P0544Generic code

P0544 Code: Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Circuit (Bank 1)

The P0544 code means the computer found an electrical fault in the exhaust gas temperature sensor circuit (bank 1, sensor 1). The main effects are a disabled DPF regeneration and limited power. A damaged or corroded connector is the most common cause, so start there.

Severity
Medium
Can I keep driving?
Yes, but with caution
Estimated cost
$60 to $400
Difficulty
Medium
System
Emissions Control
Applies to
All OBD2 vehicles

Updated Reviewed by Renzo Chacca

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What the P0544 code means

The EGT sensor measures the temperature of the exhaust gases ahead of the turbo or the catalytic converter. It protects the turbo and the converter and, on a diesel, it controls the regeneration of the particulate filter.

The sensor changes its resistance with temperature, and the computer reads the resulting voltage. A circuit fault, which is what the P0544 code reports, can come from the sensor, from the wiring or from the supply.

Without this signal, the computer cannot control the DPF regeneration or protect the turbo. It usually limits power and postpones regenerations, with the risk that the filter fills up. The sensor profile pages explain how to test one.

Always start with the simple things: the fuse, the relay and the connector. Then check the supply, the ground and the signal with the component plugged in (using back-probes), and finally the continuity of each wire all the way to the computer. Only replace the component if all of that checks out.

P0544 code symptoms

  • Check engine light on.
  • DPF regeneration disabled and power limited.
  • Regenerations that do not finish.
  • Loss of power.

Likely causes of the P0544 code

  1. Damaged or corroded connector. The most frequent cause.
  2. Wiring cut or shorted between the sensor and the computer.
  3. Failed sensor. Open or shorted inside.
  4. Missing supply reference. Check whether other sensors are also failing.
  5. Computer. Uncommon, so rule out everything above first.

How to diagnose the P0544 code step by step

  1. Read the sensor value on the scan tool and compare it with what you expect.
  2. Inspect the connector for corrosion, water or loose pins.
  3. Check the supply and ground with the key on: the reference should be correct, with less than 0.1 V of voltage drop on the ground.
  4. Measure the signal with the connector plugged in and watch whether it changes with the condition.
  5. Do a wiggle test on the harness with the scan tool in graph mode.
  6. Check the continuity of each wire to the computer (under 1 ohm).

How to fix the P0544 code

  • Repair the connector or the wiring.
  • Replace the sensor if the tests confirm it is bad.
  • Correct the real condition if there is one.
  • Clear the codes and verify with a road test.

Technical reference data

  • PT200 platinum resistance element: about 200 ohms at 0 °C (32 °F).
  • Exhaust temperature: 150 to 700 °C (about 300 to 1,290 °F) depending on load.
  • These values are a general guide: check the manufacturer data for your vehicle.

Brand-specific notes

This code is very common on diesels, and the wiring tends to burn where it runs close to the exhaust.

P0544 on Volkswagen

Very common on Volkswagen diesels, where the wiring burns near the exhaust.

P0544 on Ford

Very common on Ford diesels, where the wiring burns near the exhaust.

P0544 on Mercedes

Very common on Mercedes diesels, where the wiring burns near the exhaust.

P0544 on Hyundai

Very common on Hyundai diesels, where the wiring burns near the exhaust.

Frequently asked questions about P0544

What does the P0544 code mean?
It is a generic OBD2 code that means the computer found an electrical fault in the exhaust gas temperature sensor circuit on bank 1, sensor 1. The DPF regeneration is usually disabled and power is limited as a result.
Can I drive with a P0544 code?
Yes, with some caution. Power is usually limited and regenerations are postponed, so the particulate filter can fill up if you wait too long to fix it.
Do I have to replace the sensor?
Only if the tests confirm it. The connector and the wiring fail just as often.
What does the bank 1 EGT sensor do?
The EGT sensor measures the temperature of the exhaust gases ahead of the turbo or the catalytic converter. It protects the turbo and the converter and, on a diesel, it controls the regeneration of the particulate filter.
How much does it cost to fix P0544?
As a rough guide, between $60 and $400. A connector or wiring repair is at the low end, and a new sensor with labor is at the high end.
Will a P0544 code clear itself?
Only if the fault was temporary. A corroded connector or a burned wire will bring the P0544 code back, so find the cause before you clear it.
What is the most common cause of P0544?
A damaged or corroded connector. Wiring that is cut or shorted and a failed sensor come next.

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