OBD-II Diagnostic Trouble Code
P2045 — Reductant Temperature Sensor Circuit High
P2045 means the reductant (DEF) temperature sensor signal is above its expected voltage range, which usually means an open circuit: a broken wire, unplugged connector or open sensor. The sensor is normally part of the DEF tank header unit or supply module.
Severity 3/5
Truck-relevant
Service this week
Severity
Service this week
Reductant Temperature Sensor Circuit High
Code
P2045
Category
Powertrain
Subsystem
Aftertreatment
Truck-relevant
Yes
What this means for truckers
P2045 (Reductant Temperature Sensor High) — sensor open or shorted to power.
Before you replace parts — try this first
P2045 on the Aftertreatment system is most often open circuit in the def temperature sensor wiring or connector — 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
DEF/SCR warning and check-engine light, possible loss of DEF heating in cold weather, and limited or disabled dosing leading to an emissions derate countdown.
Common causes
- CommonOpen circuit in the DEF temperature sensor wiring or connector ($100–$400)
- CommonOpen temperature sensor in the tank header or supply module ($700–$2000)
- OccasionalCorroded or backed-out terminal at the connector ($80–$300)
- RareSignal circuit shorted to voltage ($150–$500)
How to fix
Check that the connector is seated and pins are clean and tight
When to use: First step, especially after tank or header work
Measure sensor resistance; an infinite reading confirms an open sensor
When to use: To confirm the sensor
Jumper signal to ground at the harness and watch the reading change
When to use: To prove harness continuity
Replace the DEF tank header or supply module assembly
When to use: When the sensor is open
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
- → P2033 — Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Bank 1 Sensor 2 High
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with code P2045?
P2045 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 P2045 on a commercial truck?
Total repair cost ranges $80–$2000 depending on the root cause. The cheapest fix is usually the first one listed below — Open circuit in the DEF temperature sensor wiring or connector — 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 P2045 fail a DOT inspection?
Yes — P2045 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 P2045 and related codes?
P2045 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 P2045 is set without the companions, the issue is more isolated.
How do I prevent P2045 from coming back after a repair?
For P2045 (Reductant Temperature Sensor Circuit 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).