P2454 Diesel Particulate Filter Pressure Sensor Low Signal
OBD2 Error Codes

P2454 Diesel Particulate Filter Pressure Sensor Low Signal

OBD-II Trouble Code - P2454 - Data Sheet

P2454 - Diesel Particulate Filter A Pressure Sensor Circuit Low

What does trouble code P2454 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.

I found that while storing code P2454, the powertrain control module (PCM) detected a low voltage input from the DPF pressure sensor circuit designated A. Only vehicles equipped with diesel engines should have this code.

Designed to remove ninety percent of carbon (soot) particles from diesel exhaust, DPF systems are fast becoming the norm in diesel vehicles. Diesel engines (especially at high acceleration) emit thick black smoke from their exhaust gases. It can be classified as soot. The DPF usually resembles a muffler or catalytic converter, mounted in a steel housing and located upstream of the catalytic converter (and / or NOx trap). By design, coarse soot particles are trapped in the DPF element, while smaller particles (and other exhaust compounds) can pass through it.

Several elemental compounds are currently used to trap large soot particles from diesel exhaust gases. These may include: paper fibers, metal fibers, ceramic fibers, silicone wall fibers, and cordierite wall fibers. Ceramic-based cordierite is the most common fiber type used in DPF filters. Cordierite has excellent filtration characteristics and is inexpensive to manufacture. However, cordierite is known to have problems with overheating at higher temperatures, making it vulnerable to malfunctions in vehicles equipped with passive particulate filter systems.

At the heart of any DPF is a filter element. Large soot particles are trapped between the fibers as engine exhaust gases pass through. As coarse soot particles accumulate, the exhaust pressure increases. After the exhaust gas pressure reaches the programmed level, the filter element must be regenerated. Regeneration allows the exhaust gases to continue to pass through the DPF and maintain the correct exhaust pressure level.

Active DPF systems regenerate automatically. In this type of system, the PCM is programmed to inject chemicals (including but not limited to diesel and exhaust fluid) into the DPF at programmed intervals. This electronically controlled injection causes the temperature of the exhaust gases to rise, allowing the trapped soot particles to burn and be released as nitrogen and oxygen ions.

Passive DPF systems are similar (in theory) but require some input from the operator. Once started, the regeneration process can take several hours. Some vehicles require a qualified repair shop for the regeneration process. Other models are designed in such a way that the DPF must be removed from the vehicle and serviced by a special machine that completes the process and removes soot particles.

Once the soot particles have been removed sufficiently, the DPF is considered regenerated. After regeneration, the exhaust back pressure should return to an acceptable level.

The DPF pressure sensor is usually installed in the engine compartment and away from the DPF. Exhaust back pressure is monitored by the sensor (when it enters the DPF) using silicone hoses (connected to the DPF and DPF pressure sensor).

A P2454 code will be stored if the PCM detects an exhaust pressure condition that is below manufacturer's specifications, or an electrical input from the DPF A pressure sensor that is below programmed limits.

Symptoms and severity

Conditions that could cause this code to persist should be considered urgent as they could cause damage to the internal engine or fuel system. Symptoms of a P2454 code may include:

  • Increased engine temperature
  • Above normal transmission temperatures
  • Reduced engine performance
  • Overall engine performance may begin to decline
  • A lot of black smoke may start to come out of the car's exhaust pipe.
  • Engine temperature may be excessive

Causes of the P2454 code

Possible reasons for setting this code:

  • Exhaust leaks
  • DPF pressure sensor tubes / hoses clogged
  • Open or short circuit in DPF pressure sensor A circuit
  • Defective DPF pressure sensor
  • Diesel exhaust fluid tank can be free
  • Incorrect Diesel Exhaust Fluid
  • DPF pressure sensor Circuit may be open or insufficient
  • Inability to regenerate DPF
  • DPF regeneration system may fail

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.

A digital volt / ohmmeter, manufacturer's service manual, and a diagnostic scanner are required to diagnose the P2454 code.

Begin your diagnosis by visually inspecting the appropriate harnesses and connectors. Closely inspect wiring that is routed near hot exhaust components and / or jagged edges. This step ends with checking the generator output, battery voltage and battery terminal.

You can proceed by connecting the scanner and retrieving all stored codes and freeze frame data. Be sure to write down this information for future reference. Now clear all stored codes and test drive the vehicle. Using the DVOM, check the DPF pressure sensor. Refer to the manufacturer's service manual for instructions. The sensor must be replaced if it does not meet the manufacturer's resistance specifications.

DPF pressure sensor supply hoses should be checked for clogging and / or breakage if the sensor checks. Replace hoses if necessary (high temperature silicone hoses are recommended).

You can start testing the system circuits if the power lines are good and the sensor is good. Disconnect all associated controllers before testing circuit resistance and / or continuity (with DVOM). An open or short circuit in the circuit must be repaired or replaced.

Additional diagnostic notes:

  • Repair the exhaust leaks before trying to diagnose this code.
  • Clogged sensor ports and clogged sensor tubes are common
  • DPF pressure sensor hoses that are melted or cut may need to be re-routed after replacement

Replace/repair these parts to fix code P2454

  1. Engine control module . Not always components, but the ECM can be faulty. This can lead to misinterpretation of the correct data, leading to incorrect operational decisions that will affect the transmission and overall engine performance. Thus, replace the faulty module and reprogram it now!
  2. Diesel Exhaust Fluid Pump . The diesel exhaust fluid pump is usually located in the transmission cover. It draws fluid from the pump at the bottom of the transmission and supplies it to the hydraulic system. It also feeds the transmission cooler and torque converter. So, replace the faulty fluid pump now!
  3. Powertrain control module . The powertrain control module can also be faulty in rare cases and therefore requires a thorough check for system and software errors. Thus, check and replace it if required.
  4. EGR valve Are you having problems with the engine? If there are any deficiencies in the EGR valve, it will upset the air-fuel ratio in the car, which will eventually cause engine performance problems such as reduced power, reduced fuel efficiency, and problems related to acceleration. Replace it as soon as possible.
  5. Exhaust system parts . Defective exhaust system parts can lead to noisy engine exhaust. Significant reductions in fuel economy, power, and acceleration are most likely to be seen first when parts of the exhaust system fail. Therefore, it is important to change them. Sign in to Parts Avatar now to get the highest quality auto parts.
  6. Electronic control unit - The ECU controls the cooling system by monitoring the operating temperature of the battery, so if a malfunction is detected, it must be replaced. Therefore, buy new ECU modules and components from us!
  7. Diagnostic tool Use quality diagnostic tools to resolve any OBD error code.

Common Mistakes When Diagnosing Code P2454

  • Some of the problems associated with exhaust leaks
  • Exhaust gas pressure sensor malfunction
  • Issues related to exhaust system parts

Other Diagnostic Codes Related to OBD Code P2454

P2452 - Diesel particulate filter "A" pressure sensor circuit
P2453 - Diesel Particulate Filter Pressure Sensor "A" Range/Performance
P2455 - Diesel Particulate Filter "A" Pressure Sensor - High Signal
P2456 - Diesel particulate filter "A" pressure sensor circuit intermittent / unstable
What is P2454 Engine Code [Quick Guide]

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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.

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