P244E
Diesel Particulate Filter Differential Pressure Too LowP244E is a generic OBD-II powertrain diagnostic trouble code: Diesel Particulate Filter Differential Pressure Too Low. 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.
What P244E means
P244E is set when the PCM or diesel aftertreatment control module detects that the differential pressure across the diesel particulate filter (DPF) is lower than expected for the current operating conditions. The DPF differential pressure sensor measures the pressure drop from the DPF inlet to its outlet; this value is used to estimate soot loading and to determine when a regeneration event is needed. A pressure reading that is too low indicates either that exhaust flow is not passing through the DPF as expected or that the sensor circuit is faulty.
Common causes include a cracked or removed DPF substrate, a sensor that has drifted low or whose pressure lines have become blocked or disconnected, or an exhaust leak upstream of the DPF outlet tap. On high-mileage or modified vehicles, a DPF that has been physically removed is frequently the root cause. When the PCM cannot verify DPF function, it may illuminate the MIL and disable active regeneration or apply a de-rate.
Diagnosis should include a visual inspection of both the DPF and the differential pressure sensor and its hoses, followed by live sensor data review at various engine loads. Compare measured differential pressure against the specification curve for current exhaust flow before condemning any component.
Common causes
Most-frequently reported root causes when P244E is logged.
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1
Cracked, melted, or physically removed DPF substrate resulting in no measurable restriction.
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2
Blocked, kinked, or disconnected differential pressure sensor hose on the inlet or outlet side.
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3
Failed differential pressure sensor drifted to a low-reading fault condition.
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4
Exhaust leak downstream of the DPF inlet tap but upstream of the outlet tap skewing differential reading.
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5
DPF bypass pipe or emissions defeat device installed, eliminating the restriction.
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6
Sensor reference voltage or ground circuit fault producing an abnormally low signal.
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7
DPF mounting flanges leaking, allowing exhaust to bypass the filter core.
Symptoms drivers notice
How to diagnose P244E
A typical diagnostic flow when this code is present.
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1
Read all DTCs and live differential pressure sensor data before touching any components.
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2
Inspect both differential pressure sensor hoses for kinks, blockages, disconnection, or moisture traps.
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3
Visually inspect the DPF housing, flanges, and substrate for physical damage or evidence of removal.
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4
Perform a sensor reference voltage and ground check at the differential pressure sensor connector.
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5
With the engine running, observe live differential pressure; compare readings at low and high RPM against manufacturer specification to assess whether the DPF substrate is intact.
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6
If sensor hoses and wiring are intact and sensor reads correctly but pressure is genuinely low, inspect the DPF substrate for bypass or structural failure.
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7
Repair or replace confirmed faulty components, clear DTCs, and verify the DPF monitor completes.
Related powertrain codes
- P2400 — Evaporative Emission System Leak Detection Pump Control Circuit/Open
- P2401 — Evaporative Emission System Leak Detection Pump Control Circuit Low
- P2402 — Evaporative Emission System Leak Detection Pump Control Circuit High
- P2404 — EVAP Leak Detection Pump Sense Circuit: Implausible Signal
- P2405 — Evaporative Emission System Leak Detection Pump Sense Circuit Low
- P2407 — Evaporative Emission System Leak Detection Pump Sense Circuit Intermittent/Erratic
Frequently asked questions
Does P244E always mean the DPF is missing or broken?
No. A faulty sensor, blocked pressure hose, or wiring fault can produce the same low-pressure reading. Electrical and hose checks should precede any DPF inspection.
Can a blocked sensor hose cause P244E?
Yes. If the inlet pressure hose is blocked, the sensor only sees outlet backpressure, making differential pressure appear near zero and setting P244E.
Will the engine de-rate with P244E?
On vehicles with strict OBD-II or Euro 6 aftertreatment monitoring, a confirmed DPF integrity failure can trigger a power de-rate. The severity depends on the calibration strategy.
Can I clear P244E without repairing it?
The code will return as soon as the PCM runs the DPF differential pressure check again, typically within one drive cycle. Clearing without repair is not a solution.
Disabling P244E in software
RaceTune can permanently disable P244E — 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.
ECUs with a P244E 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 EDC17CP09 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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