P0470 code meaning
Exhaust Pressure Sensor A Circuit
Powertrain system Generic code P04xx codes Check engine light
What P0470 means
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. P0470 is the general circuit fault of sensor A. Ford's 6.7-litre diesel with a digital SENT sensor sets it when the sensor reports an error status or its raw data leave their limits for 5 s; a loss of communication is U0691 instead. Analogue sensors use it for an open or unspecified circuit fault where low and high are not separated.
P0470 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyMedium, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.5 to 2.5 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P0470
- Check engine light on
- EGR and turbo control on a substitute value, possibly reduced power
- Exhaust brake or warm-up flap without function
Common causes of P0470
- Most likelySensor faulty internally
- PossibleConnector corroded or heat-damaged near the manifold
- PossibleBroken or chafed signal or 5 V wire
- Less likelyEngine module or software
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Exhaust pressure sensor aSensor wiringEngine control module
What each part of P0470 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 4 | Area: auxiliary emission controls (catalytic converter, EGR, EVAP). |
| 70 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0470 and any other codes stored with it: several codes together often point to one cause.
- Check for loose connectors and damaged wiring around the parts the code names.
- Check open recalls for your car: some faults are fixed for free by the dealer. Enter your VIN.
- Clear the code only after the repair. If it comes back, the fault is still there.
Buying a used car? Scan it for stored codes before you pay. A recently cleared memory can hide a problem.
Questions about P0470
What does P0470 mean?
P0470 means "Exhaust Pressure Sensor A Circuit". 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). It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0470?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0470 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0470 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0470 is emissions-related, so most inspection programs fail a car while it is stored or while the check engine light is on.
How hard is P0470 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 2.5 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will P0470 clear itself after the repair?
After the repair the car has to complete a drive cycle (a mix of city and highway driving) before the test runs again. Until then the readiness monitor shows "not ready", which can fail an inspection.