P226E: Particulate Filter Deteriorated/Missing Substrate (Bank 2)

P226E reports a damaged or missing particulate filter core on bank 2, which only exists where each cylinder bank has its own filter. Ford documents it in its 2024-2025 OBD summary for petrol engines: the gasoline particulate filter check runs once the filter has been above 250 °C for 30 s and exhaust flow lies between 300 and 850 m³/h; if the lowest measured back pressure stays below the missing-brick threshold, a ratio under 1.0, for 5 s, P226E is stored for bank 2 and P226D for bank 1, with Mode 6 results under monitor ID $B3. No public bulletin covers P226E. CARB's missing-substrate rule for diesels follows the same idea. A pressure line problem can mimic a missing core, so check lines and sensor before condemning the filter.

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

Symptoms

• MIL on
• Usually no noticeable change in driving behaviour

Most likely causes

• Bank 2 filter core cracked, melted or removed
• Pressure sensing line of bank 2 loose, cracked or blocked
• Back pressure sensor reading too low

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 differential pressure sensor's hoses
3. Check the temperatures before and after the filter
4. Fix any fuel injection or EGR codes before regenerating
5. Perform a regeneration while driving or at a repair shop when the diagnosis allows it

Good to know

• Repair difficulty: hard
• It affects emissions.

What each character of P226E means

• P: Powertrain: engine and transmission
• 2: Generic code: same on every make
• 2: Fuel injection
• 6E: Specific fault in that system

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep driving with code P226E?

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 P226E?

The most common causes are: bank 2 filter core cracked, melted or removed; pressure sensing line of bank 2 loose, cracked or blocked; back pressure sensor reading too low.

Related codes

• P226DParticulate Filter Deteriorated/Missing Substrate (Bank 1)
• P2003Diesel Particulate Filter Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 2)
• P243BParticulate Filter Restriction - Forced Limited Power (Bank 2)

Sources

• fordservicecontent.com: OBDSM2400OUTPUT 16Jul2024 WSM final V2 MCS7001
• law.cornell.edu: 13 CCR 1968.2
• gsi.ext.gm.com: 18OBDG04 Engine Diagnostics

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.