Powertrain, generic (extended)

P2481 Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Circuit Low (Bank 1 Sensor 5)

Check engine lightOn
EmissionsRelevant
Drive cycleNot required
Limp modePossible

P2481 means the signal of the fifth bank 1 exhaust probe has dropped below its lower electrical limit, which on a resistive probe usually indicates a short to ground. GM documents it codegenau for its diesel ECMs: the 2017 and 2020 tables fail a probe resistance under 158 Ω, the 2018 table under 500 Ω, each after 10 of 20 samples at 100 ms, as a Type B fault. The 2025 tables flag under 1 Ω, or for a digital thermocouple a reading colder than about −73 °C, after 19 of 25 samples. Ram lists P2481 for the 2025–2026 2500/3500 diesel and stresses using the sensor names in the scan tool, since the numbering is easy to mix up. P2482 is the opposite limit, P2484 an unsteady signal.

Likely causes

Signal lead chafed through and touching ground
Internal short in the probe after heat damage
Neighbouring probe replaced because positions were confused

Symptoms

  • Engine warning lamp after two trips
  • Probe 5 reads implausibly in live data

Repair estimate

DifficultyMediumDIY possible
Parts and labour€40–350
Time0.5–2 h

Typical range across vehicles; the real cost depends on what the testing finds.

Parts involved

egt sensor b1s5

Related codes

P2480P2482P2483P2484P2486

References: gsi.ext.gm.com, gsi.ext.gm.com, gsi.ext.gm.com, static.nhtsa.gov.