P2086: Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Circuit Range/Performance (Bank 2 Sensor 2)

P2086 would report an implausible reading from the second exhaust temperature sensor on bank 2. Snap-on's code list confirms the wording. No manufacturer document available to us uses the code: GM, Ford and VW keep all diesel sensors on bank 1, Nissan's per-bank petrol layouts stop at sensor 1, and Ford's 2014 petrol list jumps from P2085 to P2088. Do not confuse it with the third sensor on bank 1: Ford's 6.7 L diesel checks sensors 1 to 4 against each other under P2080, P2084, P242B and P246F, with P24C2 for a multi-sensor mismatch. Bank 2 sensor 2 only makes sense with two separate exhaust trains that each carry a catalyst. CARB still requires a rationality check for every emission-relevant temperature input. The nearest documented analogue is P2084 on bank 1.

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

Symptoms

• Engine warning lamp on
• Catalyst or filter protection functions limited

Most likely causes

• Bank 2 downstream sensor aged or sooted, reading off
• Sensor loose or not reaching into the gas stream
• Leak in the bank 2 exhaust ahead of the sensor

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. Compare the reading with other engine data while varying the engine speed.
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 affects emissions.

What each character of P2086 means

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

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep driving with code P2086?

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 P2086?

The most common causes are: bank 2 downstream sensor aged or sooted, reading off; sensor loose or not reaching into the gas stream; leak in the bank 2 exhaust ahead of the sensor.

Related codes

• P2082Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Circuit Range/Performance (Bank 2 Sensor 1)
• P2084Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Circuit Range/Performance (Bank 1 Sensor 2)
• P2087Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Circuit Intermittent (Bank 2 Sensor 2)
• P2034Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Circuit (Bank 2 Sensor 2)
• P2035Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Circuit Low (Bank 2 Sensor 2)
• P2036Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Circuit High (Bank 2 Sensor 2)

Sources

• law.cornell.edu: 13 CCR 1968.2
• fordservicecontent.com: obd summary diesel 2023
• performanceparts.ford.com: 2014 BOSS 302S OBDII Codes

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.