Skip to content

P2080 – Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Range/Performance Bank 1 Sensor 1 (OBD2)

P2080 means "Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Range/Performance Bank 1 Sensor 1". The exhaust gas temperature (EGT) sensor signal is electrically present but implausible: it does not match what the control unit expects for the current operating conditions or from other sensors. This is a performance fault, not a broken wire.

Last updated

P2080 quick summary

Fault codeP2080
MeaningExhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Range/Performance Bank 1 Sensor 1
SystemPowertrain (Engine & Transmission)
VehiclesGeneric OBD2
SeverityMedium
Can I drive?Yes, gently. On diesels DPF regeneration may stop, so have it fixed before the filter clogs.
Repair cost€40 – €300

How exhaust gas temperature sensors work

Exhaust gas temperature sensors measure the exhaust temperature at several points to protect the turbocharger and catalytic converter and to control DPF regeneration.

EGT sensors are thermistor or thermocouple-type sensors screwed into the exhaust – typically before the turbocharger, before the oxidation catalyst and before or after the DPF on diesels. They measure temperatures from below zero up to around 900–1,000 °C.

The control unit uses the readings to protect components from overheating (it reduces power when temperatures get too high) and to control DPF regeneration, which needs exhaust temperatures around 600 °C. Codes P0544–P0549 report circuit faults for sensor 1 of bank 1 and bank 2.

Sensors fail from heat cycling, their cables are damaged by heat and vibration, and connectors corrode. A faulty EGT sensor on a diesel often stops DPF regeneration, which can lead to DPF blockage codes.

Bank 1 is the side of the engine that contains cylinder 1. In-line engines (three, four, five or six cylinders in a row) have only bank 1.

Symptoms of P2080

  • Check Engine light on
  • DPF regeneration not completing, DPF warning
  • Reduced power or limp mode
  • Implausible temperature readings in live data
  • Often no driving symptoms

Most common causes of P2080 (most likely first)

Mechanic's Pro Tip

EGT sensors are often seized in the exhaust. Apply penetrating oil and loosen them with the exhaust warm (not hot) – a snapped sensor thread turns a cheap job into an expensive one.

  1. 1.Exhaust gas temperature (EGT) sensor worn, contaminated or out of calibration

    Most likely

    The signal drifts slowly, so it is still within the electrical limits but wrong.

  2. 2.Mechanical problem in the system the exhaust gas temperature (EGT) sensor measures or controls

    For example a leak, a sticking part or a restriction that really changes the measured value.

  3. 3.High resistance in a connector or ground

    Corrosion causes a voltage drop that shifts the reading.

  4. 4.Failed EGT sensor

    Heat cycling breaks the sensing element.

  5. 5.Damaged sensor cable

    Melted or broken near hot exhaust parts.

  6. 6.Wiring fault to the control unit

  7. 7.Exhaust leak near the sensor

Step-by-step diagnostic guide

  1. 1

    Read codes and compare temperatures

    Read all codes. On a cold engine all EGT sensors should show roughly the outside temperature.

  2. 2

    Compare live data with expected values

    Read the exhaust gas temperature (EGT) sensor values in live data and compare them with related readings (engine speed, load, temperature or pressure) and with the specification. A value that is electrically fine but wrong for the conditions confirms a performance fault – then check the mechanical side before replacing the part.

  3. 3

    Check the cable and connector

    Inspect the sensor cable along its length for heat damage and the connector for corrosion.

  4. 4

    Measure the sensor

    Measure the resistance and compare with the specification.

    Multimeter: Many PTC/NTC EGT sensors read roughly 200–250 Ω at room temperature (PT200 type); check the type for your sensor.

  5. 5

    Check wiring

    Check the wiring to the control unit for opens and shorts.

  6. 6

    Replace and verify

    Replace the sensor using anti-seize on the thread, clear codes and check that DPF regeneration completes.

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep driving with P2080?

Yes, gently. On diesels DPF regeneration may stop, so have it fixed before the filter clogs.

How much does it cost to fix P2080?

Typical repair costs are 40 € – 300 €, depending on the cause and the vehicle. The most common fixes are: exhaust gas temperature (EGT) sensor worn, contaminated or out of calibration; mechanical problem in the system the exhaust gas temperature (EGT) sensor measures or controls; high resistance in a connector or ground. Always confirm the cause with the tests above before buying parts.

Can a bad EGT sensor block the DPF?

Indirectly yes. Without a reliable temperature signal the control unit may not start or finish regenerations, so soot builds up.

How many EGT sensors does a car have?

Petrol engines may have one or none; modern diesels often have two to four.

What is the difference between P2080 and similar codes?

P2080 belongs to a group of codes for the same component that differ in the type or location of the fault: P2034 – Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Circuit Bank 2 Sensor 2; P2035 – Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Circuit Low Bank 2 Sensor 2; P2036 – Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Circuit High Bank 2 Sensor 2; P2081 – Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Circuit Intermittent Bank 1 Sensor 1; P2082 – Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Range/Performance Bank 2 Sensor 1; P2083 – Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Circuit Intermittent Bank 2 Sensor 1. The tests on this page apply to the whole group; the type of fault tells you where to start.

Related fault codes

This guide is for information only. Working on vehicles can be dangerous — if you are unsure, have the car checked by a qualified mechanic. Values can differ between model years; always check the manufacturer's repair information.