What Codes Will This Page Cover?
On this page, you’ll learn more about the four following codes:
- P0470 Exhaust Pressure Sensor A Circuit
- P0472 Exhaust Pressure Sensor A Circuit Low
- P0473 Exhaust Pressure Sensor “A” Circuit High
- P0474 Exhaust Pressure Sensor “A” Circuit Intermittent
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What Is the P0470 Code?
Symptoms
Causes
Seriousness
Can I Still Drive?
Diagnose
Difficulty of Inspecting
Get Additional Help
The P0470, P0472, P0473, and P0474 codes have to do with your vehicle’s exhaust pressure sensor A. Most commonly, exhaust back pressure sensors, also spelled exhaust backpressure, are found on diesel engines, as the pressure sensor circuit helps handle emission control. While the sensor directly measures the amount of exhaust back pressure in your exhaust system, in diesel applications, this is directly related to the soot levels in your diesel particulate filter (DPF) and, therefore, is necessary for your powertrain control module (PCM) or engine control module (ECM) to determine how clogged your DPF is. When the incoming signal doesn’t match intake manifold pressure or ambient air pressure, your vehicle may set one of these codes. These codes all have to do with sensor “A,” which may differ depending on your vehicle’s make and model. Code P0470 indicates a general problem with this sensor, while P0472 indicates that the circuit is low, P0473 indicates high, and P0474 indicates unstable.
You may also be interested in P0471 Exhaust Pressure Sensor A Circuit Range/Performance
What Are the Symptoms of a P0470 Code?
As with many codes, the P0470, P0472, P0473, and P0474 codes often start with the check engine light turning on. Other common symptoms include a general lack of power, with issues relating to your vehicle’s acceleration and other engine power issues. If another problem is causing an issue with your DPF that’s resulting in this code, you could also see that your vehicle cannot perform manual regeneration, which is when it burns the soot out of your particulate filter. As that soot builds, you could even find that your vehicle has a crank no-start condition if the soot completely blocks the DPF.
What Are Some Causes of a P0470 Code?
The P0470, P0472, P0473, and P0474 exhaust pressure sensor trouble codes are not cause codes but, instead, symptom codes, which means that it’s very difficult to figure out the cause of this code just from the listed codes. However, common causes of this fault code include the following:
- Blockage from the exhaust manifold
- Issue with the power supply circuit
- Poor electrical connection
- Issues with the pressure sensor harness
- Exhaust pressure sensor malfunction
- Clogged catalytic converter
- Boost pressure leaks in some vehicles
How Serious Is the P0470 Code?
The P0470, P0472, P0473, and P0474 codes are quite serious. Issues with the DPF can cause serious problems with emissions, and if you can’t fix the problem, it can eventually develop into a no-start condition, which is also a big concern. In general, this diagnostic trouble code should be treated as quite severe. When you know you’re dealing with this, avoid driving your vehicle at all, regardless of any other error codes that you may see in your vehicle.
Can I Still Drive with a P0470 Code?
It technically depends on how severe the issue is with the sensor in charge of evaluating your exhaust pressure. In some cases, especially if your engine can still undergo manual regeneration, you may be able to continue driving. However, driving may still result in heightened emissions and lowered engine power. In some cases, continuing to drive when these codes are active can result in you becoming stranded alongside your vehicle. Either way, because there’s a risk of your vehicle no longer being reliable, it’s best to avoid driving with these codes active.
How Easy Is It to Diagnose a P0470 Code?
As you may have seen from the number of possible causes associated with the P0470, P0472, P0473, and P0474 codes, it’s not easy to diagnose these codes. Remember, these codes are a result of the core problem. They don’t actually tell you what the problem is, and the issue could be one of dozens of different issues throughout your engine. This is a very difficult code to diagnose without extensive knowledge of your vehicle and vehicles in general, so it’s best to leave this up to a professional.
How Difficult Is It to Inspect a P0470 Code?
The P0470, P0472, P0473, and P0474 codes are often just as difficult to inspect as they are to diagnose. Signal circuits are not easy to inspect; you may need to use slightly advanced equipment, like a digital volt-ohmmeter, to determine the problem in the circuit. If you’re not especially knowledgeable about your specific vehicle, especially if you don’t understand the system surrounding the catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, and related codes, it’s a good idea to talk to a professional.
Need Additional Help with Your P0470 Code?
The P0470, P0472, P0473, and P0474 codes are quite difficult for most people to deal with, so it’s a good idea to seek out help if you notice these codes in your vehicle. Instead of trying to handle these problems on your own, it can be good to know that there are experts who will know how to fix the problem and will be able to help.
Your first step should be to find an auto repair shop in your area. A local auto repair shop will be your best friend when it comes to fixing any kind of issues you’re having, regardless of what those issues are.
Additionally, some people like to know what problems they’re likely going to deal with when they bring their vehicle in. You can use the OBD-II database at KBB.com to determine what the codes on your scan tool mean before you actually talk to a professional.
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