P2080 OBD-II Trouble Code: Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Circ Range/Perf Bank 1 Sensor 1

P2080 code definition

The P2080 code is a generic powertrain code related to the transmission, including pressure faults and sensor failures. In this case, the electronic control module (ECM) has found a malfunction or fault in the exhaust gas temperature sensor circuit bank 1 sensor 1.

Codes related to the P2080 include:

• P0544 Exhaust Gas Temp. Sensor Circuit (Bank 1)
• P0545 Exhaust Gas Temp. Sensor Circuit Low (Bank 1)
• P0546 Exhaust Gas Temp. Sensor Circuit High (Bank 1)
• P2081: Exhaust Gas Temp. Sensor Circuit Intermittent (Bank 1 Sensor 1)
• P2082: Exhaust Gas Temp. Sensor Circuit Range/Performance (Bank 2 Sensor 1)

What the P2080 code means

A code P2080 will be stored when the ECM has detected a fault or malfunction in the exhaust gas temperature sensor circuit bank 1 sensor 1. Typically, bank 1 means the bank of the engine that contains the number 1 cylinder, and sensor 1 is the pre-catalytic converter sensor, or upstream sensor.

A vehicle’s exhaust gas temperature sensor usually is a two-wire sensor, which is located in the exhaust down pipe. This sensor is utilized in diesel, gasoline, and turbocharged engines. However, in a diesel engine the sensor is typically located near the diesel particulate filter (DPF) portion of the exhaust system.

The sensor is of the temperature reactive resistor type, and is supplied with around a 5-volt power wire and ground wire. When the exhaust gas temperature goes up, the resistance level in the sensor will decrease, which allows a feedback voltage signal to the ECM to increase. When the engine is off and exhaust temperature decreases, circuit resistance will increase and the feedback voltage signal to the ECM will decrease. The ECM takes these voltage variations as the temperature of the exhaust gas and adjusts ignition timing or air/fuel ratio.

What causes the P2080 code?

Several problems may cause a P2080 code including:

• Damaged, defective, corroded, or loose wiring
• Exhaust gas temperature sensor short to ground
• Use of an aftermarket off-road exhaust system, which can cause a decrease in backpressure
• Exhaust leak upstream of the sensor
• Damaged or defective exhaust gas temperature sensor 1
• Damaged or defective ECM (rare)

What are the symptoms of the P2080 code?

Symptoms of a P2080 code may include:

• Check engine or warning light may illuminate
• There will most likely be no symptoms other than a stored P2080 code

How does a mechanic diagnose the P2080 code?

A mechanic may use several methods to diagnose a P2080 trouble code, including:

• Utilize an OBD-II scanner to check for a stored P2080 trouble code
• Visually inspect wiring and related electrical components for signs of damage, corrosion, or loose connections
• Visually inspect the exhaust system for signs of leaks upstream of the sensor
• Using a digital volt or ohmmeter, test resistance of the exhaust gas temperature sensor 1, which should be around 150 ohms
• Utilize a heat gun to heat the resistor and observe resistance level of the sensor
• Use a digital volt or ohmmeter to perform a continuity test on the signal wire

Common mistakes when diagnosing the P2080 code

Often, the oxygen sensor is mistaken for the exhaust gas temperature sensor, or believed that it is integrated into the heated oxygen sensor, resulting in the incorrect replacement of an oxygen sensor. It is recommended to fully diagnose the exhaust gas temperature sensor and related circuitry when a P2080 code is stored.

How serious is the P2080 code?

Because a vehicle’s safe driving operation most likely will be impacted due to faults that store a P2080 code, this code is considered a potentially serious code. When this code appears, it is recommended to immediately take your vehicle to your local service center or mechanic for repair and diagnosis.

What repairs can fix the P2080 code?

Several repairs can fix a P2080 trouble code and include:

• Repair or replace any damaged or defective wiring and related electrical components
• Repair or replace any leaking exhaust system components
• Replace damaged or defective exhaust gas temperature sensor 1
• Replace damaged or defective ECM (rare)
• Clear all codes, test-drive the vehicle, and rescan to see if any codes reappear

Need help with a P2080 code?

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