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P2002

Diesel Particulate Filter Efficiency Below Threshold

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By
KBB Service Advisor
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Reviewed by
Gary Hardesty

What Is the P2002 Code?

Symptoms
Causes
Seriousness
Can I Still Drive?
Diagnose
Difficulty of Inspecting
Get Additional Help

The P2002 code indicates that there’s an issue with the emissions system in your diesel engine. It means that the backpressure of the emissions system is incorrect, indicating that there may be more or fewer emissions passing through your engine than it’s expecting. If it notices an inconsistency in your emissions system, then the engine may throw a P2002 code.

More About the P2002 Code

When a diesel engine is operating normally, it will emit soot. The DPF filter, which has metal fibers, silicon carbide, and cordierite, burns that soot, converting it to less harmful emissions. However, unburned soot can clog the filters and harm the catalytic converter. The ECM will run a cleaning program regularly to help clean it; if an ECM is unable to see lowered values after the cleaning program, it will throw a P2002 code to indicate that the process isn’t functioning with acceptable results.

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What Are the Symptoms of a P2002 Code?

There are typically very few symptoms associated with a P2002 code. You will usually notice a check engine light, but aside from this, you may not notice anything at all. In some cases, especially if the problem has gotten especially intense, you might notice visual emissions, like black soot coming out of your exhaust pipe, as well as a decrease in fuel economy and sometimes poor performance.

What Are Some Causes of a P2002 Code?

Most commonly, the P2002 code is accurate; it occurs because of a clog in your exhaust filter that the engine needs to try and clean. By throwing this code, the engine can begin to try and clear the clog. It may also occur more frequently if you’re using poor-quality diesel fuel. However, in some cases, the code may also happen due to an issue with your particulate filter, an exhaust leak, or an issue with your backpressure sensor. These can result in the engine throwing this code more than normal.

How Serious Is the P2002 Code?

Most of the time, the P2002 code is not serious at all. It is part of the normal functioning of your engine, and you should only go in and fix it if it turns out that there’s an active issue, like an exhaust leak or a problem with one of your sensors or filters. Most people with a diesel engine have seen this code at some point.

Can I Still Drive with a P2002 Code?

The most important thing to note about the P2002 code is that it’s considered a “soft code.” Separate from other types of codes, which may indicate a problem with your wiring or your electrical current, this type of code will constantly shift, update, and change depending on what’s happening in the engine. As you drive, the engine will adjust and do its best to clear out the problem. Typically, you can drive with a P2002 code, but if you want to be extra safe, you can talk to an expert to find out more about the code and what issues you might be experiencing.

How Easy Is It to Diagnose a P2002 Code?

Most P2002 codes are what they seem like on the surface: an accurate reflection of the fact that your particulate filter is a bit clogged, so your vehicle needs to fix the problem. However, in some cases, it can be true that there is an issue with the filter, your exhaust, or the sensor. If this is the case, then diagnosis will be more difficult. An expert will be able to check your exhaust processes and ensure that you know exactly what’s going on with your vehicle.

How Difficult Is It to Inspect a P2002 Code?

Inspection is not always necessary when it comes to a car or truck that throws a P2002 code. However, if it is necessary, it will likely require a look at the exhaust system overall, a look at all the connectors attached to the exhaust, and any information that you might otherwise have regarding your car’s exhaust system. It’s best to leave this to an expert who will have experience with inspecting an engine and will know what to look for in general.

Need Additional Help with Your P2002 Code?

Generally, a P2002 code should pass with no issues, allowing you to feel comfortable back on the road once again. However, there are some instances where you might find that the P2002 doesn’t go away for long periods of time, which can certainly be worrying. In these cases, you may want to get some extra help with your vehicle.

The good news is that you can find repair shops near you with Kelley. If you’re having any problems, then you can use one of these repair shops to find high-quality repair work from a professional in your area.

If you’re just looking for more information on diagnostic codes, then KBB can also help with a directory of OBD-II codes available for you to browse.

P2002 Q&A

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