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DTC codes / P20xx · Fuel and air metering and auxiliary emission controls / P2036

P2036Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Circuit High (Bank 2 Sensor 2)

P2036 means the powertrain control module (PCM) has detected an abnormally high voltage on the exhaust gas temperature (EGT) sensor circuit for bank 2 sensor 2, which is the sensor located after the catalytic converter on the bank of cylinders that does not contain cylinder 1. The PCM interprets this high voltage as an excessively hot exhaust reading or a circuit fault, and it sets the code to protect the engine and emissions system.

SystemPowertrain
Code typeGeneric (all makes)
SeverityMedium
Fix difficultyIntermediate
AreaFuel and air metering and auxiliary emission controls

Symptoms you may notice

  • Illumination of the check engine light, often with no other noticeable symptoms
  • Reduced engine power or limp mode if the PCM substitutes a default exhaust temperature value
  • Poor fuel economy or altered shift quality as the PCM adjusts fueling and torque management
  • In rare cases, a rough idle or hesitation if the faulty sensor signal affects closed-loop fueling
  • A stored freeze-frame showing high exhaust temperature at the time the code set

Common causes, most likely first

  1. Faulty exhaust gas temperature sensor (bank 2 sensor 2) internally shorted or reading high
  2. Damaged or chafed sensor wiring shorted to voltage or to another high-voltage circuit
  3. Corroded, loose, or water-intruded connector at the sensor or PCM
  4. PCM internal fault biasing the sensor signal high (uncommon but possible)
  5. Exhaust system restriction or overheating that genuinely raises exhaust temperature beyond normal
  6. Aftermarket or incorrect sensor installed previously with wrong resistance characteristics

How to diagnose and fix it

  1. Scan all modules and record freeze-frame data for P2036, then clear the code and verify whether it returns immediately or only after a drive cycle
  2. Visually inspect the bank 2 sensor 2 wiring harness and connector for chafing, corrosion, or loose pins, and repair as needed
  3. Measure sensor resistance and compare to the manufacturer's specification for the current exhaust temperature
  4. Back-probe the sensor signal circuit at the PCM and check voltage with the key on and engine off; a high reading with the sensor disconnected points to a wiring short
  5. Check for exhaust restrictions or overheating causes, such as a clogged converter or faulty injector, if the sensor signal is plausible
  6. Replace the bank 2 sensor 2 EGT sensor with a quality OEM-equivalent part if resistance or voltage testing confirms it is out of range
  7. Clear codes and perform a road test with live data to confirm the exhaust temperature reading is normal and P2036 does not reset

What P2036 often really means

  • A high-voltage code on an EGT sensor frequently comes from a wiring short to voltage rather than a failed sensor, so inspect the harness before condemning the part.
  • Bank 2 sensor 2 is the post-catalyst sensor on the bank without cylinder 1, and technicians sometimes replace the wrong sensor because they assume bank 1 is the only bank.
  • Some vehicles use a simulated or modeled exhaust temperature strategy, and a P2036 can be set by a faulty model in the PCM rather than a real sensor problem.
  • An exhaust leak upstream of the sensor can draw in air and cause the sensor to read abnormally high, mimicking a sensor circuit fault.
  • After replacing the sensor, the PCM may need a relearn or adaptive reset before the code will stay cleared on some platforms.

Can I keep driving with P2036?

You can usually drive the vehicle short distances to a repair shop, but avoid heavy loads, towing, or sustained high-speed driving because a genuine high exhaust temperature can damage the catalytic converter and exhaust components. If the engine enters limp mode or you notice overheating, stop driving and have the vehicle towed.

Tools that help

Tools we recommend are in the Auto Veteran shop on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

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

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