P2487 – EGT Sensor Circuit Low (Bank 2 Sensor 2)

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

Definition source: SAE J2012/J2012DA (industry standard)

DTC P2487 indicates the engine control module has detected a “circuit low” condition in the exhaust gas temperature (EGT) sensor circuit identified as Bank 2 Sensor 2. A circuit low fault is an electrical signal that is lower than expected and is most often associated with a short-to-ground, an open power/feed, excessive resistance causing voltage drop, or sensor/wiring faults that pull the signal down. The exact sensor location, wiring strategy, and enabling conditions vary by vehicle, so confirm connector pinouts, expected signals, and test procedures in the correct service information before replacing parts.

What Does P2487 Mean?

P2487 – EGT Sensor Circuit Low (Bank 2 Sensor 2) means the powertrain controller has determined that the EGT sensor circuit for Bank 2 Sensor 2 is reporting an abnormally low electrical input compared to what it expects under the current operating conditions. The code describes an electrical condition in the circuit (low input), not a confirmed mechanical exhaust problem by itself. SAE J2012 defines how DTCs are organized and named, but the practical diagnostics for Bank 2 Sensor 2 (such as its physical position and how the sensor is powered and referenced) vary by vehicle and must be verified with service information and testing.

Quick Reference

  • System: Powertrain
  • Official meaning: EGT Sensor Circuit Low (Bank 2 Sensor 2)
  • Standard: ISO/SAE controlled
  • Fault type: Circuit Low
  • Severity: MIL may illuminate and the vehicle may limit performance or alter aftertreatment/thermal strategies to protect components, depending on how the EGT input is used.

Symptoms

  • MIL on: Check Engine light illuminated with P2487 stored as a current or pending fault.
  • Reduced power: Torque limiting or reduced acceleration if the controller uses EGT for protection or emissions strategies (varies by vehicle).
  • Aftertreatment changes: Regeneration or temperature-management behavior may be altered, delayed, or inhibited when EGT feedback is implausible (varies by vehicle).
  • Driveability changes: Hesitation, uneven response, or conservative throttle mapping due to substitute values or failsafe logic (varies by vehicle).
  • Increased consumption: Fuel economy may drop if the system defaults to richer/safer thermal control strategies (varies by vehicle).
  • Related DTCs: Additional sensor-circuit or temperature-related codes may appear if the fault affects shared references, grounds, or harness sections.

Common Causes

  • Short-to-ground on signal circuit: Chafed insulation or pinched harness pulling the EGT sensor signal low.
  • Open power/feed to the sensor circuit: A missing supply or pull-up feed (varies by vehicle design) can make the input read low.
  • High resistance in power or signal wiring: Corrosion, damaged conductors, or poor splices creating excessive voltage drop that biases the circuit low.
  • Ground circuit fault: Loose, corroded, or shared ground point issues causing incorrect low input behavior.
  • Connector problems: Bent pins, backed-out terminals, water intrusion, fretting, or poor pin fit at the sensor or control module.
  • EGT sensor internal electrical fault: Sensor element or internal electronics failing in a way that drags the circuit low.
  • Harness routing/heat damage: Wiring near hot components suffering insulation breakdown leading to leakage to ground.
  • Control module input issue: A damaged input circuit or terminal tension problem at the module (verify only after external circuit tests pass).

Diagnosis Steps

Tools typically needed include a scan tool capable of viewing live data and capturing freeze-frame, a digital multimeter, and basic back-probing leads. A wiring diagram and connector pinout from service information are important because EGT circuits vary by vehicle. If available, use a breakout lead to reduce terminal damage, and have supplies for connector inspection and cleaning.

  1. Confirm the DTC and context: Scan for P2487 and record freeze-frame data, all stored/pending codes, and readiness information. Address any power supply or reference-related codes first, as they can bias sensor inputs low.
  2. Verify correct component location: Using service information, identify Bank 2 Sensor 2 EGT sensor and trace its harness routing. Do not assume sensor position; placement varies by vehicle and exhaust layout.
  3. Check for obvious wiring/heat damage: With ignition off, inspect the harness from the sensor toward the main loom for melted insulation, rubbing points, pinched sections, or contact with hot or moving parts. Repair/secure routing issues before deeper testing.
  4. Connector and terminal inspection: Disconnect the sensor connector and inspect for bent pins, backed-out terminals, corrosion, moisture, and poor terminal tension. Repeat at intermediate connectors and the control module connector related to the EGT circuit per wiring diagram.
  5. Wiggle test with live data logging: Reconnect as needed and monitor the EGT parameter and/or related PID on the scan tool while gently flexing the harness and tapping connectors. Log the data to capture momentary dropouts or sudden low readings that indicate an intermittent short-to-ground or poor connection.
  6. Key-on electrical checks for “low input” causes: With the circuit configured per service info, measure supply/feed and ground integrity at the sensor connector. If the design uses a feed/pull-up, verify it is present; an open feed can force the circuit low. Compare measurements to service specifications rather than using universal values.
  7. Voltage-drop testing under load: Perform voltage-drop tests on the power/feed and ground paths while the circuit is energized (as applicable). Excessive drop indicates high resistance (corrosion, weak splice, damaged wire) that can pull the input low even if continuity looks acceptable.
  8. Signal circuit short-to-ground isolation: With ignition off and connectors disconnected as directed by service info, check the signal circuit for short-to-ground and unintended continuity to adjacent circuits. If a short is present, isolate by separating connectors along the harness until the faulted segment is identified.
  9. Continuity and resistance checks end-to-end: Verify continuity from the sensor connector to the control module pin(s) for the relevant circuit(s). Watch for intermittents by flexing the harness during the test. Repair any open/high-resistance sections, poor splices, or damaged terminals found.
  10. Sensor evaluation after circuit integrity is proven: If wiring, connectors, feed, and ground test good, follow service information to evaluate the EGT sensor electrically and via scan data behavior. Replace the sensor only if it fails the specified tests or if substitution with a known-good unit (where permitted) changes the symptom.
  11. Clear codes and verify the repair: Clear DTCs, then perform the enable conditions/drive cycle specified in service information while monitoring live data. Confirm P2487 does not reset and that the EGT input behaves consistently during load and temperature changes.

Professional tip: Treat P2487 as an electrical “low input” problem first. Continuity checks alone can miss high resistance and terminal tension faults; prioritize connector inspection, wiggle testing with live-data logging, and voltage-drop testing so you can catch subtle issues that only appear when the circuit is powered and the harness is vibrating.

Need wiring diagrams and factory-style repair steps?

Powertrain faults often require exact wiring diagrams, connector pinouts, and guided test steps. A repair manual can help you confirm the cause before replacing parts.

Factory repair manual access for P2487

Check repair manual access

Possible Fixes & Repair Costs

Repair costs for P2487 vary widely because the correct fix depends on confirming the exact cause of the circuit low condition, the sensor’s location/accessibility, harness routing, connector damage, and local labor practices. Always base repairs on test results, not the code alone.

  • Repair damaged wiring: Restore chafed, pinched, melted, or corroded conductors in the Bank 2 Sensor 2 EGT sensor circuit using proper splices and heat protection.
  • Restore connector integrity: Clean corrosion, repair terminal tension/fit, replace broken locks, and correct moisture intrusion at the sensor and control module connectors.
  • Correct shorts to ground: Isolate and eliminate any short-to-ground points in the signal, return, or reference circuits that pull the measured input low.
  • Address power/feed issues: If the circuit uses a supplied feed (varies by vehicle), restore the correct feed path by repairing opens, high resistance, or damaged protection devices as confirmed by testing.
  • Replace the EGT sensor (only if verified): Replace Bank 2 Sensor 2 EGT sensor if testing confirms the sensor is internally shorted or otherwise causes a low input under known-good wiring conditions.
  • Repair ground path problems: If applicable (varies by vehicle), repair ground points and ground wiring that create excessive voltage drop and distort sensor circuit behavior.
  • Secure routing and heat shielding: Re-route and secure the harness away from hot or moving components; restore missing clips, shielding, or insulation that can lead to repeat circuit faults.
  • Control module circuit repair (rare): If all external wiring/sensor checks pass and a low input is proven at the module pin, follow service information for module-side circuit testing and repair/replacement procedures.

Can I Still Drive With P2487?

You may be able to drive briefly if the vehicle feels normal, but P2487 indicates the EGT sensor circuit input is being detected as low, which can affect thermal management strategies and trigger reduced power depending on vehicle calibration. If you notice reduced power, harsh shifts, abnormal exhaust smell, warning messages, or any stalling/no-start condition, do not continue driving; have the vehicle inspected. If any brake or steering warnings appear, stop driving and arrange service.

What Happens If You Ignore P2487?

Ignoring P2487 can lead to an ongoing malfunction indicator lamp, failed emissions readiness/inspection, and persistent fallback strategies that may reduce performance or fuel economy. Because the fault is electrical (circuit low), it can worsen as wiring/connector damage progresses, potentially creating intermittent operation, additional fault codes, or protective limits intended to prevent overheating.

Compare nearby egt trouble codes with similar definitions, fault patterns, and diagnostic paths.

  • P2461 – EGT Sensor Circuit Low (Bank 1 Sensor 3)
  • P2460 – EGT Sensor Circuit (Bank 1 Sensor 3)
  • P2489 – EGT Sensor Circuit Intermittent (Bank 2 Sensor 2)
  • P2488 – EGT Sensor Circuit High (Bank 2 Sensor 2)
  • P2486 – EGT Sensor Circuit Range/Performance (Bank 2 Sensor 2)
  • P2462 – EGT Sensor Circuit High (Bank 1 Sensor 3)

Key Takeaways

  • P2487 is a circuit low DTC: It points to an electrical low input condition in the EGT sensor circuit for Bank 2 Sensor 2, not a confirmed mechanical exhaust problem by itself.
  • Wiring and connectors are top suspects: Shorts to ground, corrosion, heat damage, and poor terminal fit commonly drive low-input faults.
  • Verify at the connector and module: Pin-level checks, voltage-drop testing, and harness wiggle testing help locate the exact point pulling the circuit low.
  • Replace parts only after proof: Sensor replacement is appropriate only if the sensor is confirmed to cause the low input with a known-good circuit.
  • Driveability impact varies: Some vehicles may limit torque or alter protection logic when EGT feedback is invalid; confirm behavior with service information.

Vehicles Commonly Affected by P2487

  • Turbocharged applications: Platforms using EGT feedback for thermal protection and catalyst/aftertreatment control.
  • Vehicles with multiple EGT sensors: Systems monitoring temperature at multiple exhaust locations, including downstream positions.
  • High-heat exhaust layouts: Configurations where sensor harnesses run close to hot components and are prone to insulation breakdown.
  • Vehicles used for heavy loads: Applications that frequently operate at high exhaust temperatures, increasing stress on wiring and connectors.
  • Underbody harness routes: Installations with long sensor runs exposed to water, road debris, and corrosion.
  • Engines with tight packaging: Limited clearance near the exhaust where connectors can be damaged during service or contact adjacent parts.
  • Regions with road salt: Environments that accelerate connector terminal corrosion and ground-path degradation.
  • Older high-mileage vehicles: Age-related harness brittleness and terminal fretting that can pull signals low under vibration.

FAQ

Does P2487 mean the EGT sensor is bad?

No. P2487 specifically indicates an EGT sensor circuit low condition for Bank 2 Sensor 2. A low input can be caused by a short to ground, damaged wiring, corrosion in connectors, or a sensor fault. Testing is required to confirm the root cause.

What does “Bank 2 Sensor 2” refer to?

“Bank 2” identifies the engine bank that is not Bank 1 in a multi-bank engine; “Sensor 2” identifies a specific EGT sensor position as defined by the vehicle design and service information. The exact physical location varies by vehicle, so use service documentation to pinpoint it.

Can a wiring short cause an EGT reading that looks extremely low?

Yes. A short-to-ground or a circuit fault that drags the signal low can make the control module interpret the input as lower than expected or invalid, which can trigger P2487 even if actual exhaust temperature is normal. Confirm with connector checks and circuit tests.

Will P2487 clear itself?

It may clear temporarily if the circuit low condition is intermittent, but it typically returns until the underlying electrical issue is corrected. After repairs, clear the code and verify it does not return by performing an appropriate drive cycle and monitoring EGT-related data as supported.

What is the most important test to run first for P2487?

Start with a thorough visual and connector inspection of the Bank 2 Sensor 2 EGT sensor circuit, followed by targeted circuit checks to identify a short to ground or excessive resistance (including voltage-drop testing under load where applicable). Confirm findings at the sensor connector and, if needed, at the control module connector.

For an accurate repair, diagnose P2487 as an electrical “circuit low” fault: locate what is pulling the Bank 2 Sensor 2 EGT sensor input low, fix that verified cause, then clear the code and confirm it stays resolved with a repeat test and monitoring.