P2036 Exhaust Gas Temperature (EGT) Sensor Circuit High (Bank 2 Sensor 2)

P2036 Exhaust Gas Temperature (EGT) Sensor Circuit High (Bank 2 Sensor 2) is a generic OBD-II diagnostic trouble code indicating that the vehicle's control module has detected an excessively high electrical signal from the exhaust gas temperature sensor circuit on Bank 2 Sensor 2.

The Exhaust Gas Temperature (EGT) sensor monitors the temperature of the exhaust gases and sends a 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 electrical signal from the EGT sensor located at Bank 2 Sensor 2.

The important point is that the word "High" refers primarily to the electrical signal detected by the control module. It does not automatically mean that the exhaust temperature itself is dangerously high.

A P2036 fault can therefore be caused by:

• A faulty EGT sensor

• A short circuit to voltage

• Damaged sensor wiring

• A connector problem

• Incorrect sensor resistance

• An open or damaged circuit

• Exhaust heat damage

• Sensor contamination

• A genuine excessive exhaust temperature condition

• Problems with the emissions or aftertreatment system

Proper diagnosis is necessary to determine whether the problem is electrical, sensor-related, or caused by a genuinely excessive exhaust temperature.

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What Does P2036 Mean?

The code description contains several important terms.

Exhaust Gas Temperature (EGT) Sensor

An EGT sensor measures the temperature of exhaust gases.

The control module uses EGT information to monitor and protect components such as:

• Catalytic converters

• Diesel particulate filters (DPF)

• Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems

• Turbochargers

• Exhaust components

• Emissions-control components

Depending on the vehicle, EGT sensors may be used to control or monitor:

• DPF regeneration

• Catalyst temperature

• SCR operation

• Exhaust thermal protection

• Turbocharger protection

• Emissions-system performance

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Circuit High

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

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

For example, if the EGT sensor circuit is shorted to a voltage source or the sensor's resistance characteristics are incorrect, the ECM may interpret the signal as excessively high.

Possible electrical causes include:

• Short to battery voltage

• Incorrect reference voltage

• Damaged wiring

• Open sensor circuit

• Failed sensor

• Connector contamination

• Incorrect sensor resistance

The exact electrical behavior depends on the type of EGT sensor used by the manufacturer.

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Bank 2

Bank 2 refers to the side of a V-type engine that does not contain cylinder number one.

For example:

• Bank 1 = cylinder 1 side

• Bank 2 = opposite cylinder bank

Inline engines normally have only one cylinder bank, so Bank 2 is generally associated with V-type or other multi-bank engine configurations.

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Sensor 2

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

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

The exact location of EGT Sensor 2 can vary depending on:

• Engine design

• Exhaust layout

• DPF configuration

• SCR configuration

• Turbocharger arrangement

• Manufacturer

• Model

• Engine version

On some vehicles, Sensor 2 may be located downstream of a particular catalyst or filter, while on others it may monitor another section of the exhaust system.

Therefore, the vehicle-specific service information or wiring diagram should be used to determine the exact physical location.

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How Does an EGT Sensor Work?

EGT sensors commonly use thermistor-type or thermocouple-based technology, depending on the vehicle.

A thermistor-type EGT sensor changes its electrical resistance as temperature changes.

The control module applies or monitors an electrical circuit and uses the resulting signal to calculate exhaust temperature.

A simplified thermistor relationship is:

Temperature changes → Sensor resistance changes → Electrical signal changes → ECM calculates temperature

If the sensor circuit produces an electrical value that is outside the expected range, the control module may store an EGT sensor circuit code.

With P2036, the detected signal is considered too high.

The exact voltage, resistance, temperature relationship, and diagnostic thresholds are manufacturer-specific.

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Why Is EGT Temperature Important?

Exhaust temperature is an important parameter in modern engine management.

An excessive exhaust temperature can damage:

• Catalytic converters

• DPF substrates

• Turbochargers

• Exhaust valves

• Sensors

• Exhaust piping

• SCR components

At the same time, insufficient exhaust temperature can prevent emissions systems from operating efficiently.

For example, a diesel vehicle may need the exhaust system to reach a certain temperature for effective DPF regeneration.

The control module therefore needs reliable EGT information.

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Symptoms of P2036

Symptoms can vary depending on the vehicle and the reason for the high 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:

• Emissions system fault

• Exhaust system fault

• Engine system fault

• Check engine

• DPF warning

• SCR warning

The exact warning depends on the vehicle.

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DPF Regeneration Problems

On diesel vehicles equipped with a DPF, an incorrect EGT signal can interfere with regeneration control.

Possible symptoms include:

• Regeneration not starting

• Regeneration being interrupted

• More frequent regeneration attempts

• DPF warning

• Increasing DPF soot load

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Reduced Engine Power

Some vehicles may enter a protective or emissions-related reduced-power strategy.

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Poor Fuel Economy

If the control module receives incorrect temperature information, fuel and emissions strategies may be affected.

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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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Increased Emissions

A malfunctioning EGT signal can affect emissions-system control and potentially increase emissions.

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Cooling Fan Operation

On some vehicles, abnormal temperature information may influence cooling strategies.

The exact behavior varies by manufacturer.

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No Noticeable Symptoms

P2036 can also occur with no obvious drivability symptoms.

The vehicle may continue to drive normally while the ECM stores the code and illuminates the Check Engine Light.

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Common Causes of P2036

Faulty EGT Sensor

A defective exhaust gas temperature sensor is one of the most common possibilities.

The sensor may develop an internal electrical failure and produce an abnormally high signal.

Possible failures include:

• Internal short

• Incorrect resistance

• Sensor degradation

• Internal circuit failure

• Temperature-signal distortion

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Short Circuit to Voltage

A short to battery voltage or another voltage source can cause the ECM to see an excessively high signal.

Possible causes include:

• Melted insulation

• Chafed wiring

• Incorrect previous repairs

• Harness contact with another powered circuit

This is an important possibility when the sensor reading is unrealistically high.

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Damaged EGT Wiring

EGT wiring is exposed to severe heat because the sensor is installed in or near the exhaust system.

Possible wiring damage includes:

• Melted insulation

• Burned wires

• Broken conductors

• Heat hardening

• Chafing

• Corrosion

• Internal conductor damage

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Damaged Connector

The sensor connector may be damaged by:

• Exhaust heat

• Water

• Dirt

• Corrosion

• Vibration

• Road debris

A damaged connector can alter the electrical characteristics of the circuit.

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Open Circuit

An open circuit can affect the sensor signal depending on the sensor design and monitoring strategy.

Possible causes include:

• Broken wire

• Loose terminal

• Disconnected connector

• Failed splice

• Internal sensor failure

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Incorrect Sensor Resistance

A thermistor-type EGT sensor must have the correct resistance characteristics for the ECM to calculate temperature accurately.

If the resistance is outside the expected range, the ECM may interpret the signal as abnormal.

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Genuine Excessive Exhaust Temperature

P2036 can sometimes be associated with a genuinely excessive exhaust temperature condition.

Possible causes include:

• Rich air-fuel mixture

• Lean combustion

• Misfire

• Incorrect fuel injection

• Restricted exhaust

• Turbocharger problems

• DPF regeneration problems

• Excessive combustion temperature

• Aftertreatment problems

However, because P2036 is specifically a circuit high code, the electrical circuit should be checked before concluding that the exhaust itself is overheating.

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DPF Regeneration Problems

On diesel engines, an abnormal DPF regeneration event can produce unusually high exhaust temperatures.

Potential causes include:

• Excessive soot loading

• Incorrect regeneration control

• Fuel injector problems

• Regeneration system faults

• Incorrect temperature feedback

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Exhaust Restriction

A restricted DPF, catalytic converter, or exhaust system can affect exhaust temperature.

Possible causes include:

• Clogged DPF

• Restricted catalyst

• Collapsed exhaust component

• Excessive soot accumulation

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Sensor Contamination

An EGT sensor exposed to exhaust gases can become contaminated by:

• Soot

• Oil

• Coolant

• Fuel deposits

Contamination may affect sensor response or accuracy.

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Incorrect Sensor Installation

A replacement sensor that is incorrect for the vehicle may have different electrical characteristics.

Using the wrong sensor can therefore produce an incorrect signal even if the component is new.

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Aftermarket Exhaust Modifications

Changes to the exhaust system can alter:

• Exhaust temperature

• Sensor location

• Sensor wiring

• Heat exposure

• Exhaust flow

These modifications can contribute to EGT-related faults.

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Control Module Problem

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

Module failure should generally be considered only after the sensor and circuit have been properly tested.

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Vehicles Commonly Affected by P2036

P2036 can occur on vehicles equipped with multiple exhaust gas temperature 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

• Fiat Ducato Diesel

• Iveco Daily

• Renault Master

This list is not exhaustive.

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

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How Is P2036 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 P2036 is a circuit high fault, both possibilities should be considered.

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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 codes involving:

• Other EGT sensors

• DPF

• SCR

• NOx sensors

• Fuel mixture

• Fuel injectors

• Turbocharger

• Exhaust restriction

• Regeneration

• Aftertreatment communication

Additional codes may reveal the root cause.

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Step 2: Review Freeze-Frame Data

Check the operating conditions when P2036 was stored.

Useful information includes:

• Engine RPM

• Vehicle speed

• Coolant temperature

• Intake-air temperature

• Exhaust temperature

• DPF status

• Regeneration status

• Fuel pressure

• Engine load

This can show whether the fault occurred during normal driving or an active regeneration event.

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Step 3: Check the EGT Temperature PID

Use a scan tool to observe the EGT Sensor 2 temperature reading.

Compare it with:

• Other EGT sensors

• Ambient conditions

• Engine operating conditions

• Manufacturer specifications

An EGT reading that is implausibly high with a cold engine is a strong indication of a sensor or circuit problem.

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Step 4: Check the EGT Sensor When the Engine Is Cold

A cold engine provides a useful reference point.

If the scan tool shows an extremely high exhaust temperature immediately after a cold start, the sensor signal may be incorrect.

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

• Incorrect installation

• Damaged sensor tip

• Corrosion

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Step 6: Inspect the Wiring Harness

Follow the EGT Sensor 2 wiring from the sensor toward the control module.

Look for:

• Melted insulation

• Burned wires

• Chafing

• Broken wires

• Exposed conductors

• Previous repairs

• Loose harness clips

Pay special attention to sections 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 the Sensor Circuit Voltage

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

Determine whether the high signal is being created by:

• The sensor

• A short to voltage

• Incorrect reference voltage

• Wiring damage

• Control-module circuitry

Do not rely on generic voltage values because EGT sensor circuit designs vary.

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Step 9: Check Sensor Resistance

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

Compare the measured resistance with the expected resistance at the actual sensor temperature.

A resistance value that does not correspond to temperature can indicate a faulty sensor.

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Step 10: Check for a Short to Voltage

Test the sensor circuit for an unwanted connection to:

• Battery voltage

• Ignition voltage

• Another powered circuit

A short to voltage can produce a circuit-high fault.

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Step 11: Check for an Open Circuit

Inspect continuity and terminal integrity according to the manufacturer's procedure.

An open wire, disconnected connector, or failed terminal can produce an invalid sensor signal.

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Step 12: Perform a Wiggle Test

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

If the reading changes unexpectedly, inspect the affected wiring and terminals.

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Step 13: Compare Sensor 2 With Other EGT Sensors

If the vehicle has multiple EGT sensors, compare their readings.

For example, if several sensors show plausible temperatures while Bank 2 Sensor 2 suddenly reports an extreme value, the affected sensor circuit becomes a strong suspect.

However, sensor locations and expected temperatures can differ, so comparison should be made with the manufacturer's specifications.

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Step 14: Check for Genuine High Exhaust Temperature

If the electrical circuit appears correct, determine whether the exhaust temperature is genuinely excessive.

Investigate:

• Fuel mixture

• Fuel injector operation

• Misfires

• DPF regeneration

• Turbocharger operation

• Exhaust restriction

• Aftertreatment operation

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Step 15: Check DPF Regeneration

On diesel vehicles, determine whether the fault occurred during:

• Active regeneration

• Post-regeneration operation

• A failed regeneration attempt

• Excessive regeneration frequency

A regeneration-related problem can help explain genuinely high exhaust temperatures.

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Step 16: Inspect the DPF and Exhaust System

If excessive exhaust temperature is confirmed, inspect for:

• DPF restriction

• Excessive soot

• Catalyst restriction

• Collapsed exhaust components

• Abnormal exhaust backpressure

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Step 17: Check Fuel Injection

An abnormal fuel mixture or injector problem can increase exhaust temperature.

Check:

• Injector operation

• 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 temperatures.

Inspect:

• Boost pressure

• Charge-air system

• Turbocharger control

• Wastegate or variable-geometry mechanism

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Step 19: Check Manufacturer Technical Information

Look for:

• Technical Service Bulletins

• Known EGT sensor failures

• Wiring harness problems

• Connector updates

• Sensor revisions

• Software updates

• DPF regeneration procedures

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Step 20: Check the Control Module

If the EGT sensor and wiring are confirmed to be functioning correctly, investigate the ECM, PCM, or aftertreatment control module.

Control-module replacement should only be considered after the sensor circuit and actual exhaust temperature have been verified.

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How to Fix P2036

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

Replace the Faulty EGT Sensor

If testing confirms that Bank 2 Sensor 2 is defective, replace it with the correct sensor specified for the vehicle.

Do not assume that every EGT sensor on the vehicle is interchangeable.

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Repair Damaged Wiring

Repair or replace wiring damaged by:

• Exhaust heat

• Chafing

• Vibration

• Corrosion

• Previous improper repairs

The harness should be correctly routed away from excessive heat.

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Repair or Replace the Connector

If the connector has damaged terminals, corrosion, moisture intrusion, or poor terminal tension, repair or replace it as required.

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Repair a Short to Voltage

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

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Repair an Open Circuit

Repair broken wires, loose terminals, damaged splices, or disconnected connectors.

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Correct Sensor Installation

If the wrong sensor was installed, replace it with the correct vehicle-specific EGT sensor.

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Address Genuine Excessive Exhaust Temperature

If testing confirms that the exhaust temperature is genuinely too high, repairing the EGT sensor alone will not solve the problem.

The underlying cause may involve:

• Fuel injectors

• Fuel mixture

• Misfires

• DPF regeneration

• Exhaust restriction

• Turbocharger operation

• Aftertreatment problems

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Repair DPF Regeneration Problems

If excessive temperature occurs during an abnormal regeneration event, diagnose the DPF and regeneration system.

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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 mixture problems that are causing excessive exhaust temperatures.

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Repair Turbocharger Problems

If abnormal boost or turbocharger operation is contributing to excessive exhaust temperatures, repair the underlying turbocharger or boost-control problem.

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Update Control Module Software

If the manufacturer has released a software update addressing EGT sensor monitoring or related emissions-system operation, reprogram the applicable control module.

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Replace the Control Module

If a confirmed internal control-module fault is found after the sensor and wiring 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 P2036.

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

3. Monitor Bank 2 Sensor 2 EGT data.

4. Compare the reading with other EGT sensors.

5. Verify the sensor circuit.

6. Check the sensor response as exhaust temperature changes.

7. Check DPF regeneration status where applicable.

8. Verify that the exhaust temperature remains within specification.

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 P2036 does not return.

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What Happens If P2036 Is Ignored?

Ignoring P2036 can cause the control module to operate the emissions system using incorrect exhaust-temperature information.

Possible consequences include:

• Check Engine Light

• Incorrect DPF regeneration

• Regeneration interruption

• Increased DPF soot loading

• Reduced SCR efficiency

• Increased emissions

• Reduced engine power

• Additional emissions-system fault codes

• Possible exhaust-component overheating if the temperature is genuinely excessive

If the actual exhaust temperature is too high, continued operation can potentially damage expensive emissions and exhaust components.

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Can You Drive With P2036?

Short-term driving may be possible if the vehicle operates normally, but P2036 should not be ignored.

If the code is caused only by an electrical sensor problem, the vehicle may continue to drive normally.

However, if the code is accompanied by:

• DPF warning

• Excessive exhaust temperature

• Reduced engine power

• Active regeneration problems

• Strong exhaust smell

• Other emissions-system warnings

the vehicle should be inspected promptly.

If an EGT reading is genuinely excessive, continued driving can increase the risk of damage to the exhaust and emissions-control system.

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Is P2036 a Serious Code?

P2036 is generally considered a moderate-to-high severity emissions-system fault, depending on the underlying cause.

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

However, a genuinely excessive exhaust temperature can potentially damage:

• DPF

• Catalytic converter

• Turbocharger

• Exhaust components

• SCR system components

The presence of additional DPF, regeneration, fuel-system, turbocharger, or aftertreatment codes increases the seriousness of the problem.

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P2036 vs. P2035 and P2037

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

Code	General Meaning
P2035	Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Circuit Low (Bank 2 Sensor 2)
P2036	Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Circuit High (Bank 2 Sensor 2)
P2037	Reductant Injection Air Pressure Sensor "A" Circuit Malfunction

The distinction is important.

P2035 indicates a low electrical signal from Bank 2 Sensor 2.

P2036 indicates a high electrical signal from Bank 2 Sensor 2.

P2037 concerns a completely different component: the reductant injection air pressure sensor circuit.

Therefore:

P2035 → EGT circuit low

P2036 → EGT circuit high

P2037 → Reductant injection air pressure sensor circuit malfunction

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P2036 vs. P2040

P2036 and P2040 both use the word "High," but they refer to different sensors.

Code	General Meaning
P2036	Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Circuit High (Bank 2 Sensor 2)
P2040	Reductant Injection Air Pressure Sensor "A" Circuit High

Therefore:

P2036 → EGT Sensor Bank 2 Sensor 2

P2040 → Reductant injection air pressure sensor "A"

A P2036 fault should not automatically be diagnosed as an SCR air-pressure problem.

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P2036 vs. P2084–P2087

The later EGT codes in this sequence can refer to different EGT sensor positions or conditions.

Code	General Meaning
P2036	EGT Sensor Circuit High – Bank 2 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

This illustrates the importance of reading the complete code description.

P2036 specifically identifies a high circuit signal, while P2086 identifies a range/performance problem for Bank 2 Sensor 2.

P2087 identifies an intermittent circuit condition for the same general sensor position.

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How to Prevent P2036

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

Recommended practices include:

• Inspect EGT sensor wiring during routine servicing.

• Keep wiring away from excessive exhaust heat.

• Ensure harnesses are correctly secured.

• Repair damaged insulation promptly.

• Inspect connectors for corrosion and moisture.

• Address exhaust leaks promptly.

• Maintain the DPF according to manufacturer recommendations.

• Avoid ignoring DPF regeneration warnings.

• Address engine misfires quickly.

• Maintain fuel injectors and the fuel system properly.

• Address turbocharger problems promptly.

• Avoid unnecessary exhaust modifications.

• Use the correct replacement EGT sensor.

• Address Check Engine Light warnings before they lead to secondary emissions problems.

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Final Thoughts

P2036 Exhaust Gas Temperature (EGT) Sensor Circuit High (Bank 2 Sensor 2) indicates that the vehicle's control module has detected an abnormally high electrical signal in the EGT sensor circuit associated with Bank 2 Sensor 2.

The word "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

• Open circuit

• Incorrect sensor resistance

• Incorrect sensor installation

• Genuine excessive exhaust temperature

• DPF regeneration problems

• Exhaust restriction

• Fuel-system problems

• Turbocharger problems

• Aftertreatment-system faults

• Control-module problems

The most important diagnostic step is to determine whether the electrical signal is falsely high or whether the exhaust temperature is genuinely excessive.

If the sensor reports an extremely high temperature while the engine is cold, the sensor or its circuit becomes a strong suspect.

If the electrical circuit tests correctly and the measured exhaust temperature is genuinely excessive, the technician should investigate the underlying engine, fuel, turbocharger, DPF, or aftertreatment problem.

The EGT sensor should not automatically be replaced simply because P2036 is stored.

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

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

A successful repair should restore a plausible and stable EGT signal from Bank 2 Sensor 2 and prevent P2036 from returning.