P2476 – DPF Temperature Sensor Circuit Intermittent (Bank 2 Sensor 4)

System: Powertrain | Standard: ISO/SAE Controlled | Fault type: Circuit Intermittent | Location: Bank 2, Sensor 4

Definition source: SAE J2012/J2012DA (industry standard)

P2476 indicates the powertrain controller detected an intermittent electrical condition in the DPF temperature sensor circuit identified as Bank 2 Sensor 4. “Intermittent” means the signal is not consistently failing high or low; instead it drops out, spikes, or becomes unstable for brief periods, often due to wiring, connector, or terminal issues that come and go with vibration, heat, or moisture. Because sensor placement, circuit routing, and monitoring strategy vary by vehicle, confirm component locations, connector pinouts, and diagnostic procedures using the correct service information before testing or replacing parts.

What Does P2476 Mean?

P2476 – DPF Temperature Sensor Circuit Intermittent (Bank 2 Sensor 4) means the control module has detected an intermittent (unstable or momentary) electrical fault affecting the circuit for the specified diesel particulate filter (DPF) temperature sensor. The code describes an electrical signal integrity problem—such as brief opens, momentary shorts, or connection instability—rather than confirming a DPF or exhaust temperature condition on its own. SAE J2012 defines how the DTC structure is standardized, while the official definition specifies the exact monitored circuit and fault type for this code.

Quick Reference

• System: Powertrain
• Official meaning: DPF Temperature Sensor Circuit Intermittent (Bank 2 Sensor 4)
• Standard: ISO/SAE controlled
• Fault type: Circuit Intermittent
• Severity: The MIL may illuminate and the vehicle may limit emissions control functions; intermittent signal loss can trigger reduced performance or regeneration-related issues depending on strategy.

Symptoms

• MIL/Check engine light: Lamp may be on continuously or may come and go as the fault appears intermittently.
• Intermittent power reduction: Momentary reduced power or torque limiting may occur if the controller cannot trust exhaust temperature feedback.
• Regeneration disruption: Regeneration may be delayed, interrupted, or commanded more cautiously when the temperature input is unstable (varies by vehicle).
• Unstable temperature reading: Live data for the specified DPF temperature sensor may drop out, spike, or fluctuate erratically compared to related sensors.
• Driveability inconsistency: Hesitation or uneven response may be noticed during the conditions that reproduce the intermittent connection (heat, vibration, bumps).
• Stored history code: The code may be stored as a history/pending fault even if the symptom is not currently present.

Common Causes

• Intermittent open/short in the DPF temperature sensor signal circuit (chafed insulation, broken strands inside the wire)
• Loose connector fit at the DPF temperature sensor (terminal spread, poor pin tension, partial disengagement)
• Corrosion or contamination in the sensor connector causing an unstable connection (intermittent contact resistance changes)
• Harness routing issues near hot or vibrating components leading to momentary signal dropouts
• Intermittent power supply or ground to the sensor circuit (shared splice, ground point integrity issues)
• Water intrusion in connectors or harness leading to intermittent conductivity changes
• Aftermarket wiring changes/repairs (splices, non-sealed connectors) creating occasional opens or shorts
• Sensor internal fault causing intermittent output even when wiring is intact
• Control module connector/terminal issue affecting the sensor circuit intermittently (varies by vehicle)

Diagnosis Steps

Tools typically needed include a scan tool capable of reading live data and freeze-frame, a digital multimeter, and back-probing leads. A wiring diagram and connector pinout from service information are essential because circuit routing and pin assignments vary by vehicle. If available, a breakout lead set and a meter with min/max capture help catch intermittent events during a wiggle test and road-test logging.

1. Confirm the complaint and code status: Scan for DTCs, record all stored/pending codes, and note whether P2476 is current or history. Address any power supply or module communication codes first, as they can create intermittent sensor-circuit symptoms.
2. Capture freeze-frame and context: Save freeze-frame data and note operating conditions (load, temperature-related PIDs, and time since start). This helps you reproduce when the circuit becomes intermittent without assuming a mechanical exhaust/DPF condition.
3. Check live data for instability: Monitor the DPF temperature sensor parameter associated with Bank 2 Sensor 4 (naming varies by vehicle). Look for erratic spikes, dropouts, or abrupt jumps that coincide with vibration, harness movement, or changes in engine speed.
4. Visual inspection (sensor and harness): Inspect the sensor body, connector lock, terminal seals, and harness routing. Pay special attention to areas near heat sources and brackets where the loom can rub. Do not condemn the sensor based only on soot/heat discoloration; focus on wiring integrity and connector condition.
5. Connector integrity checks: With the key off, disconnect the sensor connector and inspect for corrosion, moisture, pushed-back pins, or terminal spread. Verify the connector seats fully and the lock engages. If service information allows, perform a gentle terminal drag/tension check to confirm pin grip.
6. Wiggle test with live logging: Reconnect the sensor, then log the relevant PID(s) while manipulating the harness and connector (wiggle, bend, tap) along the suspected sections. If the signal drops out or jumps during movement, isolate the exact point where the fault is induced.
7. Circuit continuity and intermittent open testing: Using the wiring diagram, check continuity from the sensor connector to the control module side for the signal, power/feed (if applicable), and ground/return. Flex the harness during testing to reveal intermittent opens. If continuity changes with movement, repair the affected section.
8. Voltage-drop testing under load: With the circuit powered (per service procedure), perform voltage-drop checks across the power and ground paths for the sensor circuit while the system is operating. Excessive drop that appears intermittently indicates high resistance from corrosion, poor terminal contact, or a failing splice/ground point.
9. Check for short-to-ground/short-to-power tendencies: With the sensor disconnected and using service-info guidance, test for unintended continuity between the signal circuit and ground or power circuits. Move the harness during the test to reproduce an intermittent short that only occurs with vibration or heat expansion.
10. Sensor substitution decision (only after circuit checks): If wiring, connectors, power, and ground prove stable during wiggle and voltage-drop tests but live data remains erratic, suspect an intermittent internal sensor fault. Confirm by following the service-info test routine for the sensor and, if indicated, replacing it.
11. Verify the repair: Clear codes, then perform a road test while logging the same temperature PID(s) and monitoring readiness/monitors as applicable. Re-check for pending codes and confirm the signal remains stable through conditions similar to the original freeze-frame.

Professional tip: Intermittent circuit faults are easiest to catch when you recreate the exact conditions that triggered the code. Use the freeze-frame to guide a controlled drive while recording a data log, and combine that with a targeted wiggle test at known stress points (connector backshells, tight bends, and bracket contact areas) to pinpoint the momentary open or high-resistance connection.

Possible Fixes & Repair Costs

Repair costs vary widely because P2476 is an intermittent circuit fault and the root cause may be a loose connection, wiring issue, or a sensor problem. Total expense depends on confirmed diagnosis time, parts replaced (if any), and labor access to the sensor and harness.

• Repair connector issues: Clean contamination, correct terminal pin fit, reseat connectors, and ensure locking tabs fully engage.
• Harness repair: Repair or replace damaged wiring where chafing, heat damage, or prior repair splices cause intermittent opens/shorts.
• Secure routing and shielding: Re-route and re-secure the harness away from heat sources and vibration points; restore protective loom and clips.
• Restore power/ground integrity: Fix poor grounds, corroded ground points, or intermittent power supply feeds serving the sensor circuit (varies by vehicle).
• Replace the DPF temperature sensor: Replace Bank 2 Sensor 4 only if testing confirms the sensor intermittently drops out or produces unstable output.
• PCM/ECM connector service: Inspect and correct pin tension/corrosion at control-module connectors if the intermittent is traced there (module replacement is rare and must be proven).

Can I Still Drive With P2476?

You may be able to drive cautiously if the vehicle feels normal, but an intermittent DPF temperature sensor circuit can cause the control system to limit certain functions and may trigger reduced power or regeneration-related changes depending on platform. If you experience reduced power, stalling, warning messages related to powertrain operation, abnormal exhaust/system odors, or any safety-related symptoms (loss of steering/braking assist, severe misfire behavior, or no-start), do not continue driving—stop and diagnose the electrical fault first.

What Happens If You Ignore P2476?

Ignoring P2476 can lead to recurring warning lights, intermittent drivability complaints, and unpredictable control decisions because the temperature feedback is not consistently reliable. Over time, repeated interruptions may contribute to additional fault codes, failed readiness checks, and degraded system performance due to protective strategies that can change operation when sensor data becomes intermittent.

Last updated: February 17, 2026

Vehicles Commonly Affected by P2476

• Diesel-equipped vehicles with a DPF temperature sensing strategy that includes multiple temperature sensors.
• High-mileage vehicles where connector wear, terminal tension loss, or harness fatigue increases intermittency likelihood.
• Vehicles used in harsh environments involving water intrusion, road salt, or heavy dust that can contaminate connectors.
• Vehicles with frequent vibration from rough-road operation that can loosen connectors or stress wiring.
• Vehicles with prior exhaust or aftertreatment service where harness routing/clips were disturbed or connectors left partially seated.
• Vehicles operating in high-heat conditions that accelerate insulation brittleness and connector deformation near hot components.
• Vehicles with modified or repaired wiring where splices, non-sealed connectors, or poor crimps create intermittent contact.

For a lasting repair, confirm the exact intermittent point with targeted testing (connector, harness segment, ground/power feed, or sensor) and correct only the verified cause.