P2488 code meaning
Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Circuit Range/Performance (Bank 2 Sensor 5)
Powertrain system Generic code P24xx codes Check engine light
What P2488 means
P2488 is the rationality check for the fifth bank 2 exhaust probe: the signal is electrically valid but does not follow the operating state. No manufacturer documents P2488; a second bank with five probes is unknown in public maker material. GM's 2025 diesel tables show for bank 1 probe 5 (P2483) how such a check can work: after a soak of more than three hours the key-on value is frozen, and too small a rise during the following drive marks the probe as stuck or outside the gas stream, Type B. CARB requires rationality monitoring of inputs used by the OBD system. A comparison with the matching probe on bank 1 and with the neighbouring probes on bank 2 quickly shows whether one sensor lags behind.
P2488 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyMedium, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.5 to 2 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P2488
- Warning lamp after two trips
- Regeneration may be inhibited
Common causes of P2488
- Most likelyAged probe responding too slowly
- PossibleProbe not reaching into the gas flow
- Less likelyExhaust leak cooling the measuring point
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Egt sensor b2s5
What each part of P2488 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). |
| 88 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P2488 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 P2488
What does P2488 mean?
P2488 means "Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Circuit Range/Performance (Bank 2 Sensor 5)". P2488 is the rationality check for the fifth bank 2 exhaust probe: the signal is electrically valid but does not follow the operating state. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P2488?
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 P2488 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P2488 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 P2488 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 P2488 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.