P0470

Exhaust Pressure Sensor A Circuit

Q: Is it safe to drive with P0470?

Short trips are usually fine, but the car may run in reduced power and — on diesels — skip DPF regeneration, so don't delay the repair or soot can accumulate.

Q: Can I just clear P0470?

You can, but it returns until the sensor, its hose/port, or its wiring is repaired.

Auxiliary emissions control Generic OBD-II Medium

What it means

P0470 means the ECM has detected a fault in the exhaust pressure sensor circuit. This sensor measures exhaust back-pressure and is common on diesel and turbocharged vehicles, where it helps manage EGR and the diesel particulate filter (DPF). It's typically a sensor, wiring, or clogged-port issue — the car usually still runs, though it may drop into reduced power until fixed.

Medium

Can I keep driving? Usually yes, but reduced — on many (often diesel) vehicles the ECM may limit power or block a DPF regeneration, so drive gently and get it checked before soot builds up.

Real-world scan data

Seen in

205

scans in the past year

Found in

<0.1%

of scans

0.1%

of scans that found faults

Appears alongside · share of P0470 scans

P0472in 38.0% of scans

P0471in 32.7% of scans

Figures reflect only diagnostic scans recorded through our own apps and tools. Cars are typically scanned because a symptom or warning light prompted it, so these counts describe our scan records — not the incidence of faults in any model, and not the quality, reliability, or safety of any vehicle. No comparison between manufacturers or models is implied. All trademarks belong to their respective owners; no affiliation or endorsement is implied.

Common symptoms

What you'll notice

Check-engine light on
Reduced power or a limp/reduced-power mode
On diesels: incomplete or skipped DPF regeneration, possible extra smoke
May fail an emissions test

Common causes

Most likely first

Faulty exhaust (back-)pressure sensorLikely
Open or short in the sensor wiringCommon
Loose or corroded electrical connectorCommon
Clogged or damaged sensor pressure hose/port (soot)Less often
Faulty ECM/PCM (rare)Less often

How to diagnose & fix

Work through it in order

Read freeze-frame data to see the reported pressure and conditions when it set.
Inspect the exhaust pressure sensor, its connector, and any pressure hose/tube for soot clogging, cracks, or damage.
Check the sensor wiring for opens, shorts, and corrosion.
Clean or clear the sensor port/hose if restricted; repair wiring faults.
If the circuit and plumbing are good, replace the exhaust pressure sensor. Clear and re-test.

FAQ

Quick answers

Is it safe to drive with P0470?+

Short trips are usually fine, but the car may run in reduced power and — on diesels — skip DPF regeneration, so don't delay the repair or soot can accumulate.

Can I just clear P0470?+

You can, but it returns until the sensor, its hose/port, or its wiring is repaired.

Read & clear P0470 yourself

Scan your car, confirm the code, and clear it once it's fixed — with OBD DashX on your phone.

▶ Get it on Google Play

✓ Verified name — SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6Guidance reviewed by OBD DashX