Emission Controls Trouble Codes: List & Fixes
P04xx codes cover auxiliary emission controls: exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), secondary air injection, catalytic converter efficiency and the evaporative emission (EVAP) system. They seldom affect how the car drives, but they will usually fail a smog check or emissions test. For small EVAP leak codes, start with the simplest check – a loose, damaged or wrong gas cap – before a smoke test of the system.
97Codes
2.2Average severity
2%High or critical
20%DIY-friendly
Severity distribution
Most viewed
P0420
Powertrain
The bank 1 catalytic converter no longer stores enough oxygen to clean the exhaust properly.
Low
P0430
Powertrain
The bank 2 converter on a V6, V8 or split-exhaust engine isn't cleaning the exhaust well enough.
Low
P2002
Powertrain
The ECU thinks the diesel particulate filter isn't trapping soot properly — or it can't measure…
Moderate
P0442
Powertrain
The EVAP system leaks through an opening of about 0.040 inch — a cracked hose, loose joint…
Minor
P0446
Powertrain
The canister vent valve isn't doing what the ECU commands — electrically or because the vent…
Minor
P0456
Powertrain
The EVAP system has a tiny leak, about 0.020 inch — the hardest EVAP leak to find, and often…
Minor
All codes (28)
P0402
Powertrain
More exhaust is being recirculated than the ECU asked for, usually because the EGR valve won't…
Moderate
P0471
Powertrain
The exhaust backpressure reading doesn't match what the computer expects; the sensor tube…
Moderate
P0472
Powertrain
Exhaust backpressure sensor signal near zero volts: dead sensor, grounded wire or lost 5 V…
Moderate
P2002
Powertrain
The ECU thinks the diesel particulate filter isn't trapping soot properly — or it can't measure…
Moderate
P204F
Powertrain
The DEF/SCR system isn't cutting NOx the way it should; ignored, it leads to a severe speed…
Moderate
P207F
Powertrain
The ECM thinks the DEF in the tank is too weak or contaminated, often right after a refill.
Moderate
P20E8
Powertrain
The DEF pump can't build or hold enough pressure; suspect a leak, frozen line, clogged filter…
Moderate
P20EE
Powertrain
The SCR catalyst isn't removing enough NOx; DEF quality, dosing, a NOx sensor or the catalyst…
Moderate
P2200
Powertrain
The engine computer lost a usable signal from the NOx sensor ahead of the SCR catalyst on bank…
Moderate
P2201
Powertrain
The upstream NOx sensor still communicates, but its readings don't match what the ECM expects.
Moderate
P2202
Powertrain
The upstream NOx sensor reports a signal or internal circuit below its lower limit.
Moderate
P2203
Powertrain
The upstream NOx sensor reports a value or circuit stuck above its upper limit.
Moderate
P229F
Powertrain
The NOx sensor after the SCR catalyst is sending believable-looking but wrong or sluggish…
Moderate
P242F
Powertrain
The DPF is filling up with ash that regeneration can't burn off; it needs cleaning…
Moderate
P2440
Powertrain
The valve that should seal the air pump off from the bank 1 exhaust stays open, letting hot…
Moderate
P2442
Powertrain
The bank 2 secondary air valve on a V engine doesn't seal, so exhaust pulses reach the air pump…
Moderate
P244A
Powertrain
The pressure drop across the DPF is lower than physically expected: a hose is off…
Moderate
P244B
Powertrain
The DPF is resisting exhaust flow far more than it should – usually a filter packed with soot…
Moderate
P2452
Powertrain
The ECU has lost a usable signal from the DPF pressure sensor – usually a wiring, connector…
Moderate
P2453
Powertrain
The DPF pressure reading doesn't make sense for the exhaust flow – most often a hose or tube…
Moderate
P2454
Powertrain
The DPF pressure sensor's signal voltage has dropped below the lowest value a working sensor…
Moderate
P2455
Powertrain
The DPF pressure signal is stuck above its valid range – a wiring fault, or a filter that's…
Moderate
P2457
Powertrain
The EGR cooler isn't cooling the recirculated exhaust enough – it's clogged, bypassed or low…
Moderate
P2458
Powertrain
A DPF regen took too long or never finished, usually from short trips or exhaust that won't get…
Moderate
P2459
Powertrain
The DPF is regenerating far more often than it should for the miles driven.
Moderate
P2463
Powertrain
The DPF is loaded with more soot than the ECU allows; it needs a regen or cleaning before it…
High
P246C
Powertrain
The DPF is so restricted that the ECM has cut engine power to protect the turbo, EGR system…
High
P2BAC
Powertrain
EGR has been shut off because of a fault, so NOx is above the limit; fix the EGR code stored…
Moderate