P2452 Diesel Particulate Filter Pressure Sensor Circuit

OBD-II Trouble Code - P2452 - Data Sheet

P2452 - Diesel Particulate Filter Pressure Sensor Circuit

What does trouble code P2452 mean?

This Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) is a generic transmission code, which means it applies to all vehicles since 1996 (Ford, Dodge, GMC, Chevrolet, Mercedes, VW, etc.). Although general in nature, the specific repair steps may differ depending on the brand / model.

If your vehicle displays an engine soon service indicator followed by code P2452, the powertrain control module (PCM) has detected a malfunction in the electrical circuit of the DPF pressure sensor, which is designated A. Obviously, this code should only be presented in vehicles with diesel engine.

DPF is designed to remove ninety percent of carbon (soot) particles from diesel exhaust gases. Soot is most commonly associated with black smoke that rises from the exhaust fumes when the diesel engine is under strong acceleration. The DPF is housed in a steel built-in exhaust casing that resembles a muffler or catalytic converter. It is located upstream of the catalytic converter and / or NOx trap. While large particles of soot are trapped in the DPF element, small particles and other compounds (exhaust gases) can pass through it. DPF uses a wide variety of elemental compounds to trap soot and pass engine exhaust gases. These include paper, metal fibers, ceramic fibers, silicone wall fibers, and cordierite wall fibers.

Cordierite is a type of ceramic based filtration and the most common type of fiber used in DPF filters. It is relatively inexpensive and has excellent filtration characteristics. Unfortunately, cordierite has problems melting at high temperatures, making it prone to failure when used in passive particulate filter systems.

The heart of any particulate filter is the filter element. When engine exhaust passes through the element, large soot particles are trapped between the fibers. As soot builds up, exhaust gas pressure increases accordingly. Once enough soot has accumulated (and the exhaust pressure has reached the programmed degree), the filter element must be regenerated to allow the exhaust gases to continue to pass through the DPF.

Active DPF systems regenerate automatically. In other words, the PCM is programmed to inject chemicals (including but not limited to diesel and exhaust fluid) into the exhaust gases at programmed intervals. This action causes the temperature of the exhaust gases to rise and the trapped soot particles are burned; releasing them in the form of nitrogen and oxygen ions.

A similar process is used in passive DPF systems, but requires the involvement of the owner and (in some cases) a qualified repairer. After the start of the regeneration procedure, it may take several hours. Other passive regeneration systems require the DPF to be removed from the vehicle and serviced by a specialized machine that completes the process and properly removes soot particles. When the soot particles have been removed sufficiently, the DPF is considered regenerated and the exhaust pressure must respond accordingly.

In most cases, the DPF pressure sensor is installed in the engine compartment, away from the DPF. It monitors the back pressure of the exhaust gases before they enter the particulate filter. This is achieved with (one or more) silicone hoses that are connected to the DPF (near the inlet) and the DPF pressure sensor.

When the PCM detects an exhaust pressure condition that is not within manufacturer's specifications, or the electrical input from the DPF A pressure sensor exceeds the programmed limits, a P2452 code will be stored and the service engine lamp will shortly illuminate.

Symptoms and severity

Conditions for which this code is stored may result in internal engine or fuel system damage and should be repaired immediately. Symptoms of a P2452 code may include:

• Excessive black smoke from the exhaust pipe
• Reduced engine performance
• Increased engine temperature
• Higher transmission temperatures
• Visibility in check engine light
• A lot of black smoke can come out of the car's exhaust pipe.
• Engine performance may begin to decline
• Increased engine temperature
• Excessive transmission temperature

Causes of the P2452 code

This DTC is generic, which means it can apply to all OBD-II equipped vehicles or vehicles manufactured from 1996 to present. Specification definitions, troubleshooting steps, and repairs can always vary from one brand of car to another. The particulate filter pressure sensor is monitored by the engine control unit. This DTC will be set by the ECM if the diesel particulate filter pressure sensor circuit is not within manufacturer's specifications.

Possible reasons for setting this code:

• The diesel engine exhaust fluid reservoir is empty.
• Incorrect Diesel Exhaust Fluid
• Defective DPF pressure sensor
• DPF pressure sensor tubes / hoses clogged
• Open or short circuit in DPF pressure sensor A circuit
• Ineffective DPF Regeneration
• The diesel exhaust fluid reservoir may be empty.
• Some Problems Associated with Diesel Exhaust Fluid
• Defective DPF pressure sensor
• DPF pressure sensor tubes/hoses clogged
• DPF pressure sensor circuit may be open
• Ineffective DPF Regeneration
• Inoperative DPF active regeneration system

Diagnostic and repair procedures

A good starting point is always to check the Technical Service Bulletins (TSB) for your particular vehicle. Your problem may be a known issue with a known manufacturer-released fix and could save you time and money while troubleshooting.

Diagnosing a P2452 code requires a diagnostic scanner, digital volt / ohmmeter, and a service manual from the manufacturer. An infrared thermometer can also come in handy.

I usually start my diagnosis by visually inspecting the associated harnesses and connectors. I would pay special attention to the wiring that is routed next to hot exhaust components and sharp edges. Check the battery and battery terminals at this time and check the generator output.

Then I connected the scanner and got all the stored codes and freeze frame data. I would write this down for future use. This can come in handy if this code turns out to be intermittent. Now clear the codes and test drive the vehicle.

If the code resets immediately, check that diesel engine exhaust fluid (if applicable) is present and of the correct type. The most common reason this code is stored is a lack of diesel engine exhaust fluid. Without the proper type of diesel engine exhaust fluid, the DPF will not be efficiently regenerated, leading to a potential increase in exhaust pressure.

Refer to the manufacturer's service manual for instructions on how to test a DPF pressure sensor using the DVOM. If the sensor does not meet the manufacturer's resistance requirements, it must be replaced. If sensor ok, check DPF pressure sensor supply hoses for blockages and / or breaks. Clean or replace hoses if necessary. High temperature silicone hoses must be used.

If the sensor is good and the power lines are good, begin testing the system circuits. Disconnect all associated control modules before testing resistance and / or continuity with the DVOM. Repair or replace open or shorted circuits as necessary.

Additional diagnostic notes:

• If the DPF pressure sensor hoses are melted or cracked, it may be necessary to re-route after replacement.
• Consult the owner / service manual to find out if your vehicle is equipped with an active DPF regeneration system or a passive system.
• Clogged sensor ports and clogged sensor tubes are common

How to fix P2452 Diesel Particulate Filter A Pressure Sensor Circuit

Looking for ways to fix this DTC? Then you have arrived at the right place. We are here to help you, so you should check the steps mentioned below as follows:

• You must fix the diesel exhaust fluid
• Be sure to repair the faulty DPF pressure sensor.
• It is necessary to repair the faulty DPF A pressure sensor circuit.
• Repair or replace the fancy parts of the DPF regeneration system.
• Restore default settings in DPF pressure sensor tubing/hoses.
• Adjust faulty DPF A pressure sensor harness

No need to stress if your OBD code is still flashing as we are here for you. Take a look at our excellent range of Catalytic Converters, PCMs, ECMs, Exhaust Pressure Sensors, Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensors, Diesel Particulate Filter Pressure Sensors, Automotive ECMs, Automotive PCMs and many more. Now all your problems will disappear in the blink of an eye.

Simple Engine Error Diagnosis, OBD Code P2452

Here are a few steps you must follow to diagnose this DTC:

After checking code P2452 with an OBD-II scanner, the mechanic should start with a visual inspection of all electrical components. Use the vehicle information source to find applicable technical service bulletins (TSBs). If you find a TSB that matches the make and model of the vehicle, the symptoms you are experiencing, and the stored code, it will help you make a diagnosis.

You may also need to obtain diagnostic flowcharts, wiring diagrams, connector views, connector pinouts, component locations, and component test procedures/specifications from the vehicle information source. All of this information will be needed to properly diagnose a stored P2452 code.

You should always start with a visual inspection of the wiring harnesses and connectors. Pay particular attention to wiring near hot exhaust components and sharp edges. At this time, check the battery and battery terminal, as well as the power of the generator.

After that, the scanner should be connected and all stored codes as well as freeze frame data should be retrieved correctly. You can always write down this information for future reference. This can come in handy if this code turns out to be intermittent. After that, the codes should be cleared, and the car should be taken out for a test drive.

Now, if the code resets immediately, check to make sure that the exhaust fluid is present and that it is of the correct type. This code is usually stored due to lack of diesel exhaust fluid. if the correct type of diesel exhaust fluid is not available, then the DPF will not regenerate efficiently, resulting in an increase in exhaust gas pressure.

Instructions for testing the DPF pressure sensor with the DVOM can be found in the manufacturer's service manual. If the sensor does not match the manufacturer's resistance specifications, it will indicate that it is defective and should therefore be replaced. But if the sensor is in good working order, check the DPF pressure sensor feed hoses for blockages and/or breakage. The hoses must be cleaned and replaced as required. Be sure to use high temperature silicone hoses.

If the sensor is good and the power lines are intact, then the next step is to check the system circuits. All associated control modules must be disabled before testing resistance and/or continuity with the DVOM. Repair or replace open or shorted circuits as required.

Here are some additional diagnostic notes that you may find very helpful.

If you find that the DPF pressure sensor hoses have melted or cracked, they should be rerouted after replacement.

To find out if your vehicle is equipped with an active DPF regeneration system or a passive system, please refer to your Owner's/Maintenance Manual.

Clogged sensor ports as well as clogged sensor tubes are common.

Common Mistakes When Diagnosing Code P2452

• Exhaust pressure sensor may start to fail
• Some issues related to exhaust leaks
• Issues with exhaust system parts

P2452 (engine/spanner light permenantly on) DPF related code Vauxhall/Opel Zafira B = Fixed

Need more help with your p2452 code?

If you still need help with DTC P2452, post a question in the comments below this article.

NOTE. This information is provided for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be used as a repair recommendation and we are not responsible for any action you take on any vehicle. All information on this site is protected by copyright.