P2481: Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Circuit Low (Bank 1 Sensor 5)

P2481 means the signal of the fifth bank 1 exhaust probe has dropped below its lower electrical limit, which on a resistive probe usually indicates a short to ground. GM documents it codegenau for its diesel ECMs: the 2017 and 2020 tables fail a probe resistance under 158 Ω, the 2018 table under 500 Ω, each after 10 of 20 samples at 100 ms, as a Type B fault. The 2025 tables flag under 1 Ω, or for a digital thermocouple a reading colder than about −73 °C, after 19 of 25 samples. Ram lists P2481 for the 2025–2026 2500/3500 diesel and stresses using the sensor names in the scan tool, since the numbering is easy to mix up. P2482 is the opposite limit, P2484 an unsteady signal.

Bank 1 is the side of the engine with cylinder 1. Inline engines only have this bank.

Symptoms

• Engine warning lamp after two trips
• Probe 5 reads implausibly in live data

Most likely causes

• Signal lead chafed through and touching ground
• Internal short in the probe after heat damage
• Neighbouring probe replaced because positions were confused

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. With the connector unplugged, check whether the signal wire is making contact with ground.
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 P2481 means

• P: Powertrain: engine and transmission
• 2: Generic code: same on every make
• 4: Emissions
• 81: Specific fault in that system

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep driving with code P2481?

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 P2481?

The most common causes are: signal lead chafed through and touching ground; internal short in the probe after heat damage; neighbouring probe replaced because positions were confused.

Related codes

• P2480Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Circuit/Open (Bank 1 Sensor 5)
• P2482Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Circuit High (Bank 1 Sensor 5)
• P2483Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Circuit Range/Performance (Bank 1 Sensor 5)
• P2484Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Circuit Intermittent/Erratic (Bank 1 Sensor 5)
• P2486Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Circuit Low (Bank 2 Sensor 5)

Sources

• gsi.ext.gm.com: 18OBDG04 Engine Diagnostics
• gsi.ext.gm.com: 25OBDG04A
• gsi.ext.gm.com: 17OBDG04 Engine Diagnostics
• static.nhtsa.gov: MC 11031237 0001

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.