P244C code meaning
Exhaust Temperature Too Low For Particulate Filter Regeneration (Bank 1)
Powertrain system Generic code P24xx codes Check engine light
What P244C means
During an active regeneration the engine raises exhaust temperature with late injections so the soot in the particulate filter can burn. P244C is stored when bank 1 does not get hot enough or does not stay hot long enough. GM's diesel tables of 2017 and 2018 count interrupted regenerations: the burn ran past its maximum time, the post injections were not released in time or the steady heating phase was never reached; a successful burn clears the counter, and the code is Type A after one trip. VW's 2014 TDI cars flag it when closed-loop temperature control upstream of the turbine is not active within 45 s, or ahead of the filter within 60 s. Deutz lists it as a failed regeneration. The bank 2 twin is P244E; P244D covers too much heat. Soot keeps building, so P2463 or P2459 may follow.
P244C at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyMedium
- Typical labor0.5 to 4 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P244C
- Malfunction indicator lamp and particulate filter warning on
- Regenerations noticeably frequent or never finishing
- Reduced power once the filter is heavily loaded
Common causes of P244C
- Most likelyOxidation catalyst aged or face-plugged, so the post-injected fuel does not light off
- Most likelyRegenerations repeatedly cut short by short trips, idling or engine shut-off
- PossibleExhaust temperature sensor ahead of catalyst or filter reading too low
- Less likelyExhaust leak ahead of the catalyst cooling the gas
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
DPF b1Exhaust gas temperature sensor b1
What each part of P244C means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 2 | Generic code (second SAE range): it means the same on every make. |
| 4 | Area: auxiliary emission controls (catalytic converter, EGR, EVAP). |
| 4C | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P244C 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 P244C
What does P244C mean?
P244C means "Exhaust Temperature Too Low For Particulate Filter Regeneration (Bank 1)". During an active regeneration the engine raises exhaust temperature with late injections so the soot in the particulate filter can burn. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P244C?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P244C the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P244C fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P244C 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 P244C to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 4 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P244C 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.