GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Diagnostic Instructions

    • Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
    • Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
    •  Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

DTC Descriptor

DTC P20E2: Exhaust Temperature Sensor 1-2 Correlation

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

High Resistance

Open

Short to Voltage

Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor 1 Signal

P0545

P0546

P20E2

P0546

Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor 1 Low Reference

--

P0546

P20E2

P0546

Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor 2 Signal

P2032

P2033

P20E2

P2033

Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor 2 Low Reference

--

P2033

P20E2

P2033

Circuit/System Description

The exhaust gas temperature (EGT) sensor 1 and 2 are installed to the diesel particulate filter (DPF) housing. The EGT sensor 1 measures the temperature of the exhaust gas in front of oxygen catalyst. The EGT sensor 2 measures the temperature of the exhaust gas in front of filter. The engine control module (ECM) monitors difference of temperature from both sensor inputs continuously. If the ECM detects that both inputs are not within a specified temperature of each other, this DTC will set.

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • DTCs P0079, P0080, P0117, P0118, P0126, P0182, P0183, P0237, P0238, P0545, P0546, P0642, P0643, P0652, P0653, P2032, P2033, P2454 and P2455 are not set.
    • The following conditions are met for longer than 166 minutes:
       - The battery voltage is between 10-16 volts.
       - The ignition switch is ON.
       - The engine speed is between 2,200 RPM.
       - The engine speed does not vary more than 25 RPM.
       - The fuel quantity is less than 200 mm3/st.
       - The fuel quantity does not vary more than 10 mm3/st.
       - The fuel rail pressure does not vary more than 1450 psi (10 MPa).
       - The fuel temperature is between 8-115°C (46-239°F).
       - The engine coolant temperature (ECT) is between 9-106°C (48-228°F).
    • The following conditions are met for longer than 7 minutes:
       - The DPF status is zero without the regeneration event.
       - The intake throttle position is less than 55 percent.
       - The VNT control is normal mode.
       - The exhaust throttle command is OFF.
       - The DPF differential pressure is between -10 and +20 kPa (-1.4 and +2.9 psi).

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The ECM detects that the difference of the exhaust gas temperature 1 and 2 is more than a predetermined range of the calculated value.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

DTC P20E2 is a Type B DTC.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

DTC P20E2 is a Type B DTC.

Diagnostic Aids

    • A slight to moderate resistance in either signal or low reference circuit can widen the spread between the two EGT sensors and cause this DTC to set.
    • An EGT sensor that is skewed lower at various ambient temperatures due to more resistance than is normal can widen the spread between the two sensors and cause this DTC to set. Measure and record the resistance of both EGT sensors 1 and 2 at ambient temperature. Compare those measurements to the Temperature Versus Resistance table.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Engine Controls Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Engine Control Module Connector End Views

Electrical Information Reference

    •  Circuit Testing
    •  Connector Repairs
    •  Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
    •  Wiring Repairs

DTC Type Reference

Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type Definitions

Scan Tool Reference

    •  Scan Tool Data List
    •  Scan Tool Data Definitions

Circuit/System Verification

Important: Determine the ambient temperature by using an accurate thermometer.

  1. If the ignition has been OFF for greater than 5 hours, determine which EGT sensor is skewed by comparing EGT Sensor 1 and 2 parameters to the ambient temperature with a scan tool. The readings should be within 19°C (66°F) of each other and also the ambient temperature.
  2. Ignition ON, observe the scan tool EGT Sensor 1 and 2 parameters. The readings should be between -40 to +999°C (-38 to +1,830°F) depending on the current ambient temperature and the vehicle operating conditions.
  3. 3. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC. You may also operate the vehicle within the conditions that you observed from the Freeze Frame/Failure Records data.

Circuit/System Testing

Important: You must perform Circuit/System Verification before proceeding with Circuit/System Testing.

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect both harness connectors at EGT sensor 1 and sensor 2.
  2. Ignition OFF, test for 4.8 volts between the applicable EGT sensor signal circuit and ground.
  3. If less than 4.8 volts, test the applicable signal circuit for an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.
  4. Install a 3A fused jumper wire between the applicable signal circuit and the applicable low reference circuit for EGT sensor. Verify that the DMM is greater than 4.8 volts.
  5. If less than 4.8 volts, test the applicable low reference circuit for an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.
  6. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the affected sensor.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Exhaust Particulate Filter Cleaning
    •  Exhaust Temperature Sensor Replacement - Position 1
    •  Exhaust Temperature Sensor Replacement - Position 2
    •  Control Module References for ECM replacement, setup, and programming