Code
P2045
Generic
P — Powertrain
Reductant Temperature Sensor A Circuit High
Views:
UK: 13
EN: 19
RU: 26
AI status
Completed
Completed
100%
Causes
- Open circuit in sensor signal or ground wiring (broken wire, disconnected connector)
- Short to battery voltage on the sensor signal (wiring damaged, chafing)
- Corroded or contaminated sensor connector
- Failed reductant temperature sensor (NTC thermistor or integrated sensor)
- High resistance or poor ground at the sensor or ECM
- Faulty ECM or internal driver fault (less common)
Symptoms
- Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) / Check Engine light illuminated
- Possible reduced engine performance or limp mode depending on manufacturer strategy
- Reduced or inhibited SCR dosing and/or disabled regeneration events
- Fault codes related to SCR system or reductant temperature
- Possible drivability complaints if ECM enters derate
What to check
- Read freeze-frame and live data with a scan tool; note reductant temperature value and whether it is pegged high
- Verify other SCR/reductant codes present (heater, level, dosing faults)
- Perform a careful visual inspection of sensor connector, wiring, and DEF tank/module for damage or corrosion
- Backprobe sensor signal, reference (usually 5V) and ground with key ON to measure voltage
- Measure sensor resistance out of circuit (if service manual gives expected values) and compare to temperature chart
- Check continuity between sensor connector and ECM connector; check for shorts to battery and ground
Signal parameters
- Typical signal: 0.1–4.9 V depending on sensor design (high code indicates voltage above expected or open circuit)
- Common thermistor behavior: resistance decreases as temperature rises (for NTC sensors)
- Typical reference supply to sensor circuit: ~5 V (verify with vehicle-specific manual)
- Operating temperature range: typically approx. -40°C to +125°C (vehicle-specific)
- Open-circuit or extremely high voltage reading often triggers 'circuit high' DTC
Diagnostic algorithm
- Retrieve all relevant DTCs and freeze-frame data. Confirm P2045 is current and note operating conditions.
- Visual inspection: check DEF tank area, sensor, wiring harness, and connectors for damage, corrosion, contamination or loose pins. Repair obvious issues and retest.
- With key ON (engine OFF), backprobe the sensor connector and measure: reference voltage, signal voltage, and ground continuity. Compare to expected ranges. A signal near battery voltage or > expected threshold indicates circuit high or open.
- Disconnect the sensor and measure connector voltage. If signal remains high with sensor disconnected the problem is upstream (wiring/ECM). If the signal changes, suspect the sensor.
- Remove the sensor and measure resistance vs temperature (use room temperature as reference). Compare to service specification or expected thermistor curve. If open/infinite resistance, replace sensor.
- Perform continuity checks between sensor ground and chassis/ECM ground and check for shorts to battery voltage on the signal wire. Repair wiring as needed.
- If vehicle has a sensor heater, check heater circuit resistance and operation per service manual; verify battery feed and ground to heater.
- If wiring and sensor test good, test or substitute known-good ECM connector (or ECU if supported) or consult manufacturer guidance for ECM diagnostics.
- After repairs, clear codes, cycle ignition, and confirm live data returns to expected values. Road test and re-scan to ensure code does not return.
Likely causes
- Disconnected or corroded sensor connector at DEF tank or dosing module
- Wire harness chafed and touching vehicle power
- Sensor failed electrically (open circuit or internal short)
- Heater circuit (if equipped) failed causing abnormal readings
- Intermittent harness fault or water ingress
Fault status
Status
Reductant Temperature Sensor A Circuit High — sensor signal voltage higher than expected or open circuit detected.
Repair difficulty: Medium
Diagnostic time: 0.5-2.0 hours
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