Catalyst temperature sensor signal wire chafed and shorted to chassis ground; Failed catalyst temperature sensor with an internal short to its case or ground; Corroded or water-intruded connector pins at the sensor or PCM causing a low-resistance path to ground; Damaged wire harness near the exhaust, where heat and vibration wear through insulation; PCM internal fault pulling the signal circuit low (least common but possible); Aftermarket sensor or improper repair splice that creates a ground short; Exhaust system contact with the signal wire, melting insulation and grounding the circuit

DTC codes / Chrysler codes / P1482

P1482 · ChryslerCatalyst Temperature Sensor Circuit Shorted Low

Q: What does code P1482 mean?

Catalyst Temperature Sensor Circuit Shorted Low. P1482 on Chrysler vehicles means the powertrain control module (PCM) has detected a short to ground on the catalyst temperature sensor signal circuit. The sensor is a thermocouple or resistance-based device mounted near the catalytic converter, and the PCM expects a voltage within a specific range; a low short pulls that signal below the acceptable threshold.

P1482 on Chrysler vehicles means the powertrain control module (PCM) has detected a short to ground on the catalyst temperature sensor signal circuit. The sensor is a thermocouple or resistance-based device mounted near the catalytic converter, and the PCM expects a voltage within a specific range; a low short pulls that signal below the acceptable threshold.

SystemPowertrain

Code typeChrysler specific

SeverityMedium

Fix difficultyIntermediate

AreaAuxiliary emission controls

Symptoms you may notice

Illumination of the check engine light (malfunction indicator lamp, MIL) with no other obvious drivability complaint
Often no symptoms besides the warning light, especially if the short is intermittent
Possible slight decrease in fuel economy if the PCM enters a default catalyst protection strategy
In rare cases, a rough idle or hesitation if the short affects shared sensor ground circuits
Failed emissions inspection due to the stored code and pending monitor status
No noticeable change in exhaust sound or performance in most cases

Common causes, most likely first

Catalyst temperature sensor signal wire chafed and shorted to chassis ground
Failed catalyst temperature sensor with an internal short to its case or ground
Corroded or water-intruded connector pins at the sensor or PCM causing a low-resistance path to ground
Damaged wire harness near the exhaust, where heat and vibration wear through insulation
PCM internal fault pulling the signal circuit low (least common but possible)
Aftermarket sensor or improper repair splice that creates a ground short
Exhaust system contact with the signal wire, melting insulation and grounding the circuit

How to diagnose and fix it

Scan all modules and record freeze-frame data for P1482 to confirm the fault is current and not history
Inspect the catalyst temperature sensor connector and wiring for chafing, corrosion, or contact with hot exhaust components
Disconnect the sensor and measure resistance from the signal terminal to ground; a near-zero reading indicates a shorted sensor or harness
Isolate the harness by disconnecting the PCM and checking for continuity to ground on the signal wire; repair any chafed or melted section
Substitute a known-good sensor or use a signal simulator to verify the PCM reading changes correctly
Clear the code and run the appropriate catalyst monitor to confirm the repair; verify no pending code returns
If the harness and sensor test good but the code persists, perform a pin-fit and terminal drag test at the PCM connector before condemning the PCM

What a shorted catalyst sensor really tells you

A short to ground on the signal wire often occurs where the harness passes near the exhaust heat shield, and the insulation melts only after the engine reaches operating temperature, so the code may be intermittent.
The catalyst temperature sensor is not the same as the downstream oxygen sensor; replacing the O2 sensor will not fix P1482 on Chrysler vehicles.
A failed sensor can read low only when hot, so a cold resistance check may pass; always test the circuit while the exhaust is at normal operating temperature if the code is intermittent.
Corrosion inside the connector can create a low-resistance path to ground that mimics a bad sensor, so pin tension and dielectric grease condition matter as much as sensor resistance.
If the PCM detects a shorted catalyst temperature sensor, it may disable the catalyst over-temperature protection strategy, which can allow converter damage if the root cause is not repaired.

Can I keep driving with P1482?

You can usually drive the vehicle short distances to a repair shop, but avoid heavy loads, sustained high speeds, or towing until the fault is repaired because the PCM may not be able to protect the catalytic converter from overheating. If the check engine light begins flashing or you notice a strong sulfur smell, stop driving and have the vehicle towed.

Tools that help

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Guidance is general and written for Chrysler vehicles. Exact tests and values vary by model, so confirm the fault before replacing parts.