Fault code P2002 – diesel particulate filter efficiency below threshold (Bank 1)

Fault code P2002 is called “Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1)” but in different programs it may be called differently. This fault designation applies to all vehicles equipped with OBD-II.

Technical description and explained code P2002

Fault code P2002 is related to the efficiency of the particulate filter and relates to the emission control device. The particulate filter is installed on diesel vehicles from 2007 onwards and is designed to eliminate soot emitted from the exhaust gases.

Fault code P2002 – diesel particulate filter efficiency below threshold (Bank 1)

The diesel particulate filter (DPF) captures and stores particulate emissions that are generated when the vehicle is driven in low load conditions. When the vehicle is driven under high load conditions, the engine control module (ECM) commands additional fuel injection.

This increases the temperature of the DPF to between 840 and 1,100°F, which is enough to completely burn and clean the filter without harmful emissions to the atmosphere. This process is called DPF regeneration, which usually takes place automatically every 400-1000 km.

As the DPF collects particulate matter emissions, the resistance to exhaust gas flow gradually increases, resulting in a gradual increase in pressure drop. A DPF regeneration cycle should start at a certain period, but only under the right conditions.

If the conditions are insufficient for the DPF regeneration cycle, the particulate filter simply continues to collect emissions. But it should be understood that the particulate filter has a certain capacity, which the ECM continues to control.

Once the DPF reaches a certain capacity, the ECM will alert the driver that a regeneration cycle is needed. The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) will then illuminate and the diagnostic code P2002 will be recorded in the system memory.

Symptoms of vehicle malfunctions

The main signal that an error P2002 has occurred is the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) is also known as the CheckEngine Light.

It can also be warning signs such as:

  1. Check engine” indicator light on the control panel will illuminate (the code will be written in the ECM memory as a fault).
  2. The particulate filter control lamp may illuminate.
  3. Engine power may be decreased.
  4. Increased fuel consumption.
  5. Excessive amount of soot emitted with the vehicle exhaust gases.

Error P2002 is not considered very serious, however if the problem is not solved for a long time, the engine control module (ECM) can put the vehicle into the emergency mode. This will cause the vehicle speed to be limited and engine power to drop.

Factors that can cause this error code

The error code P2002 can mean that one or more of the following problems have occurred:

  • Frequent short trips prevent the DPF regeneration cycle from starting.
  • Use of fuel with high sulfur content.
  • Faulty particulate filter.
  • Contaminated air filter element.
  • Leaking air before DPF changes the sensor reading.
  • Incorrect ECM strategy prevents proper regeneration.
  • Sometimes the cause is a faulty ECM module.

How to fix or reset OBD-2 code P2002

Some suggested steps for troubleshooting and fix the error code P2002:

  1. Connect the OBD-II scanner to the vehicle’s diagnostic connector and read all stored data and error codes.
  2. Clear the error codes from the computer memory.
  3. Test-drive the vehicle to see if the error appears again.
  4. If the code appears again, visually inspect the electrical wires, connectors.
  5. Check the particulate filter as well as the exhaust gas back pressure sensor.
  6. Repair or replace any damaged or defective components.
  7. Test and replace the engine control module (ECM) if necessary.

Diagnose and repair of problems

When you begin troubleshooting error P2002, you must understand that most likely the DPF is not defective, but only temporarily clogged with soot particles. Therefore, it is necessary to start the process of error elimination with visual inspection.

Inspect the DPF on unit #1 for loose connections on the engine side where it attaches to the exhaust pipe. Also visually inspect the differential pressure sensors on the front and rear of the DPF (Bank 1).

Look for burned wires, loose or corroded connectors. Disconnect the connectors; the pins should not be bent or corroded. Make sure the sensor wires are not touching the particulate filter. Start the engine and check for leaks on or around the DPF.

If no problems are found, drive the car at highway speeds for about 30 minutes. To raise the exhaust temperature enough to regenerate the particulate filter.

On which vehicles does this problem occur most frequently

Fault code P2002 can occur on different vehicles but there are statistics on which brands this occurs most often. Here is a list of some of them:

  • Audi (A4)
  • BMW (E70)
  • Chevrolet
  • Dodge
  • Fiat (Doblo, Ducato)
  • Ford (Focus, Kuga, Mondeo, Sierra, Transit)
  • GMC
  • Hyundai (H1, Santa Fe, Tucson, ix35)
  • Isuzu
  • Kia (Sorento, Soul, Sportage)
  • Lexus
  • Mercedes-Benz (C200, GL350, Viano, W203)
  • Nissan (Navara, Pathfinder, X-Trail)
  • Renault
  • Skoda (Octavia, Superb)
  • Toyota (Avensis, Hiace, RAV4)
  • Volkswagen (Crafter, Jetta, Passat, Touareg, Touran, Transporter)
  • Volvo (V50)

Fault code P2002 can sometimes be found with other errors. The most common are the following: P2003, P2008, P203D, P244A, P2453, P2454.

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