P2036: Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Circuit High (Bank 2 Sensor 2)

P2036 is set when the bank 2, sensor 2 temperature signal climbs above the top of its valid window. On the usual pull-up input that is what an unplugged connector, a broken lead or an element gone open after heat cycling produces, while a short to supply voltage gives the same picture. No manufacturer documents P2036 publicly; Deutz files the short to battery of its second SCR inlet sensor as P2034-12, and GM's 2018 diesel tables carry all their sensors on bank 1. For the bank 1 code P2033 GM's 2018 diesel tables use a resistance equivalent above 922 ohms, confirmed by 10 failed samples, Type B. Because a dead sensor looks like an extremely hot exhaust here, the control unit may also trigger protective power reduction until the circuit is repaired.

Bank 2 is the side without cylinder 1, so it only exists on V or boxer engines.

Symptoms

• Engine warning lamp on
• Bank 2 temperature shows an implausibly high value
• Possible protective power reduction

Most likely causes

• Sensing element open after repeated heat cycles
• Connector unplugged, loose or with pushed-back terminal
• Sensor lead broken near the hot exhaust
• Signal wire shorted to supply voltage

What to check, in order

Start with the simplest. You can tick off each step.

1. Read the soot load and differential pressure with a scanner
2. Check the sensor's ground and make sure the signal wire is not receiving voltage from another circuit.
3. Check the differential pressure sensor's hoses
4. Check the temperatures before and after the filter
5. Fix any fuel injection or EGR codes before regenerating
6. Perform a regeneration while driving or at a repair shop when the diagnosis allows it

Good to know

• Repair difficulty: medium
• It can trigger limp mode.
• It affects emissions.

What each character of P2036 means

• P: Powertrain: engine and transmission
• 2: Generic code: same on every make
• 0: Subsystem depends on the code range
• 36: Specific fault in that system

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep driving with code P2036?

If the light is on steadily, take a highway drive or go to a repair shop soon. If the car is in limp mode or the light is flashing, do not push the engine.

What causes code P2036?

The most common causes are: sensing element open after repeated heat cycles; connector unplugged, loose or with pushed-back terminal; sensor lead broken near the hot exhaust.

Related codes

• P2034Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Circuit (Bank 2 Sensor 2)
• P2035Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Circuit Low (Bank 2 Sensor 2)
• P2033Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Circuit High (Bank 1 Sensor 2)
• P0549Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Circuit High Bank 2 Sensor 1

Sources

• law.cornell.edu: 13 CCR 1968.2
• gsi.ext.gm.com: 18OBDG04 Engine Diagnostics
• serdia.deutz.com: DTCList EMRL1 MainECU EN

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.