P2003 code meaning
Diesel Particulate Filter Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 2)
Powertrain system Generic code P20xx codes Check engine light
What P2003 means
P2003 is set when the particulate filter of bank 2 lets too much soot slip through, which almost always points to a cracked, partly melted, hollowed-out or bypassed core. Separate filters per bank are uncommon, so the code is rare. No manufacturer documents P2003 publicly; GM and Ford explain the detection under the bank 1 code P2002: older systems judge the flow resistance of a freshly regenerated filter, newer ones use a resistive PM sensor behind it, which signals too early when soot gets past the filter. CARB requires the system to catch a filter whose leakage pushes PM beyond the limit and also one whose substrate is missing. A forced regeneration will not cure a broken filter; it has to be replaced. The warning lamp may be the only sign, with soot at the tailpipe if the leak is large.
P2003 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyHard
- Typical labor0.5 to 4 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P2003
- Malfunction indicator lamp on
- Visible soot at the tailpipe with a large leak
- Engine performance normally unaffected
Common causes of P2003
- Most likelyBank 2 filter core cracked or melted after an overheated regeneration
- PossibleFilter on bank 2 removed, emptied or bypassed
- Less likelyPM sensor or differential pressure measurement on bank 2 giving false values
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Diesel particulate filterParticulate matter sensorDPF differential pressure sensor
What each part of P2003 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 2 | Generic code (second SAE range): it means the same on every make. |
| 0 | Area: fuel and air metering and auxiliary emission controls. |
| 03 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P2003 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 P2003
What does P2003 mean?
P2003 means "Diesel Particulate Filter Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 2)". P2003 is set when the particulate filter of bank 2 lets too much soot slip through, which almost always points to a cracked, partly melted, hollowed-out or bypassed core. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P2003?
Usually yes, for a short time, if the check engine light is steady and the car drives normally. If the light flashes or the car runs badly, stop and have it checked.
Will P2003 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P2003 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 P2003 to fix?
Difficulty: hard. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 4 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P2003 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.