OBD-II Diagnostic Trouble Code
P2033 — Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Bank 1 Sensor 2 High
P2033 means the signal from exhaust gas temperature sensor bank 1 sensor 2 is above the expected voltage range. On most EGT circuits a high signal means an open circuit, such as a broken wire, an unplugged connector or a sensor with an internal break. On diesels sensor 2 is usually the DPF inlet sensor between the DOC and DPF, but location varies by OEM.
Severity 3/5
Truck-relevant
Service this week
Severity
Service this week
Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Bank 1 Sensor 2 High
Code
P2033
Category
Powertrain
Subsystem
Aftertreatment
Truck-relevant
Yes
What this means for truckers
Service within a few days on a Cummins X15, Detroit DD15, PACCAR MX-13. Performance is likely degraded. Continuing to drive without service risks additional component damage.
Before you replace parts — try this first
P2033 on the Aftertreatment system is most often open egt sensor element from heat cycling or vibration — not a dead part. On commercial diesels especially, work these in order before spending money on parts:
- Confirm the symptoms. Match what your truck is doing to the Symptoms section below. If the code is set but the symptoms are not there, clear the code and re-test after a drive cycle — it may not return.
- Clean and dry the sensor connector. Water, road salt, or oil seeping into a connector is the #1 fake sensor failure. Disconnect, look for green corrosion or moisture, spray with electrical contact cleaner, dry, reseat. Many faults clear here for $0.
- Inspect the wiring harness. Trace the wire from the sensor toward the ECM — look for chafing against the engine block, melted insulation near the turbo or exhaust, or pinch points where a clamp has rubbed through.
- Test the sensor before swapping it. Most Common Causes (below) list the expected voltage or resistance range — a $20 multimeter saves a $300 sensor swap that does not fix the problem.
- Only then, replace the part. Use the OEM or a tier-1 aftermarket. Cheap sensors throw the same code in two weeks.
Symptoms
Check-engine light, with active DPF regeneration usually blocked or aborted. Expect rising soot load, regen-needed warnings and possibly a derate if the code stays active. The truck often drives normally at first, and the code may be intermittent if a wire is broken inside its insulation.
Common causes
- CommonOpen EGT sensor element from heat cycling or vibration ($150–$450)
- CommonBroken or burned signal wire in the pigtail near the exhaust ($100–$400)
- OccasionalConnector unplugged, backed-out pin or corrosion after exhaust work ($50–$250)
- RareSignal circuit shorted to a voltage source ($150–$500)
- RareEGT module or ECM input fault ($500–$2500)
How to fix
Check that the connector is fully seated and look for pushed-back or spread terminals
When to use: First step, especially after DPF or exhaust service
Measure sensor resistance; an infinite reading confirms an open sensor
When to use: To confirm the sensor before replacing it
Jumper the harness signal to ground at the connector and watch the scan tool reading move
When to use: To prove the wiring back to the ECM or module is intact
Replace the sensor and secure the harness in its clips away from heat
When to use: When the sensor is open or the reading drops out with movement
Affects most
No specific vehicle pattern found in our complaint database. This code can appear on any vehicle that supports OBD-II diagnostics.
Related
- → Browse all DTC trouble codes
- → Decode a VIN to check codes for your truck
- → Owner-operator maintenance guides
- → P2002 — Diesel Particulate Filter Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1)
- → P2003 — Diesel Particulate Filter Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 2)
- → P2031 — Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Bank 1 Sensor 2
- → P2032 — Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Bank 1 Sensor 2 Low
- → P2080 — Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Circuit Range/Performance Bank 1 Sensor 1
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with code P2033?
P2033 is severity 3 — plan service within a few days. Performance is likely degraded already (you may feel reduced power, harsher shifts, or slightly worse fuel economy). Continuing to drive risks additional damage to adjacent components.
How much does it cost to fix P2033 on a commercial truck?
Total repair cost ranges $50–$2500 depending on the root cause. The cheapest fix is usually the first one listed below — Open EGT sensor element from heat cycling or vibration — which is also the most common. On commercial trucks the cost is usually higher than passenger vehicles due to part availability and shop labor rates ($120–185/hour at most truck shops, vs $90–130 at general auto shops). DIY-capable fixes (sensors, hoses, filters) are at the low end; major component replacements (turbo actuator, high-pressure fuel pump, transmission solenoid pack) are at the high end. Always diagnose with a scan tool BEFORE replacing parts — guessing wrong on a $1,500 turbo actuator when the actual issue was a $30 boost hose is a common expensive mistake.
Will P2033 fail a DOT inspection?
Yes — P2033 is an emissions-related code, and DOT inspectors check emissions compliance. An active emissions code with a check engine light can result in an out-of-service violation under FMCSA Part 393. The truck typically can't be moved until the code is cleared. Repeated emissions violations escalate to CSA scores.
What's the difference between P2033 and related codes?
P2033 is closely related to: P2002 (Diesel Particulate Filter Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1)), P2003 (Diesel Particulate Filter Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 2)), P2031 (Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Bank 1 Sensor 2), P2032 (Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Bank 1 Sensor 2 Low). These codes share the same subsystem (aftertreatment) and often appear together. If you see this code, scan for the full code list — fixing the root cause usually clears multiple companion codes at once. If only P2033 is set without the companions, the issue is more isolated.
How do I prevent P2033 from coming back after a repair?
For P2033 (Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Bank 1 Sensor 2 High), prevention centers on the aftertreatment system. Run quality DEF (verify supplier — BlueDEF, PEAK, Yara Air1). Don't skip parked regens — when the dash asks for one, do it. Avoid extended idle time which fouls the DPF. Replace NOx sensors at the OEM interval (typically 400K miles).