P2479 Exhaust Gas Temperature Out of Range Bank 1 Sensor 2

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P2479 Exhaust Gas Temperature Out of Range Bank 1 Sensor 2

OBD-II Trouble Code Technical Description

Exhaust Gas Temperature Out of Range Bank 1 Sensor 2

What does that mean?

This is a generic diagnostic trouble code (DTC) and applies to many OBD-II vehicles (1996-newer). That may include but is not limited to vehicles from Ford, VW Volkswagen, Audi, Porsche, Chevy, Nissan, etc. Although generic, the exact repair steps may vary depending on year, make, model and powertrain configuration.

OBD-II trouble code P2479 is associated with the exhaust gas temperature out of range bank 1 sensor 2 circuit. When the Engine Control Unit (ECU) detects improper signals within the exhaust gas temperature circuit code P2479 will be set and the check engine light will be illuminated. Refer to a vehicle specific resource to determine which is the appropriate bank and sensor location for your particular year / make / model / engine combination.

The purpose of the exhaust gas temperature sensor is to monitor the temperature of the exhaust gases and convert it into a voltage signal that is sent to the ECU. The ECU utilizes the input to control engine conditions and effectively reduce emissions. The ECU recognizes these voltage variations and reacts accordingly, adjusting ignition timing or the air/fuel mixture to lower the exhaust gas temperature and protect the catalytic converter. Exhaust gas temperature sensors are incorporated in diesel engines, gasoline burning engines, and even turbocharged engines. This process also improves performance and fuel economy.

A typical EGT exhaust gas temperature sensor:

What is the severity of this DTC?

The severity of this code can vary tremendously from just an illuminated check engine light on a vehicle that starts and runs to an automobile that will stall or not start at all.

What are some of the symptoms of the code?

Symptoms of a P2479 trouble code may include:

  • Engine may stall
  • Engine may not start
  • Engine may overheat
  • Poor fuel economy
  • Poor performance
  • Check engine light illuminated
  • What are some of the common causes of the code?

    Causes for this P2479 code may include:

  • Defective exhaust gas temperature sensor
  • Excessive exhaust leak
  • Blown fuse or fuse-able link (if applicable)
  • Excessive carbon buildup on sensor
  • Corroded or damaged connector
  • Faulty or damaged wiring
  • Faulty ECU
  • What are some P2479 troubleshooting steps?

    The first step in the troubleshooting process for any malfunction is to research the Technical Service Bulletins (TSB’s) for the specific vehicle by year, model and power plant. In some circumstances this can save a lot of time in the long run by pointing you in the right direction.

    The second step is to locate all of the components within this circuit and perform a thorough visual inspection to check the associated wiring for obvious defects such as scraping, rubbing, bare wires, or burn spots. Next is to check the connectors for security, corrosion and damaged pins. The exhaust gas temperature sensor is typically a 2-wire sensor located in the exhaust down pipe. The exhaust gas temperature sensor should be removed to inspected for excessive carbon buildup. This process must also incorporate identifying any possible exhaust leaks.

    Advanced Steps

    The advanced steps become very vehicle specific and require the appropriate advanced equipment to perform accurately. These procedures require a digital multi meter and the specific technical references for the vehicle. The ideal tools to use in this situation is an infrared thermometer and a heat gun, if available. Voltage requirements will vary based on the specific year and model of the vehicle.

    Voltage Checks

    The voltage output of the exhaust gas temperature sensor should vary proportional to temperature changes. If the voltage stays the same or changes rapidly, this as an indication that the exhaust gas temperature sensor requires replacement.

    If this process identifies the absence of a power source or ground, continuity testing may be required to check the integrity of the wiring, connectors and other components. Continuity tests should always be performed with the power removed from the circuit and the normal readings for wiring and connections should be 0 ohms of resistance. Resistance or no continuity is an indication of faulty wiring that is open or shorted and must be repaired or replaced. The resistance level of the exhaust gas temperature sensor should vary proportional to temperature increases and decreases. Based on the specific type of sensor, resistance should increase or decrease as the temperature rises and heat gun can be utilized to perform a bench check of this component. The two types of exhaust gas temperature sensors are negative temperature coefficient and positive temperature coefficient. A negative temperature coefficient sensor has a high resistance at low temperature and a low resistance at high temperature. A positive temperature coefficient sensor has a low resistance at low temperature and a high resistance at high temperature.

    What are some common repairs for this code?

  • Replacing the exhaust gas temperature sensor
  • Replacing blown fuse or fuse-able link (if applicable)
  • Cleaning corrosion from connectors
  • Repairing or replacing faulty wiring
  • Removing carbon buildup from sensor
  • Repair exhaust leak
  • Flashing or replacing ECU
  • Common mistakes may include:

    Replacing the ECU or the exhaust gas temperature sensor when damaged wiring or another component is the issue. O2 sensors are also commonly mistaken as an exhaust gas temperature sensor.

    Hopefully, the information in this article has been helpful to point you in the right direction to correct the problem with your exhaust gas temperature out of range bank 1 sensor 2 circuit fault code. This article is strictly informational and the specific technical data and service bulletins for your vehicle should always take priority.

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    "Delete Error Code Permanently, Disable DTC Error Code Function for p2479 in the ECU"

    In extreme cases, we even have the option to permanently remove the specific DTC p2479 and disable the function of the specific error code in the ECU. All other fault code functions will then continue to work to protect the engine. This is different from clearing an error code with a diagnostic device. We have the option to permanently remove the function of the specific error code, so that it never comes back. Also emergency running that occurs on the specific error code can be solved in most cases.

    Of course we prefer to first try to solve the cause of the error code, but sometimes the only solution is to permanently disable the DTC function of p2479.

    Make an appointment for permanent removal of p2479