Home / DTC / P242C — Exhaust gas temperature sensor - low circuit (bank 1, sensor 3)

P242C — Exhaust gas temperature sensor - low circuit (bank 1, sensor 3)

Detailed page for trouble code P242C.

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P242C

LAND ROVER P — Powertrain

Exhaust gas temperature sensor - low circuit (bank 1, sensor 3)

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Page language: EN

Causes

  • Open circuit or short to ground in the sensor signal wire
  • Corroded, loose, or damaged connector at the sensor
  • Failed or degraded EGT sensor (thermocouple or thermistor)
  • Heater element fault inside the sensor (if equipped)
  • Damaged harness from heat, chafing, or road debris
  • Exhaust damage or soot/contamination at the sensor tip

Symptoms

  • MIL/Check Engine lamp illuminated
  • Possible limp-home mode or reduced engine performance
  • Elevated emissions or failed emissions/inspection test
  • Stored freeze frame and related EGT or boost control codes
  • Difficulty maintaining correct turbo/aftertreatment temperatures

What to check

  • Read all stored and pending codes and note freeze-frame data
  • Visual inspection of the sensor, connector, and wiring for heat damage, corrosion, or soot
  • Wiggle test wiring/connectors while monitoring live EGT data to reproduce fault
  • Back-probe the sensor connector and measure signal (mV or voltage) with the exhaust cold and hot
  • Measure continuity and resistance of the sensor heater circuit (if applicable)
  • Check for short to ground or short to battery on signal and heater circuits

Signal parameters

  • Thermocouple-type EGT: output increases with temperature (millivolt-level signal); a healthy sensor will show rising mV with increasing exhaust temp
  • Low-circuit condition: signal near 0 mV or no change with temperature
  • Heater circuit (if present): typical resistance usually low (single-digit to low-double-digit ohms) — consult vehicle-specific spec
  • Signal wiring should have continuity to the PCM pin and no short to ground or battery voltage
  • Reference/supply voltage (if sensor uses active electronics) should be within the vehicle spec (commonly 5 V reference or switched supply on some designs)

Diagnostic algorithm

  1. Connect a suitable scan tool. Read and record P242C and any additional codes and freeze-frame data. Clear codes and attempt to replicate.
  2. Perform a thorough visual inspection of the EGT sensor (bank 1 sensor 3), connector and harness for heat damage, corrosion, pin push-out, soot or exhaust leakage at the sensor location.
  3. With connector connected, back-probe the signal and ground pins and monitor live data (mV or temperature). Heat the exhaust around the sensor (safe warm-up or controlled run) while observing that the signal rises. If the signal stays near zero, suspect open/short or bad sensor.
  4. With ignition off, disconnect sensor and check wiring continuity from the sensor connector to the PCM connector pin per the wiring diagram. Check for short to ground or battery on the signal and heater wires.
  5. Measure sensor internal resistance/heater resistance (if accessible) against manufacturer specification. An open or out-of-spec heater indicates sensor replacement.
  6. If wiring and connector are good but sensor output is incorrect, replace the EGT sensor with the correct OEM part. Reinstall and secure harness to avoid heat damage.
  7. If replacement sensor exhibits the same low reading, re-check wiring for intermittent faults, repair any damaged wiring, and re-test. If wiring tested good and problem persists, investigate PCM/ECM driver or software (consult technical service information).
  8. After repair, clear codes and perform a road/drive cycle or guided test to confirm the fault does not return.

Likely causes

  • Wiring/connector open or short to ground (most common)
  • Failed EGT sensor from heat or contamination
  • Connector corrosion or poor pin contact
  • Heater element open (if sensor has heater)
  • ECM driver fault (less common)

Fault status

⚠️ Status
Exhaust gas temperature sensor — low circuit (Bank 1, Sensor 3). Sensor output below expected range (possible open/short, connector/harness fault, or sensor failure).
🟡 Repair difficulty: Medium
⏱️ Diagnostic time: 1.0-2.5 hours

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