P247A

Gas Temperature Out of Range Bank 1 Sensor 3

P247A is a generic OBD-II powertrain diagnostic trouble code: Gas Temperature Out of Range Bank 1 Sensor 3. It is logged by the engine control unit when the dpf monitor detects that a specific fault threshold has been exceeded — typically resulting in the malfunction-indicator lamp (MIL / check-engine light) being illuminated.

Code
P247A
Group
Powertrain
System
DPF
Severity
Warning (MIL on, possible limp mode)
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What P247A means

P247A indicates that the engine control system has determined excessive ash accumulation in the diesel particulate filter (DPF) on bank 1. Unlike soot, which is burned off during active or passive regeneration, ash is a non-combustible residue from engine oil additives and accumulates permanently in the DPF substrate over the service life of the filter.

The ECM calculates ash accumulation using a model based on oil consumption estimates, mileage, and backpressure readings from the differential pressure sensor across the DPF. When the modeled or measured restriction exceeds the threshold, P247A is stored. An excessively ash-loaded DPF cannot be cleared by regeneration and will exhibit permanently elevated exhaust backpressure, reducing engine performance and fuel economy.

Resolution typically requires professional DPF cleaning (ultrasonic or pneumatic ash removal) or replacement of the filter assembly. Operators should also investigate abnormal oil consumption as a contributing factor. Using low-SAPS (sulfated ash, phosphorus, sulfur) engine oil specified for DPF-equipped engines is important to slow ash accumulation rate.

Common causes

Most-frequently reported root causes when P247A is logged.

  • 1
    Normal long-term ash accumulation reaching service limit mileage or hours.
  • 2
    Excessive engine oil consumption accelerating ash deposit rate inside the DPF.
  • 3
    Use of non-low-SAPS engine oil not compatible with DPF systems.
  • 4
    Worn piston rings or valve stem seals allowing oil to enter the combustion chamber.
  • 5
    Turbocharger seal failure passing oil into the exhaust and DPF.
  • 6
    Infrequent oil changes leading to oil additive breakdown and increased ash contribution.
  • 7
    DPF differential pressure sensor fault causing premature or erroneous ash loading calculation.

Symptoms drivers notice

MIL and DPF warning light illuminated.
Reduced engine power and increased exhaust backpressure.
Decreased fuel economy.
More frequent or failed DPF regeneration cycles.
Possible black smoke from exhaust under load if backpressure is severe.
Engine may enter limp mode if backpressure exceeds safe operating limits.

How to diagnose P247A

A typical diagnostic flow when this code is present.

  1. 1
    Retrieve all DTCs and review freeze frame data; note DPF pressure differential values.
  2. 2
    Check engine oil level and consumption history to identify if oil burning is accelerating ash loading.
  3. 3
    Inspect the DPF differential pressure sensor and its hoses for blockage or damage before condemning the filter.
  4. 4
    Review DPF ash accumulation model data on the scan tool if available to confirm the calculated ash load.
  5. 5
    Verify that the correct low-SAPS engine oil specification has been used.
  6. 6
    If ash accumulation is confirmed at or beyond service limit, arrange professional DPF cleaning or replacement.
  7. 7
    After cleaning or replacement, reset the DPF ash accumulation counter using the scan tool.

Vehicles where we've handled P247A

Platforms in our catalogue with confirmed P247A coverage.

AUDI A4 20D
BMW 320D
2016

Related powertrain codes

Frequently asked questions

Can regeneration fix a P247A fault?

No. Ash is non-combustible and cannot be burned off by regeneration. Only physical cleaning or filter replacement resolves ash restriction.

How often does a DPF need to be cleaned for ash?

Typical ash cleaning intervals range from 150,000 to 300,000 km depending on engine oil consumption and oil type. Always consult the manufacturer service schedule.

Does P247A mean the DPF must be replaced?

Not always. Many DPFs can be professionally cleaned to remove ash, restoring backpressure to acceptable levels. Replacement is needed if the substrate is physically damaged.

Will using the correct engine oil prevent P247A?

Using a low-SAPS oil compatible with the manufacturer specification slows ash accumulation significantly, extending the interval between DPF cleanings.

Disabling P247A in software

RaceTune can permanently disable P247A — 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 P247A 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 EDC17C74 verified 1 software version
  • 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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