P2381 code meaning
EGR Sensor D Circuit High
Powertrain system Generic code P23xx codes Check engine light
What P2381 means
P2381 means the signal of EGR sensor D is stuck at the top of its electrical range. GM's 2025 diesel ECM tables use it for the differential pressure sensor of the low-pressure EGR loop: if the raw voltage exceeds 99.83 % of the scale in 480 out of 600 samples, taken every 6.25 ms after cranking and with the powertrain relay above 11 V, GM records a Type A fault, lighting the MIL in the first trip. Typical reasons are an open sensor ground or a signal wire touching a 5 V or battery feed. GM bulletin 21-NA-149 for 3.0L LM2 trucks (Silverado, Sierra, Tahoe, Suburban, Yukon, Escalade) lists P2381 among codes that chafed engine harnesses can trigger. P2382 is the opposite limit and P2383 the plausibility check of the same sensor. The low-pressure EGR is usually shut off.
P2381 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyMedium, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.3 to 2 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P2381
- Check engine light on immediately
- Low-pressure EGR disabled, NOx emissions rise
- Other harness-related codes possible at the same time
Common causes of P2381
- Most likelyOpen sensor ground or reference return
- PossibleChafed engine harness shorting the signal to a supply (GM 21-NA-149)
- PossibleDifferential pressure sensor failed with output at full scale
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
EGR sensor dEGR sensor wiring d
What each part of P2381 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 2 | Generic code (second SAE range): it means the same on every make. |
| 3 | Area: ignition system or misfire. |
| 81 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P2381 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 P2381
What does P2381 mean?
P2381 means "EGR Sensor D Circuit High". P2381 means the signal of EGR sensor D is stuck at the top of its electrical range. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P2381?
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 P2381 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P2381 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 P2381 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.3 to 2 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will P2381 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.