P2033 Exhaust Gas Temperature (EGT) Sensor Circuit High (Bank 1 Sensor 2)

P2033 Exhaust Gas Temperature (EGT) Sensor Circuit High (Bank 1 Sensor 2) is a generic OBD-II diagnostic trouble code indicating that the vehicle's control module has detected an abnormally high electrical signal from the exhaust gas temperature (EGT) sensor circuit on Bank 1 Sensor 2.

The Exhaust Gas Temperature (EGT) sensor monitors exhaust gas temperature and sends an electrical signal to the engine control module (ECM), powertrain control module (PCM), or aftertreatment control module.

In simple terms, the vehicle's computer is seeing a higher-than-expected signal from the EGT sensor associated with Bank 1 Sensor 2.

An important point is that "Circuit High" does not automatically mean that the exhaust temperature itself is too high.

The high signal may be caused by:

• A faulty EGT sensor

• A short circuit to voltage

• Damaged sensor wiring

• Incorrect sensor resistance

• Connector problems

• Heat-damaged wiring

• Poor terminal contact

• Sensor contamination

• Incorrect sensor installation

• A genuinely excessive exhaust temperature

Proper diagnosis is necessary to determine whether P2033 is caused by an electrical circuit problem or an actual exhaust-temperature problem.

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What Does P2033 Mean?

The code description contains several important terms.

Exhaust Gas Temperature (EGT) Sensor

The EGT sensor measures the temperature of exhaust gases.

The control module uses this information to monitor and control systems such as:

• Catalytic converters

• Diesel particulate filters (DPF)

• Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems

• Turbochargers

• Exhaust components

• Emissions-control systems

Depending on the vehicle, EGT information may be used for:

• DPF regeneration

• Catalyst temperature monitoring

• Exhaust thermal protection

• SCR operation

• Emissions-system diagnostics

• Turbocharger protection

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Circuit High

The term "Circuit High" means that the control module has detected an electrical signal that is higher than the expected range.

This does not necessarily mean the sensor is measuring an excessively high exhaust temperature.

For example, a short to battery voltage or an incorrect sensor resistance can cause the ECM to interpret the signal as too high.

Possible electrical causes include:

• Short to battery voltage

• Short to another powered circuit

• Incorrect sensor resistance

• Internal sensor failure

• Damaged wiring

• Connector problems

• Incorrect reference voltage

The exact electrical behavior depends on the EGT sensor and circuit design used by the manufacturer.

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Bank 1

Bank 1 refers to the cylinder bank that contains cylinder number one.

On a V-type engine:

• Bank 1 = side containing cylinder number one

• Bank 2 = opposite side

This distinction is important because P2033 specifically applies to Bank 1.

Inline engines normally have only one cylinder bank.

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Sensor 2

Sensor 2 identifies the EGT sensor position within the vehicle's exhaust-temperature monitoring system.

It is important not to assume that Sensor 2 always means the sensor immediately after the catalytic converter.

The exact physical position can vary depending on:

• Engine design

• Exhaust layout

• DPF configuration

• SCR system

• Turbocharger arrangement

• Manufacturer

• Model

• Engine version

On some vehicles, Bank 1 Sensor 2 may be positioned around or downstream of a catalyst or particulate filter.

The exact location should be confirmed using the vehicle-specific service information and wiring diagram.

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How Does an EGT Sensor Work?

EGT sensors can use different technologies.

Many applications use thermistor-type sensors, while others use thermocouple-based designs.

With a thermistor-type EGT sensor, the sensor's electrical resistance changes according to exhaust temperature.

A simplified process is:

Exhaust temperature changes → Sensor electrical characteristics change → Control module reads the signal → ECM calculates exhaust temperature

The control module continuously checks whether the sensor signal is plausible.

If the electrical signal is higher than the expected range, P2033 may be stored.

However, the exact voltage, resistance, temperature relationship, and diagnostic threshold are vehicle-specific.

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Why Is EGT Temperature Important?

Accurate exhaust-temperature information is important for modern engine and emissions systems.

The control module needs reliable EGT information to:

• Protect exhaust components from excessive heat

• Control DPF regeneration

• Monitor catalyst temperature

• Monitor SCR operation

• Maintain emissions performance

• Protect turbocharger components

On diesel vehicles, EGT sensors can play an important role during DPF regeneration.

If the control module receives an incorrect temperature signal, regeneration may not operate as intended.

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Symptoms of P2033

Symptoms depend on the vehicle and the cause of the high EGT sensor signal.

Check Engine Light

The Check Engine Light is the most common symptom.

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Exhaust or Emissions Warning

Some vehicles may display:

• Exhaust system fault

• Emissions system fault

• Engine system fault

• DPF warning

• SCR warning

The exact message depends on the manufacturer.

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DPF Regeneration Problems

On diesel vehicles, an incorrect EGT signal may interfere with DPF regeneration.

Possible symptoms include:

• Regeneration not starting

• Regeneration being interrupted

• More frequent regeneration attempts

• Increasing soot accumulation

• DPF warning

• Regeneration required message

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Reduced Engine Power

Some vehicles may activate a reduced-power or protective strategy if the emissions system cannot operate correctly.

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Poor Fuel Economy

Incorrect temperature information can affect emissions strategies, while repeated or unsuccessful regeneration attempts can increase fuel consumption.

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Increased Emissions

An incorrect EGT signal can interfere with emissions-control operation.

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Poor Engine Performance

Depending on the vehicle, possible symptoms include:

• Hesitation

• Reduced acceleration

• Uneven engine operation

• Reduced turbocharger performance

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No Noticeable Symptoms

P2033 can occur without obvious drivability symptoms.

The vehicle may continue to operate normally while the Check Engine Light remains illuminated.

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Common Causes of P2033

Faulty EGT Sensor

A defective EGT sensor is one of the most common causes.

The sensor may develop an internal electrical problem and produce a signal that the control module interprets as too high.

Possible failures include:

• Internal short

• Incorrect resistance

• Sensor degradation

• Internal circuit failure

• Incorrect temperature response

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Short Circuit to Voltage

A short between the EGT signal circuit and a voltage source can produce a circuit-high condition.

Possible causes include:

• Melted insulation

• Chafed wiring

• Harness contact with another powered circuit

• Incorrect previous repair

• Wiring routed too close to hot exhaust components

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Damaged EGT Wiring

EGT sensor wiring is exposed to high temperatures and vibration.

Possible damage includes:

• Melted insulation

• Burned wiring

• Heat-hardened conductors

• Broken wires

• Chafing

• Corrosion

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Damaged Connector

The connector may be damaged by:

• Exhaust heat

• Moisture

• Dirt

• Corrosion

• Vibration

Possible problems include:

• Loose terminals

• Bent pins

• Corroded contacts

• Damaged seals

• Poor terminal tension

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Incorrect Sensor Resistance

A thermistor-type EGT sensor must have the correct resistance-temperature relationship.

If the resistance is outside the expected specification, the ECM may calculate an incorrect temperature.

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Reference-Voltage Problem

Depending on the vehicle's circuit design, an incorrect reference or supply voltage can cause the sensor signal to appear abnormally high.

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Sensor Contamination

The sensing element can be contaminated by:

• Soot

• Oil

• Coolant

• Fuel deposits

Contamination can affect sensor response and accuracy.

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Incorrect Sensor Installation

A replacement EGT sensor with incorrect electrical characteristics can cause a circuit-high fault even if the component is new.

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Genuine Excessive Exhaust Temperature

P2033 can sometimes be associated with a genuinely high exhaust temperature.

Possible causes include:

• Rich air-fuel mixture

• Lean combustion

• Misfires

• Fuel injector problems

• DPF regeneration problems

• Exhaust restriction

• Turbocharger problems

• Aftertreatment faults

However, because P2033 specifically identifies a circuit high condition, the electrical circuit should be checked before concluding that the exhaust is actually overheating.

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DPF Regeneration Problems

On diesel vehicles, an abnormal DPF regeneration event can cause elevated exhaust temperatures.

Possible causes include:

• Excessive soot loading

• Incorrect regeneration control

• Fuel injector problems

• Regeneration system faults

• Incorrect EGT feedback

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Exhaust Restriction

A restricted DPF, catalyst, or exhaust component can affect exhaust temperature and backpressure.

Possible causes include:

• Clogged DPF

• Restricted catalyst

• Collapsed exhaust component

• Excessive soot accumulation

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Exhaust Leaks

An exhaust leak can alter exhaust flow and affect the temperature measured around the sensor.

The location and severity of the leak determine its effect.

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Aftermarket Exhaust Modifications

Exhaust modifications can alter:

• Exhaust flow

• Temperature distribution

• Sensor exposure

• Sensor position

• Wiring routing

These changes can contribute to EGT sensor faults.

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Control Module Problem

In rare cases, the ECM, PCM, or aftertreatment control module may incorrectly interpret the sensor signal.

A control-module problem should generally be considered only after the sensor and circuit have been thoroughly tested.

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Vehicles Commonly Affected by P2033

P2033 can occur on vehicles equipped with multiple EGT sensors.

Examples may include:

• Ford F-250 Super Duty Diesel

• Ford F-350 Super Duty Diesel

• Ford Transit Diesel

• Chevrolet Silverado Duramax

• GMC Sierra Duramax

• Ram 2500 Diesel

• Ram 3500 Diesel

• Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Diesel

• Volkswagen Touareg TDI

• Audi Q7 TDI

• BMW X5 Diesel

• BMW X6 Diesel

• Porsche Cayenne Diesel

• Jeep Grand Cherokee Diesel

• Volkswagen Transporter

• Peugeot Boxer Diesel

• Citroën Jumper Diesel

• Fiat Ducato Diesel

• Iveco Daily

• Renault Master

This list is not exhaustive.

The exact EGT sensor arrangement varies between manufacturers, engines, model years, and emissions systems.

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How Is P2033 Diagnosed?

The most important diagnostic question is:

Is the EGT sensor actually detecting excessive exhaust temperature, or is the electrical circuit falsely producing a high signal?

Because P2033 is a circuit high code, the electrical system should be tested before replacing the sensor.

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Step 1: Scan for Additional Trouble Codes

Use a suitable diagnostic scan tool to retrieve all stored and pending codes.

Look for related faults involving:

• Other EGT sensors

• DPF

• SCR

• NOx sensors

• Fuel injectors

• Fuel pressure

• Turbocharger

• Exhaust restriction

• Regeneration

• Aftertreatment communication

Additional codes can reveal the root cause.

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Step 2: Review Freeze-Frame Data

Review the conditions under which P2033 was stored.

Check:

• Engine RPM

• Vehicle speed

• Engine coolant temperature

• Intake-air temperature

• Engine load

• EGT readings

• DPF soot load

• Regeneration status

• Battery voltage

This helps determine whether the fault occurred during normal driving, cold operation, or active regeneration.

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Step 3: Check Live EGT Data

Monitor the Bank 1 Sensor 2 EGT reading with a scan tool.

Compare the reading with:

• Other EGT sensors

• Engine coolant temperature

• Ambient temperature

• Engine load

• Manufacturer specifications

An implausibly high reading can indicate a sensor or electrical problem.

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Step 4: Check the Sensor With a Cold Engine

A cold engine provides an excellent reference condition.

If the scan tool immediately shows an extremely high EGT temperature when the exhaust is cold, investigate the sensor and circuit.

This is especially useful for identifying electrical faults.

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Step 5: Inspect the EGT Sensor

Check for:

• Physical damage

• Soot buildup

• Oil contamination

• Coolant contamination

• Corrosion

• Damaged sensor tip

• Incorrect installation

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Step 6: Inspect the Wiring Harness

Follow the Bank 1 Sensor 2 EGT wiring toward the control module.

Look for:

• Melted insulation

• Burned wires

• Chafing

• Broken conductors

• Exposed wiring

• Previous repairs

• Loose harness clips

Pay particular attention to areas close to the exhaust.

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Step 7: Inspect the Connector

Check for:

• Corrosion

• Moisture

• Loose terminals

• Bent pins

• Damaged seals

• Heat damage

• Poor terminal tension

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Step 8: Check Sensor Circuit Voltage

Using the vehicle-specific wiring diagram and manufacturer test procedure, measure the relevant sensor circuit voltages.

Determine whether the high signal is caused by:

• The sensor

• A short to voltage

• Wiring damage

• Incorrect reference voltage

• Connector problems

• Control-module circuitry

Do not use generic voltage values in place of manufacturer specifications.

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Step 9: Check Sensor Resistance

If the vehicle uses a resistance-based EGT sensor, measure its resistance according to manufacturer specifications.

Compare the measured resistance with the expected value for the actual sensor temperature.

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Step 10: Check for a Short to Voltage

Test the EGT signal circuit for an unwanted connection to:

• Battery voltage

• Ignition voltage

• Another powered circuit

A short to voltage is an important possible cause of P2033.

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Step 11: Check for an Open Circuit

Inspect for:

• Broken wires

• Disconnected connectors

• Loose terminals

• Damaged splices

• Failed conductors

An open circuit can produce an invalid signal depending on the sensor design.

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Step 12: Perform a Wiggle Test

Monitor the EGT signal while carefully moving the wiring harness and connector.

If the signal changes unexpectedly, investigate the harness and terminals.

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Step 13: Compare Bank 1 Sensor 2 With Other EGT Sensors

Compare the Bank 1 Sensor 2 reading with other sensors under similar operating conditions.

If other sensors show plausible temperatures while Bank 1 Sensor 2 reports an extreme value, the affected sensor or circuit becomes a strong suspect.

Different sensor locations can have different normal temperatures, so the comparison should be made against manufacturer specifications.

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Step 14: Check for Genuine High Exhaust Temperature

If the electrical circuit tests correctly, determine whether the exhaust temperature is genuinely excessive.

Investigate:

• Fuel injection

• Fuel mixture

• Misfires

• DPF regeneration

• Turbocharger operation

• Exhaust restriction

• Aftertreatment operation

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Step 15: Check DPF Regeneration

On diesel vehicles, determine whether P2033 occurs during:

• Active regeneration

• Failed regeneration

• Interrupted regeneration

• Excessive regeneration attempts

A regeneration problem may explain genuinely high exhaust temperatures.

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Step 16: Inspect the DPF and Exhaust System

Check for:

• Excessive soot accumulation

• DPF restriction

• Catalyst restriction

• Exhaust leaks

• Damaged exhaust components

• Abnormal exhaust backpressure

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Step 17: Check Fuel Injection

Fuel-system problems can increase exhaust temperature.

Inspect:

• Fuel injectors

• Fuel pressure

• Injection timing

• Fuel trims where applicable

• Misfire data

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Step 18: Check Turbocharger Operation

Turbocharger problems can alter combustion and exhaust temperature.

Check:

• Boost pressure

• Turbocharger control

• Wastegate operation

• Variable-geometry operation

• Charge-air leaks

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Step 19: Check Manufacturer Technical Information

Look for:

• Technical Service Bulletins

• Known EGT sensor failures

• Wiring harness issues

• Connector updates

• Sensor revisions

• Software updates

• DPF regeneration procedures

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Step 20: Check the Control Module

If the EGT sensor, wiring, connector, power, ground, and signal circuit are all verified, investigate the ECM, PCM, or aftertreatment control module.

Control-module replacement should only be considered after the external circuit has been thoroughly tested.

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How to Fix P2033

The correct repair depends on the cause of the high EGT sensor circuit signal.

Replace the Faulty EGT Sensor

If testing confirms that Bank 1 Sensor 2 is defective, replace it with the correct vehicle-specific sensor.

Do not assume that all EGT sensors are interchangeable.

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Repair Damaged Wiring

Repair or replace wiring damaged by:

• Exhaust heat

• Chafing

• Vibration

• Corrosion

• Previous improper repairs

Route and secure the harness correctly after the repair.

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Repair a Short to Voltage

Locate and repair any unintended connection between the EGT signal circuit and a voltage source.

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Repair or Replace the Connector

If the connector has:

• Corrosion

• Loose terminals

• Bent pins

• Heat damage

• Damaged seals

• Poor terminal tension

repair or replace it as required.

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Correct Sensor Installation

If the wrong EGT sensor was installed, replace it with the correct component specified for the vehicle.

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Address Genuine Excessive Exhaust Temperature

If the electrical circuit is functioning correctly but the exhaust temperature is genuinely too high, the underlying problem must be diagnosed.

Possible causes include:

• Fuel-injection problems

• Misfires

• DPF regeneration faults

• Exhaust restriction

• Turbocharger problems

• Aftertreatment faults

Replacing the EGT sensor alone will not correct a genuine high-temperature condition.

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Repair DPF Regeneration Problems

If abnormal DPF regeneration is causing excessive exhaust temperatures, diagnose the regeneration system and related components.

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Repair Exhaust Restrictions

A restricted DPF, catalyst, or exhaust component should be repaired or replaced according to manufacturer procedures.

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Repair Fuel-System Problems

Correct injector, fuel-pressure, injection-timing, or combustion problems that are contributing to excessive exhaust temperatures.

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Repair Turbocharger Problems

If turbocharger or boost-control problems are contributing to abnormal exhaust temperatures, repair the underlying fault.

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Update Control Module Software

If the manufacturer has released a software update addressing EGT monitoring or aftertreatment operation, reprogram the applicable control module.

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Replace the Control Module

If a confirmed internal control-module fault remains after the EGT sensor and external circuit have been tested, the relevant module may need to be replaced and programmed.

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Clear the Code and Verify the Repair

After completing the repair:

1. Clear P2033.

2. Start the engine from a cold condition when possible.

3. Monitor Bank 1 Sensor 2 EGT data.

4. Compare the reading with other EGT sensors.

5. Verify sensor circuit voltage.

6. Check sensor resistance or signal characteristics as applicable.

7. Monitor the EGT signal as exhaust temperature changes.

8. Check DPF regeneration status where applicable.

9. Test-drive the vehicle.

10. Rescan for stored and pending codes.

The repair should be considered successful only when the EGT signal behaves normally and P2033 does not return.

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What Happens If P2033 Is Ignored?

If the EGT sensor continues to produce an abnormally high signal, the control module may receive incorrect information about exhaust temperature.

Possible consequences include:

• Incorrect DPF regeneration

• Regeneration interruption

• Increased soot accumulation

• DPF warning

• Increased fuel consumption

• Increased emissions

• Reduced SCR efficiency

• Incorrect exhaust-temperature management

• Additional emissions-system codes

• Reduced engine power

If the exhaust temperature is genuinely excessive, continued operation can also increase the risk of damage to:

• DPF

• Catalytic converter

• Turbocharger

• Exhaust components

• Other aftertreatment components

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Can You Drive With P2033?

Short-term driving may be possible if the vehicle operates normally, but P2033 should be diagnosed promptly.

If the problem is caused by a sensor or wiring fault, the vehicle may continue to drive normally at first.

However, the vehicle should not be driven indefinitely with an unresolved EGT sensor fault because the control module may be unable to accurately monitor exhaust temperature.

Pay particular attention to:

• DPF warning

• Reduced engine power

• Emissions-system warning

• Regeneration problems

• Excessive exhaust temperature

• Strong exhaust smell

• Additional warning lights

If multiple warnings appear together, the vehicle should be inspected as soon as possible.

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Is P2033 a Serious Code?

P2033 is generally considered a moderate-to-high severity emissions-system fault, depending on the underlying cause.

A simple EGT sensor or wiring problem may not immediately damage the engine.

However, an incorrect EGT signal can interfere with DPF regeneration and exhaust thermal management.

The fault becomes more serious if it is accompanied by:

• Genuine excessive exhaust temperature

• DPF restriction

• Failed regeneration

• High soot loading

• Fuel-system faults

• Turbocharger problems

• SCR faults

• Reduced-power warnings

The underlying cause should therefore be diagnosed rather than simply clearing the code.

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P2033 vs. P2032 and P2034

These codes are closely related but identify different EGT sensor conditions or positions.

Code	General Meaning
P2032	Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Circuit Low – Bank 1 Sensor 2
P2033	Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Circuit High – Bank 1 Sensor 2
P2034	Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Circuit Malfunction – Bank 2 Sensor 2

The distinction is important.

P2032 indicates a low electrical signal from Bank 1 Sensor 2.

P2033 indicates a high electrical signal from Bank 1 Sensor 2.

P2034 identifies a general circuit malfunction involving Bank 2 Sensor 2.

Therefore:

P2032 → Bank 1 Sensor 2 / circuit low

P2033 → Bank 1 Sensor 2 / circuit high

P2034 → Bank 2 Sensor 2 / circuit malfunction

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P2033 vs. P2035 and P2036

P2035 and P2036 refer to Bank 2 Sensor 2, while P2033 refers to Bank 1 Sensor 2.

Code	General Meaning
P2033	EGT Sensor Circuit High – Bank 1 Sensor 2
P2035	EGT Sensor Circuit Low – Bank 2 Sensor 2
P2036	EGT Sensor Circuit High – Bank 2 Sensor 2

This makes the bank and sensor designation especially important.

P2033 → Bank 1 Sensor 2 / high

P2035 → Bank 2 Sensor 2 / low

P2036 → Bank 2 Sensor 2 / high

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P2033 vs. P2084–P2087

Later EGT-related codes can identify other conditions involving Sensor 2.

Code	General Meaning
P2033	EGT Sensor Circuit High – Bank 1 Sensor 2
P2084	EGT Sensor Circuit Range / Performance – Bank 1 Sensor 2
P2085	EGT Sensor Circuit Intermittent – Bank 1 Sensor 2
P2086	EGT Sensor Circuit Range / Performance – Bank 2 Sensor 2
P2087	EGT Sensor Circuit Intermittent – Bank 2 Sensor 2

The distinction is useful when multiple EGT codes are stored.

P2033 → Bank 1 Sensor 2 / high signal

P2084 → Bank 1 Sensor 2 / range or performance

P2085 → Bank 1 Sensor 2 / intermittent

P2086 → Bank 2 Sensor 2 / range or performance

P2087 → Bank 2 Sensor 2 / intermittent

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How to Prevent P2033

Not every EGT sensor failure can be prevented, but proper maintenance can reduce the risk of sensor and wiring problems.

Recommended practices include:

• Inspect EGT sensor wiring during routine servicing.

• Keep EGT wiring away from excessive exhaust heat.

• Secure wiring harnesses correctly.

• Repair melted insulation promptly.

• Inspect connectors for corrosion and moisture.

• Address exhaust leaks quickly.

• Maintain the DPF according to manufacturer recommendations.

• Do not ignore DPF regeneration warnings.

• Address fuel-injection problems promptly.

• Repair engine misfires as soon as possible.

• Maintain the turbocharger and boost-control system.

• Avoid unnecessary exhaust modifications.

• Use the correct replacement EGT sensor.

• Inspect EGT wiring after exhaust or underbody repairs.

• Address Check Engine Light and emissions-system warnings promptly.

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Final Thoughts

P2033 Exhaust Gas Temperature (EGT) Sensor Circuit High (Bank 1 Sensor 2) indicates that the vehicle's control module has detected an abnormally high electrical signal from the EGT sensor circuit associated with Bank 1 Sensor 2.

The most important point is that "Circuit High" does not automatically mean that the exhaust temperature itself is too high.

Possible causes include:

• Faulty EGT sensor

• Short circuit to voltage

• Damaged wiring

• Melted insulation

• Corroded connector

• Loose terminals

• Incorrect sensor resistance

• Reference-voltage problem

• Sensor contamination

• Incorrect sensor installation

• Genuine excessive exhaust temperature

• DPF regeneration problems

• Exhaust restriction

• Fuel-system problems

• Turbocharger problems

• Aftertreatment faults

• Control-module problems

The correct diagnostic approach is to first determine whether the electrical signal is falsely high or whether the exhaust temperature is genuinely excessive.

If the EGT reading is extremely high while the engine and exhaust are cold, the sensor, wiring, connector, or signal circuit should be investigated.

If the electrical circuit tests correctly and the exhaust temperature is genuinely excessive, the technician should investigate the underlying fuel, combustion, turbocharger, DPF, exhaust, and aftertreatment systems.

The EGT sensor should not automatically be replaced simply because P2033 is stored.

A proper diagnosis should include checking live EGT data, sensor circuit voltage, resistance or signal characteristics, wiring, connector condition, and actual exhaust operating conditions.

Once the underlying fault has been repaired, the code should be cleared and the vehicle tested under the conditions that originally triggered P2033.

A successful repair should restore a plausible and stable EGT signal from Bank 1 Sensor 2, allow the emissions system to operate correctly, and prevent P2033 from returning.