P0545

Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Circuit Low Bank 1 Sensor 1

Exhaust temperature / emissions Generic OBD-II Medium

What it means

P0545 means the ECM sees an abnormally low voltage from the bank 1, sensor 1 exhaust gas temperature (EGT) sensor circuit — typically a short to ground, an open circuit, or a failing sensor. The EGT sensor protects the catalytic converter and, on diesels, manages particulate-filter regeneration, so some vehicles reduce power when it fails. The usual causes are the sensor itself or its wiring.

Medium

Can I keep driving? Usually drivable, but some vehicles reduce power to protect the exhaust when this sensor fails. On diesels it can affect particulate-filter regeneration — have it checked.

Real-world scan data

Seen in

309

scans in the past year

Found in

0.1%

of scans

0.1%

of scans that found faults

Appears alongside · share of P0545 scans

P0544in 46.6% of scans

P0102in 22.3% of scans

P0113in 20.1% 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 on vehicles that derate to protect the exhaust
Slightly reduced fuel economy
On diesels, disrupted DPF regeneration

Common causes

Most likely first

Failed exhaust gas temperature (EGT) sensorLikely
Short to ground in the sensor circuit (low voltage)Common
Open circuit or high resistance in the wiringCommon
Corroded or loose connector at the sensorLess often
ECM/PCM fault (rare)Less often

How to diagnose & fix

Work through it in order

Read freeze-frame data and confirm the code with a scan tool.
Inspect the EGT sensor connector and wiring for a short to ground or open.
Compare the sensor's resistance/voltage against spec at a known temperature.
Check the sensor is properly seated in the exhaust.
Replace the EGT sensor if it reads out of range. Clear and re-test.

FAQ

Quick answers

Is it safe to drive with P0545?+

Usually yes for short trips, but some vehicles cut power to protect the exhaust and diesels may skip regeneration. Fix it promptly to restore normal operation.

Can I just clear P0545?+

It returns until the sensor or wiring is repaired. Clearing only resets the light.

Read & clear P0545 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