P2031 code meaning
Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Circuit (Bank 1 Sensor 2)
Powertrain system Generic code P20xx codes Check engine light
What P2031 means
Exhaust gas temperature sensor 2 on bank 1 usually sits between the oxidation catalyst and the particulate filter, where the ECM uses it to control regeneration temperature. Under the generic circuit title, manufacturers set P2031 for different faults. On Ford's 2023 diesels it is a plausibility test: after at least 6 hours off, all sensors must agree within 50 °C at key-on, and while driving each must stay within ±80 °C of the modelled temperature for 200 to 400 s, with the fault confirmed after 20 s. Mack and Volvo trucks use P2031 with a failure mode identifier for open or shorted wiring, connector faults and failed sensors, and note that regeneration is then not possible. Stellantis found water and corrosion in the sensor and harness connectors and replaces both. P2032 and P2033 are the dedicated low and high signal codes.
P2031 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyMedium, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.3 to 1.5 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P2031
- Malfunction indicator lamp on
- DPF regeneration inhibited
Common causes of P2031
- Most likelySensor failed or reading off from the model
- PossibleWater or corrosion in the sensor or harness connector
- PossibleWiring open or shorted near the hot exhaust
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Exhaust gas temperature sensorEgt wiringECM
What each part of P2031 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. |
| 31 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P2031 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 P2031
What does P2031 mean?
P2031 means "Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Circuit (Bank 1 Sensor 2)". Exhaust gas temperature sensor 2 on bank 1 usually sits between the oxidation catalyst and the particulate filter, where the ECM uses it to control regeneration temperature. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P2031?
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 P2031 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P2031 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 P2031 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.3 to 1.5 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will P2031 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.