P0545Generic code

P0545 Code: Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Circuit Low (Bank 1)

The P0545 code means the exhaust gas temperature sensor signal (bank 1, sensor 1) is below its minimum value. The main effects are a disabled DPF regeneration and limited power. It usually comes from the signal wire shorted to ground or from a missing reference voltage.

Severity
Medium
Can I keep driving?
Yes, but with caution
Estimated cost
$60 to $400
Difficulty
Medium
System
Emissions Control
Applies to
All OBD2 vehicles

Updated Reviewed by Renzo Chacca

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What the P0545 code means

The EGT sensor measures the temperature of the exhaust gases ahead of the turbo or the catalytic converter. It protects the turbo and the converter and, on a diesel, it controls the regeneration of the particulate filter.

The sensor changes its resistance with temperature, and the computer reads the resulting voltage. A low signal, which is what the P0545 code reports, is usually caused by the signal wire shorting to ground or by a missing reference.

Without this signal, the computer cannot control the DPF regeneration or protect the turbo. It usually limits power and postpones regenerations, with the risk that the filter fills up. The sensor profile pages explain how to test one.

To confirm it, unplug the component with the key on and watch what happens to the reading or the code. If the value jumps to the opposite extreme, the wiring is fine and the component is the one pulling the signal to ground. If nothing changes, look for the short in the wire, starting where the harness rubs against the engine, the chassis or the exhaust.

P0545 code symptoms

  • Check engine light on.
  • DPF regeneration disabled and power limited.
  • Regenerations that do not finish.
  • Loss of power.

Likely causes of the P0545 code

  1. Signal wire shorted to ground. The harness rubs against the engine, the chassis or a bracket.
  2. Reference supply shorted. If several sensors fail at once, suspect the shared reference.
  3. Damaged sensor with an internal short.
  4. Connector with water or corrosion. It creates a path to ground.

How to diagnose the P0545 code step by step

  1. Read the sensor value on the scan tool and compare it with what you expect.
  2. Inspect the connector for corrosion, water or loose pins.
  3. Check the supply and ground with the key on: the reference should be correct, with less than 0.1 V of voltage drop on the ground.
  4. Measure the signal with the connector plugged in and watch whether it changes with the condition.
  5. Do a wiggle test on the harness with the scan tool in graph mode.
  6. Check the continuity of each wire to the computer (under 1 ohm).

How to fix the P0545 code

  • Repair the connector or the wiring.
  • Replace the sensor if the tests confirm it is bad.
  • Correct the real condition if there is one.
  • Clear the codes and verify with a road test.

Technical reference data

  • PT200 platinum resistance element: about 200 ohms at 0 °C (32 °F).
  • Exhaust temperature: 150 to 700 °C (about 300 to 1,290 °F) depending on load.
  • These values are a general guide: check the manufacturer data for your vehicle.

Brand-specific notes

This code is very common on diesels, and the wiring tends to burn where it runs close to the exhaust.

P0545 on Volkswagen

Very common on Volkswagen diesels, where the wiring burns near the exhaust.

P0545 on Ford

Very common on Ford diesels, where the wiring burns near the exhaust.

P0545 on Mercedes

Very common on Mercedes diesels, where the wiring burns near the exhaust.

P0545 on Hyundai

Very common on Hyundai diesels, where the wiring burns near the exhaust.

Frequently asked questions about P0545

What does the P0545 code mean?
It is a generic OBD2 code that means the exhaust gas temperature sensor signal on bank 1, sensor 1 is below its minimum value. In practice that points to a signal wire shorted to ground or a missing reference.
Can I drive with a P0545 code?
Yes, with some caution. Power is usually limited and regenerations are postponed, so the particulate filter can fill up if you wait too long to fix it.
Do I have to replace the sensor?
Only if the tests confirm it. The connector and the wiring fail just as often.
What does the bank 1 EGT sensor do?
The EGT sensor measures the temperature of the exhaust gases ahead of the turbo or the catalytic converter. It protects the turbo and the converter and, on a diesel, it controls the regeneration of the particulate filter.
How much does it cost to fix P0545?
As a rough guide, between $60 and $400. A wiring or connector repair is at the low end, and a new sensor with labor is at the high end.
Will a P0545 code clear itself?
Only if the short was temporary, for example water in the connector that dried out. A wire rubbing on metal will bring the P0545 code back.
What is the most common cause of P0545?
A signal wire shorted to ground, usually where the harness rubs against the engine, the chassis or a bracket. A short in the shared reference supply and a damaged sensor follow.

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