P24AE code meaning
Particulate Matter Sensor Circuit
Powertrain system Generic code P24xx codes Check engine light
What P24AE means
The resistive particulate matter sensor behind the diesel particulate filter collects soot on interlocking electrodes; a rising current between them shows that particles are leaking through the filter. P24AE covers a fault in that electrode circuit. Ford's 2023 diesel summary checks it after each sensor regeneration at 200 to 425 °C over 120 s and sets the code if more than 5 µA still flows although the electrodes should be clean. VW's 2014 Touareg list ties P24AE to the electrode voltage leaving 0.30 to 4.70 V and to a functional check with too little or too unchanged measuring current. Special coverage 16018 from GM extended the warranty for Cruze 2.0 diesel sensors of model years 2014–2015 that set P24AE or P24AF after contamination or moisture damage. P24AF is the plausibility check during sensor regeneration.
P24AE at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyMedium, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P24AE
- Malfunction indicator lamp on
- Filter efficiency monitor cannot complete
Common causes of P24AE
- Most likelySensor element contaminated or damaged by moisture
- PossibleHarness or connector to the sensor control unit damaged by heat or water
- Less likelyFault in the separate sensor control unit
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Particulate matter sensor
What each part of P24AE 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). |
| AE | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P24AE 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 P24AE
What does P24AE mean?
P24AE means "Particulate Matter Sensor Circuit". The resistive particulate matter sensor behind the diesel particulate filter collects soot on interlocking electrodes; a rising current between them shows that particles are leaking through the filter. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P24AE?
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 P24AE fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P24AE 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 P24AE to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 1.5 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will P24AE 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.