P0472

Exhaust Pressure Sensor A Circuit Low

Exhaust pressure / emissions Generic OBD-II Medium

What it means

P0472 means the exhaust pressure (back-pressure) sensor circuit is reading low. On diesels and some turbocharged engines this sensor helps manage EGR and the particulate filter. A low or lost signal can push the engine into reduced-power or limp mode to protect it, though the car still runs and starts.

Medium

Can I keep driving? Often reduced — the engine may enter limp mode with lower power; drive gently to get it looked at, but avoid towing or hard acceleration.

Real-world scan data

Seen in

318

scans in the past year

Found in

0.1%

of scans

0.1%

of scans that found faults

Appears alongside · share of P0472 scans

P0471in 29.6% of scans

P0470in 24.5% of scans

P0102in 21.4% 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 acceleration
Engine may enter limp mode
Decreased fuel efficiency

Common causes

Most likely first

Faulty exhaust pressure (back-pressure) sensorLikely
Wiring shorted low or open in the sensor circuitCommon
Corroded or loose sensor connectorCommon
Clogged or damaged pressure sense tube to the sensorLess often
ECM fault (rare)Less often

How to diagnose & fix

Work through it in order

Read freeze-frame data and inspect the exhaust pressure sensor connector and wiring for shorts, opens, and corrosion.
Check the sensor's pressure tube/port for soot clogging or damage and clean or replace as needed.
Compare the sensor signal to spec; replace the sensor if it reads low or out of range.
If wiring and sensor are good, have the ECM evaluated. Clear the code and re-test.

FAQ

Quick answers

Is it safe to drive with P0472?+

Only gently. The engine may drop into limp mode to protect itself, cutting power. Get it diagnosed soon and avoid towing or hard driving.

Can I just clear P0472?+

It will return as soon as the fault is detected again. This is a circuit fault that needs the sensor, wiring, or tube repaired before the code stays off.

Read & clear P0472 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