P2481 code meaning
Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Circuit Low (Bank 1 Sensor 5)
Powertrain system Generic code P24xx codes Check engine light
What P2481 means
P2481 means the signal of the fifth bank 1 exhaust probe has dropped below its lower electrical limit, which on a resistive probe usually indicates a short to ground. GM documents it codegenau for its diesel ECMs: the 2017 and 2020 tables fail a probe resistance under 158 Ω, the 2018 table under 500 Ω, each after 10 of 20 samples at 100 ms, as a Type B fault. The 2025 tables flag under 1 Ω, or for a digital thermocouple a reading colder than about −73 °C, after 19 of 25 samples. Ram lists P2481 for the 2025–2026 2500/3500 diesel and stresses using the sensor names in the scan tool, since the numbering is easy to mix up. P2482 is the opposite limit, P2484 an unsteady signal.
P2481 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyMedium, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.5 to 2 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P2481
- Engine warning lamp after two trips
- Probe 5 reads implausibly in live data
Common causes of P2481
- Most likelySignal lead chafed through and touching ground
- PossibleInternal short in the probe after heat damage
- Less likelyNeighbouring probe replaced because positions were confused
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Egt sensor b1s5
What each part of P2481 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). |
| 81 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P2481 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 P2481
What does P2481 mean?
P2481 means "Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Circuit Low (Bank 1 Sensor 5)". P2481 means the signal of the fifth bank 1 exhaust probe has dropped below its lower electrical limit, which on a resistive probe usually indicates a short to ground. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P2481?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P2481 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P2481 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P2481 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 P2481 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 2 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will P2481 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.