P2033 code meaning
Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Circuit High (Bank 1 Sensor 2)
Powertrain system Generic code P20xx codes Check engine light
What P2033 means
P2033 means the signal of exhaust gas temperature sensor 2 on bank 1 is above its valid range. On the Opel/GM 2.0 CDTi in the Saab 9-5 (2010) the sensor in the particulate filter reads high voltage when cold, so more than 1.6 V for over 1 s means an open circuit, an unplugged connector or a short to voltage; it is Type A. GM's 2009 Duramax sets it above 3.37 V, equivalent to 1000 °C, for 300 s, which on that sensor is a short to voltage rather than an open. GM's 2018 diesels use a resistance-equivalent limit above 922 Ω (Type B), Ford's 2023 diesels 2.66 V within 2 s. Sensors near the filter see repeated heat cycles, and their leads and connectors are exposed to road water. The ECM loses the filter temperature and normally stops regeneration, so soot builds up until the fault is fixed.
P2033 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 repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P2033
- Malfunction indicator lamp on
- DPF regeneration inhibited, soot load rises
Common causes of P2033
- Most likelySensor element open after heat cycling
- PossibleConnector unplugged, loose or corroded
- Less likelySignal wire shorted to voltage
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 P2033 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. |
| 33 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P2033 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 P2033
What does P2033 mean?
P2033 means "Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Circuit High (Bank 1 Sensor 2)". P2033 means the signal of exhaust gas temperature sensor 2 on bank 1 is above its valid range. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P2033?
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 P2033 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P2033 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 P2033 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 P2033 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.