P2080 Code: Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Circuit Range/Performance (Bank 1 Sensor 1)

What the P2080 code means

Exhaust gas temperature sensors measure how hot the exhaust is ahead of the turbo, the catalytic converter or the diesel particulate filter. The computer uses that number to protect the turbo and the catalytic converter from overheating and to control particulate filter regeneration.

The sensor changes its resistance with temperature, and the computer reads the resulting voltage. A range or performance fault tells you the sensor is measuring, but measuring wrong, or that something truly abnormal is going on in the exhaust. The P2080 code is stored when the reading does not fit the situation.

Most of these sensors are thermistors or thermocouples that work up to about 900 °C (1,650 °F). On these codes, sensor 1 is usually the one closest to the engine. Your vehicle documentation will show exactly where it sits.

This kind of fault rarely gets solved with a multimeter alone, because electrically everything looks fine. You have to compare what the part says with reality: use a pressure gauge, a thermometer or a tachometer, or command the component with the scan tool and see whether the physical result matches the order.

P2080 code symptoms

• Check engine light on.
• The computer may reduce engine power to protect the turbo or the catalytic converter.
• Particulate filter regenerations may be suspended, so the filter keeps loading with soot.

Likely causes of the P2080 code

1. Degraded or drifting sensor. It gives believable readings that are simply wrong.
2. A real abnormal condition. The exhaust system is truly running outside its normal range.
3. High resistance in the connector. Corrosion shifts the reading.
4. Damaged or plugged pickup, hose or tone wheel, depending on the type of sensor.

How to diagnose the P2080 code step by step

1. Read the sensor value on the scan tool and compare it with what you would expect for the engine temperature and load.
2. Inspect the connector for corrosion, water or loose pins.
3. Check power and ground with the key on: a correct reference voltage and less than 0.1 V of drop on the ground side.
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 continuity of each wire back to the computer, which should be less than 1 ohm.

How to fix the P2080 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

• Resistance at room temperature: about 200 ohms on many PTC sensors, and it varies by type.
• Working range: -40 to 900 °C (-40 to 1,650 °F).
• These are general reference values, so check the manufacturer data for your vehicle.

Brand-specific notes

This code is common on diesels from Volkswagen, Audi, Seat, Peugeot, Citroen, Renault, Ford, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Toyota Hilux, Nissan Navara and Chevrolet.

Short, stop-and-go trips are the main enemy of the particulate filter, because the exhaust never gets hot enough for a regeneration to finish.

Frequently asked questions about P2080