P2573 code meaning
Direct Ozone Reduction Catalyst Deterioration Sensor Circuit Range/Performance
Powertrain system Generic code P25xx codes Check engine light
What P2573 means
P2573 means the deterioration sensor watching a DOR (direct ozone reduction) catalyst delivers a signal that is electrically within limits but does not fit the expected behaviour, for example a value that never changes with conditions or contradicts other inputs. Such a sensor would estimate how much of the catalytic coating on the radiator still destroys ozone, which CARB requires on vehicles claiming a large DOR credit. No manufacturer publishes P2573 or its test criteria, so the exact check is unknown; on comparable VW systems the analogous plausibility code P2568 fires on a failed identity or function check of the radiator sensor. P2572 is the generic circuit fault, P2574/P2575 the low and high signals. Driveability is unchanged; the MIL may come on.
P2573 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyMedium
- Typical labor0.5 to 3 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P2573
- Check engine light after several drive cycles
- No change in how the car drives
Common causes of P2573
- PossibleDeterioration sensor drifting or stuck at one value
- PossibleNon-original radiator with a sensor that does not match
- Less likelyRadiator face heavily fouled, skewing the sensor reading
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Dor deterioration sensor
What each part of P2573 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 2 | Generic code (second SAE range): it means the same on every make. |
| 5 | Area: vehicle speed, idle control and auxiliary inputs. |
| 73 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P2573 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 P2573
What does P2573 mean?
P2573 means "Direct Ozone Reduction Catalyst Deterioration Sensor Circuit Range/Performance". P2573 means the deterioration sensor watching a DOR (direct ozone reduction) catalyst delivers a signal that is electrically within limits but does not fit the expected behaviour, for example a value that never changes with conditions or contradicts other inputs. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P2573?
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 P2573 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P2573 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 P2573 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 3 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P2573 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.