q4 e-tron
  • - Dimensions
  • Body
  • - Body structure and materials
  • - Joining techniques
  • - Securing high-voltage battery and force progression
  • - Body assembly (doors, rear lid, panoramic sunroof)
  • - Dash panel and centre console
  • Power units
  • - Technical data: rear electric motor (VX90)
  • - Technical data: front electric motor (VX89)
Download

Audi Q8 (2018) — Electrical System Workshop Manual (Edition 05.2019)

Workshop Manual
Years: 2018 Manual in English Pages: 645 14.8 MB
Short description

Workshop manual for the Audi Q8 (2018) — Electrical System. Includes technical data, safety notes and step‑by‑step repair procedures for battery/charging, starter/alternator, lighting, washer/wiper and wiring. Edition 05.2019.

Contents
Key sections:
  • 00 - Technical data
  • 1 Safety precautions
  • 1.1 Safety precautions when working on vehicles with start/stop system
  • 1.2 Safety precautions when using testers and measuring instruments during a road test
  • 1.3 Notes on use and safety for LED headlights and Audi laser lights
  • 2 Repair notes
  • 2.1 Rules for cleanliness
  • 2.2 General notes
  • 2.3 Contact corrosion
  • 2.4 ESD (electrostatic discharge) workplace
  • 2.5 Routing and attachment of lines and wiring
  • 2.6 Identification plates
Download

Audi Servicing Manual — 7‑Speed Dual Clutch Transmission 0CJ / 0CL / 0CK / 0DN / 0DP / 0HL (Edition 05.2018)

Workshop Manual
Years: 2008–2019 Manual in English Pages: 128 11.1 MB
Short description

Service manual for the 7‑Speed dual‑clutch (DSG) transmissions 0CJ/0CL/0CK/0DN/0DP/0HL fitted to various Audi models. Includes repair information, clutch and gearbox disassembly/assembly, mechatronic and hydraulic system procedures, seals and differential work. Edition 05.2018.

Contents
Key sections:
  • 00 - General, Technical Data
  • 1 Repair Information
  • 1.1 General Repair Information
  • 1.2 Contact Corrosion
  • 1.3 ATF Pump, Deactivating and Draining the Hydraulic Pump Reservoir
  • 2 Rules for Cleanliness when Working on DSG® Transmission
  • 30 - Clutch
  • 1 Clutch
  • 1.1 Overview - Flywheel and Dual Clutch
  • 1.2 Flywheel, Removing and Installing
  • 1.3 Dual Clutch, Removing and Installing
  • 1.4 Input Shaft Seal, Replacing
Download
LAND ROVER 3

Land Rover Defender 300Tdi — Workshop Manual (1996 model year)

Workshop Manual
Defender 300Tdi Years: 1996 Manual in English 7.5 MB
Short description

Official workshop manual for the Land Rover Defender 300Tdi (from 1996 model year). Contains specifications, adjustment, fault diagnosis and step-by-step repair and overhaul procedures for engine, transmission, axles, suspension, brakes, electrical and body. Intended for dealer workshops and trained technicians.

Contents
Key sections:
  • 01 INTRODUCTION
  • 04 GENERAL SPECIFICATION DATA
  • 05 ENGINE TUNING DATA
  • 07 GENERAL FITTING REMINDERS
  • 09 LUBRICANTS, FLUIDS AND CAPACITIES
  • 10 MAINTENANCE
  • 12 ENGINE Tdi
  • - Description and operation
  • - Fault diagnosis
  • - Adjustment
  • - Repair and overhaul procedures
  • 19 FUEL SYSTEM Tdi
Download

Land Rover Defender Workshop Manual Supplement & Body Repair Manual (1999 & 2002 MY)

Workshop Manual
Defender Years: 1999–2002 Manual in English 7.6 MB
Short description

Workshop Manual Supplement and Body Repair Manual for the Land Rover Defender. Includes general specifications, maintenance schedules, tuning data and step‑by‑step repair procedures for engine, transmission, suspension, brakes, electrical and body repairs. Covers Defender models from 1999 and 2002 model years.

Contents
Key sections:
  • 01 - INTRODUCTION
  • - Introduction
  • - Dimensions
  • - References
  • - Repairs and replacements
  • - Poisonous substances
  • - Fuel handling precautions
  • - Synthetic rubber
  • - Recommended sealants
  • - Used engine oil precautions
  • - Accessories and conversions
  • - Wheels and tyres
Download

Land Rover Range Rover — Electrical Library (LRL 0453ENG, 2002)

Workshop Manual
Manual in English Pages: 494 7.1 MB
Short description

Land Rover Range Rover Electrical Library (LRL 0453ENG). Comprehensive manual covering fuse details, earth points, system descriptions, diagnostics and connector pin-outs for electrical troubleshooting and repair. Intended for technicians and service workshops.

Contents
Key sections:
  • 1 INTRODUCTION
  • 1.1 About this document
  • 1.2 Battery voltage
  • 1.3 Electrical precautions
  • 1.4 Battery disconnecting / charging
  • 1.5 Disciplines / greases
  • 1.6 Abbreviations
  • 1.7 HeVAC, sensors abbreviations
  • 1.8 How to use this document
  • 1.9 Connector detail format
  • 1.10 Fault diagnosis
  • 1.11 Wire colour codes
Download
Your experience will help others
+100 karma for a short comment :)
Keep it short and practical. Up to 500 characters.
Send to email

Report

Harassment or bullying behavior
Contains mature or sensitive content
Contains misleading or false information
Contains abusive or derogatory content
Contains spam, fake content or potential malware

Block Member?

Please confirm you want to block this member.

You will no longer be able to:

  • See blocked member's posts
  • Mention this member in posts
  • Invite this member to groups
  • Message this member
  • Add this member as a connection

Please note: This action will also remove this member from your connections and send a report to the site admin. Please allow a few minutes for this process to complete.

Report

You have already reported this .