P2085 code meaning
Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Circuit Intermittent (Bank 1 Sensor 2)
Powertrain system Generic code P20xx codes Check engine light
What P2085 means
P2085 marks the signal of exhaust temperature sensor 2 on bank 1 as erratic. GM monitors it with the same logic as sensor 1 but on separate counters. In the diesel table 18OBDG04 a step of more than 10 ohms between two 100 ms samples counts as a failure, and 20 failures within 40 samples set the code; on the 3.0 L LZO (25OBDG04B) a raw jump above 100 °C in 12 of 25 samples is enough. Both carry Type B, so the lamp needs a second faulty trip. Ford's 2014 gasoline list shows P2085 without the lamp marker. Because sensor 2 often sits under the vehicle, splashed water and road salt in the connector are frequent triggers. Implausible but stable readings set P2084.
P2085 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 P2085
- Engine warning lamp on after repeated occurrence
- Erratic sensor 2 value in live data
- Regeneration interrupted
Common causes of P2085
- Most likelyWater or road salt in the underbody sensor connector
- PossibleLead rubbing on the exhaust or a bracket, intermittent break
- PossibleInternal fault in the sensor causing unstable resistance
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 harness
What each part of P2085 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. |
| 85 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P2085 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 P2085
What does P2085 mean?
P2085 means "Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Circuit Intermittent (Bank 1 Sensor 2)". P2085 marks the signal of exhaust temperature sensor 2 on bank 1 as erratic. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P2085?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P2085 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P2085 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P2085 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 P2085 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 P2085 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.