Code
P20E4
Generic
P — Powertrain
Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor 2/3 Correlation Bank 1
Views:
UK: 17
EN: 17
RU: 17
AI status
Completed
Completed
100%
Causes
- Faulty EGT sensor (sensor 2 or sensor 3)
- Open/short or high-resistance wiring or connector fault between sensor(s) and ECU
- Corroded or contaminated sensor connector or terminal
- Exhaust leak between sensors or near sensors affecting local temperature
- Blocked/partially clogged DPF or restriction altering local exhaust flow/temperature
- Mechanical issue (turbine/intercooler/exhaust) causing uneven exhaust temperatures
Symptoms
- MIL (Check Engine Light) illuminated
- Possible reduced engine protection strategies active (reduced turbo or regen control)
- Unexpected or failed DPF regeneration events
- No obvious driveability change in some cases (code may be stored without performance loss)
- Visible soot build-up or exhaust soot/soot/soot stains near sensor locations in severe cases
What to check
- Read freeze frame and live data with a capable scan tool; view EGT sensor 2 and 3 temps or voltages simultaneously
- Confirm the code is current vs historic; note conditions when it set (load, regen, temperature)
- Visual inspection of sensor tips for contamination, damage, or soot
- Inspect wiring and connectors for heat damage, corrosion, broken pins, or loose connectors
- Check for exhaust leaks between manifold/turbo and sensors and between sensor locations
- Compare EGT sensor signals at the ECU connector (backprobe) to confirm signal at module
Signal parameters
- Typical EGT sensor behavior: signal increases with exhaust temperature (thermocouple output in millivolts or active sensor 0–5.0 V depending on design)
- Common operating ranges: idle ~100–400°C, normal load/regeneration up to 600–900°C depending on engine and component; absolute values are manufacturer-specific
- Correlation threshold (typical): ECU commonly flags when sensor-to-sensor difference exceeds ~100–150 °C or a set percentage of expected value (manufacturer-specific)
- Heater circuit (if fitted) should show correct resistance (check service data); open heater will affect temperature response and correlation
Diagnostic algorithm
- Retrieve code data and live EGT sensor 2 and 3 values under the same operating condition (cold idle, normal load, and during a controlled acceleration or regeneration) with a scan tool.
- Reproduce the condition while monitoring both sensors; note persistent or intermittent discrepancy and at what engine/load conditions it occurs.
- Visually inspect both sensors, harnesses, and connectors for heat damage, melting, chaffing, corrosion, or soot build-up. Repair any obvious wiring damage.
- Inspect exhaust system between and around the sensors for leaks (listen, use smoke test or soapy water where appropriate) and repair any leaks; recheck sensor correlation after repair.
- Backprobe sensor signal and ground circuits at the sensor and at the ECU (if accessible) to confirm the sensor is producing a reasonable signal and the signal arrives at the ECU. Compare voltages/temperatures from the scan tool to measured voltages.
- If sensor has heater circuit, measure heater resistance and supply; verify heater operation where applicable.
- Swap sensors (if identical and practical) between positions 2 and 3 and re-check correlation to determine whether problem follows the sensor (indicates sensor fault) or stays with the location (indicates wiring/exhaust/thermal issue).
- If wiring and connectors test good and sensors appear functional, consult manufacturer service data for ECU input tests and possible software updates. Consider replacing faulty sensor(s) and/or repairing wiring. Clear codes and road test to confirm repair.
- If code returns after repair, capture new data, inspect for intermittent wiring faults (wiggle test) and consider bench-testing sensor or ECU input circuit by qualified technician.
Likely causes
- Damaged wiring harness or heat-damaged insulation to EGT sensor 2 or 3
- One sensor failed (out of tolerance) while the other is OK
- Exhaust leak or hole between sensors creating a cooler/warmer reading at one sensor
- Carbon/soot build-up on one sensor (insulating it)
Fault status
Status
EGT Sensor 2/3 correlation Bank 1 out of tolerance. ECU detected a persistent disagreement between EGT sensor 2 and EGT sensor 3 on Bank 1 and set fault P20E4.
Repair difficulty: Medium
Diagnostic time: 1.0-2.5 hours
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