P2033

Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Circuit High Bank 1 Sensor 2

P2033 is a generic OBD-II powertrain diagnostic trouble code: Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Circuit High Bank 1 Sensor 2. It is logged by the engine control unit when the powertrain monitor detects that a specific fault threshold has been exceeded — typically resulting in the malfunction-indicator lamp (MIL / check-engine light) being illuminated.

Code
P2033
Group
Powertrain
System
Powertrain
Severity
Warning (MIL on)
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What P2033 means

P2033 is stored when the ECM detects that the signal voltage from the exhaust gas temperature (EGT) sensor on Bank 1, positioned at the second measurement point (typically downstream of the DPF or between catalyst bricks), is above the maximum calibrated threshold. For a standard NTC-type EGT sensor circuit, a high voltage on the signal line indicates abnormally low resistance or an open-circuit ground path -- not necessarily a physically hot condition.

EGT sensors are critical for protecting the diesel particulate filter and downstream aftertreatment components. The ECM uses their readings to manage DPF regeneration timing, SCR dosing temperature windows, and to prevent catalyst overtemperature damage. When the signal is outside acceptable bounds, the ECM cannot trust the temperature data and may limit or disable regen events.

This is an electrical boundary fault rather than a rationality complaint. The sensor signal has exceeded the calibrated high-voltage limit. Likely causes are an open circuit in the sensor ground wire, an internally failed sensor, or wiring harness damage in the exhaust area where heat cycling commonly degrades insulation.

Common causes

Most-frequently reported root causes when P2033 is logged.

  • 1
    Open or high-resistance ground circuit for the EGT sensor.
  • 2
    Failed EGT sensor with an internally open or shorted element.
  • 3
    Wiring harness heat damage near the exhaust causing an open signal or ground wire.
  • 4
    Corroded or loose sensor connector in the high-temperature exhaust environment.
  • 5
    ECM signal input circuit fault.
  • 6
    Sensor connector terminal backed out due to vibration.
  • 7
    Incorrect replacement sensor with incompatible resistance characteristics.

Symptoms drivers notice

MIL illuminated.
Possible DPF regeneration inhibition or altered regen strategy.
Possible secondary DPF pressure or efficiency DTCs if regen is disrupted.
No obvious drivability impact in early stages.
Potential power derate if the ECM cannot verify safe exhaust temperatures during regen.

How to diagnose P2033

A typical diagnostic flow when this code is present.

  1. 1
    Connect scan tool and record all DTCs, paying attention to any companion DPF or regen-related codes.
  2. 2
    Check live EGT sensor 2 data; a value at maximum scale (e.g., reading maximum temperature at cold start) confirms a high-voltage fault.
  3. 3
    Inspect the EGT sensor connector and wiring in the exhaust area for heat damage, corrosion, or broken wires.
  4. 4
    Measure sensor resistance at the sensor connector and compare against specification at known temperature.
  5. 5
    Perform a continuity and voltage check on the signal and ground wires back to the ECM.
  6. 6
    Replace the EGT sensor if resistance is out of specification or the element reads open.
  7. 7
    Clear codes and verify normal EGT readings on a test drive with regen conditions.

Vehicles where we've handled P2033

Platforms in our catalogue with confirmed P2033 coverage.

BMW X5
2018–2019
BMW 530XD
2017
BMW 320D
2016
BMW 530XD 30D

Related powertrain codes

Frequently asked questions

Where is Bank 1 Sensor 2 located physically?

On most diesel vehicles it is located downstream of the DPF, though exact placement varies by OEM; consult vehicle-specific service data for the exact location.

Can P2033 damage the DPF?

If regen events are blocked due to unreliable temperature data, the DPF may become over-loaded with soot over time, potentially requiring forced regen or replacement.

Are EGT sensors prone to failure?

Yes. EGT sensors operate in a harsh high-temperature, high-vibration environment and have a relatively high failure rate compared to other sensors.

Can heat-damaged wiring be repaired instead of replaced?

Short sections of damaged insulation can be repaired with appropriate high-temperature rated wire and connectors, but severely degraded harnesses should be replaced to prevent recurrence.

Disabling P2033 in software

RaceTune can permanently disable P2033 — and any other OBD-II diagnostic trouble code — on every ECU family we support. The monitor is disabled inside the ECU itself, so the fault stops being logged: the warning light stays off and the engine never enters limp mode for this code. The change is tied to your exact software version.

Permanent
The monitor is disabled in the ECU itself — not just cleared. It cannot return.
Tailored to your file
Each patch is matched to your specific software version — never a one-size-fits-all file.
Reversible
The original file is always preserved. Reflash the stock to return the ECU to factory state.

ECUs with a P2033 disable in our catalogue

Confirmed coverage from our recipe database — we support many more families. Upload your file and our identifier will match it automatically.

  • Bosch EDC17C50 verified 1 software version
  • Bosch EDC17C56 verified 1 software version
  • Bosch EDC17C60 verified 1 software version
  • Bosch MD1CP002 verified 1 software version
  • Bosch MD1CS001 verified 1 software version

Software modifications affect emissions compliance and are not road-legal in many jurisdictions. RaceTune service files are intended for motorsport, off-road, and export use.

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