P0546

Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Circuit High Bank 1 Sensor 1

Exhaust gas temperature Generic OBD-II Medium

What it means

P0546 means the exhaust gas temperature (EGT) sensor for bank 1, sensor 1 is sending an abnormally high signal, usually from a short-to-voltage, an open circuit, or a failing sensor. The EGT sensor protects the exhaust and, on diesels, manages particulate-filter regeneration. The engine keeps running, but power may be limited until the wiring or sensor is repaired.

Medium

Can I keep driving? Usually drivable — the engine runs, but the ECM loses accurate exhaust-temperature data, so some vehicles limit power or DPF regen; get it checked before long or heavy driving.

Real-world scan data

Seen in

356

scans in the past year

Found in

0.1%

of scans

0.1%

of scans that found faults

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 engine power or a limp mode on some vehicles
Worse fuel economy
On diesels, disabled or abnormal DPF regeneration

Common causes

Most likely first

Short-to-voltage or open in the exhaust gas temperature (EGT) sensor circuitLikely
Faulty EGT sensor reading high (bank 1, sensor 1)Common
Loose or corroded sensor connectorCommon
Harness chafed or melted against the hot exhaustLess often
Rarely, a failed ECMLess often

How to diagnose & fix

Work through it in order

Read freeze-frame data and check the EGT sensor's reported temperature against actual exhaust temp on a scan tool.
Inspect the sensor connector and wiring for a short-to-voltage or open circuit.
Check the harness routing near the exhaust for melted or chafed insulation.
Compare the sensor's resistance to spec; replace the EGT sensor if it reads out of range.
If wiring and sensor are good, evaluate the ECM. Clear and re-test.

FAQ

Quick answers

Is it safe to drive with P0546?+

Short-term usually, but some vehicles cut power or disable diesel particulate filter regeneration, and the ECM can't monitor exhaust temperature. Have it diagnosed soon.

Can I just clear P0546?+

It will return until the high-signal circuit fault or failed EGT sensor is repaired, since the ECM continuously monitors the exhaust temperature signal.

Read & clear P0546 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