The exhaust pressure sensor measures the pressure ahead of the turbine or in the manifold (Ford: turbine upstream pressure, Cummins: exhaust manifold pressure, older Ford diesels: EBP). The module uses it to calculate EGR flow, to control the variable turbine and engine braking, and to protect against overpressure. P0473 means the signal voltage is above its limit – Ford diesels above 4.8 V for 2 s, Ford petrol engines above 4.80 V for 5 s. Typical is an open signal wire that the pull-up drives high, an open sensor ground, or a short to 5 V or battery voltage.
Medium severity. Can I keep driving?You can usually keep driving in the short term. If you smell exhaust fumes in the cabin, stop driving and ventilate the car.
Symptoms
- Check engine light on
- EGR and turbo control on a substitute value, possibly reduced power
- Exhaust brake or warm-up flap without function
Most likely causes
- Signal wire open or sensor ground open
- Signal shorted to 5 V or battery voltage
- Sensor faulty internally
- Connector loose or corroded
What to check, in order
Start with the simplest. You can tick off each step.
Good to know
- Repair difficulty: medium
- It can trigger limp mode.
- It affects emissions.
What each character of P0473 means
- P: Powertrain: engine and transmission
- 0: Generic code: same on every make
- 4: Emissions
- 73: Specific fault in that system
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep driving with code P0473?
You can usually keep driving in the short term. If you smell exhaust fumes in the cabin, stop driving and ventilate the car.
What causes code P0473?
The most common causes are: signal wire open or sensor ground open; signal shorted to 5 V or battery voltage; sensor faulty internally.
Related codes
- P0470Exhaust Pressure Sensor A Circuit
- P0471Exhaust Pressure Sensor A Circuit Range/Performance
- P0472Exhaust Pressure Sensor A Circuit Low
- P047DExhaust Pressure Sensor B Circuit High
Sources
- fordservicecontent.com: obd summary diesel 2023
- fordservicecontent.com: OBD Operations Summary Gasoline 2020 2023
- law.cornell.edu: 13 CCR 1968.2
Values and procedures vary by manufacturer. If it affects brakes, steering, fuel or high voltage, see a professional. Updated: 2026-11-04. How we build these pages.