P2036 code meaning
Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Circuit High (Bank 2 Sensor 2)
Powertrain system Generic code P20xx codes Check engine light
What P2036 means
P2036 is set when the bank 2, sensor 2 temperature signal climbs above the top of its valid window. On the usual pull-up input that is what an unplugged connector, a broken lead or an element gone open after heat cycling produces, while a short to supply voltage gives the same picture. No manufacturer documents P2036 publicly; Deutz files the short to battery of its second SCR inlet sensor as P2034-12, and GM's 2018 diesel tables carry all their sensors on bank 1. For the bank 1 code P2033 GM's 2018 diesel tables use a resistance equivalent above 922 ohms, confirmed by 10 failed samples, Type B. Because a dead sensor looks like an extremely hot exhaust here, the control unit may also trigger protective power reduction until the circuit is repaired.
P2036 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyMedium, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.3 to 1.5 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P2036
- Engine warning lamp on
- Bank 2 temperature shows an implausibly high value
- Possible protective power reduction
Common causes of P2036
- Most likelySensing element open after repeated heat cycles
- PossibleConnector unplugged, loose or with pushed-back terminal
- PossibleSensor lead broken near the hot exhaust
- Less likelySignal wire shorted to supply 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 sensor
What each part of P2036 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. |
| 36 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P2036 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 P2036
What does P2036 mean?
P2036 means "Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Circuit High (Bank 2 Sensor 2)". P2036 is set when the bank 2, sensor 2 temperature signal climbs above the top of its valid window. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P2036?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P2036 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P2036 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P2036 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 P2036 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 P2036 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.