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P2572 code meaning

Direct Ozone Reduction Catalyst Deterioration Sensor Circuit

Powertrain system Generic code P25xx codes Check engine light

What P2572 means

P2572 points to a general fault in the circuit of a sensor meant to judge how much ozone-converting activity is left on a direct ozone reduction (DOR) catalyst, such as a coated radiator. CARB demands a real deterioration check only when the DOR credit is above 5 mg/mi NMOG on LEV III/IV vehicles (or half the NMOG standard on older ones); at or below that, the system merely has to notice a total loss of ozone reduction. BASF rates its PremAir NXT coating at a 5 mg/mi credit, which helps explain why no maker publicly documents P2572 or a dedicated deterioration sensor. Low, high and erratic signals have their own codes (P2574-P2576), the plausibility check is P2573. Driving is not affected.

P2572 at a glance

  • Check engine lightYes, usually on
  • Emissions testCan fail
  • Limp modeNot expected
  • Repair difficultyMedium
  • Typical labor0.5 to 3 hours
  • Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner

Symptoms of P2572

  • Check engine light on
  • No effect on engine power or cooling

Common causes of P2572

  • Most likelyDamaged wiring or connector at the DOR sensor
  • PossibleFailed deterioration sensor
  • Less likelyReplacement radiator without the sensor fitted

Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.

Parts involved

Dor deterioration sensorSensor wiring

What each part of P2572 means

PPowertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission.
2Generic code (second SAE range): it means the same on every make.
5Area: vehicle speed, idle control and auxiliary inputs.
72The exact fault in that area.

What to do next

  • Note P2572 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 P2572

What does P2572 mean?

P2572 means "Direct Ozone Reduction Catalyst Deterioration Sensor Circuit". P2572 points to a general fault in the circuit of a sensor meant to judge how much ozone-converting activity is left on a direct ozone reduction (DOR) catalyst, such as a coated radiator. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.

Is it safe to drive with P2572?

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 P2572 fail an emissions test?

Yes, it can. P2572 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 P2572 to fix?

Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 3 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.

Will P2572 clear itself after the repair?

Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.

Look up another code

Technical content: OBDex open OBD-II database (public domain, CC0), checked 4 Nov 2026, edited for US drivers by the VinGear team.
Technical sources for P2572