Emissions

P0470 — Exhaust Pressure Sensor Malfunction

Severity: medium Drive with care, to a shop

What P0470 means

The exhaust pressure sensor reports exhaust backpressure, or the pressure difference across the diesel particulate filter (DPF), to the engine control module. The ECM uses this to track soot load, trigger regeneration and protect the engine. P0470 is set when the sensor signal is out of range, implausible or missing.

Symptoms

  • Check engine light on
  • DPF warning light
  • Reduced power or limp mode
  • Frequent or failed DPF regenerations
  • Worse fuel economy
  • Smoky exhaust

Possible causes

  1. Failed exhaust pressure sensor
  2. Soot-clogged DPF
  3. Sensor hoses or tubes plugged with soot or pinched
  4. Damaged, broken or corroded wiring or connector
  5. Signal wire shorted to ground or voltage
  6. Rarely, a faulty ECM

How to diagnose

  1. Scan all codes and freeze-frame data; look for related DPF, boost or EGR codes
  2. Inspect the sensor, connector and harness for damage, heat marks and corrosion
  3. Check the sensor hoses or tubes for cracks, kinks and soot blockage
  4. Test the sensor supply voltage, reference voltage and ground at the connector
  5. With a scan tool, compare sensor readings key-on engine-off (should be near ambient pressure) and at idle
  6. Test the signal wire for opens and shorts
  7. Assess DPF soot load and whether regeneration is possible
  8. If sensor and wiring are good, evaluate the ECM

Common fixes

  • Clean or replace the sensor hoses or tubes
  • Replace the exhaust pressure sensor
  • Repair the wiring or connector
  • Run a forced regeneration or clean the DPF; replace it if badly damaged
  • Update ECM software or replace the module (rare)

P0470 on different brands

Ford · manuals
On Ford, P0470:16 means exhaust pressure sensor "A" circuit low (voltage below threshold); it describes the condition the monitor detected, not a confirmed failed part.

Questions and answers

Can I drive with a P0470 code?

For a short time, yes, if power loss is mild. Don't wait long, though: without accurate pressure data the DPF may not regenerate and can clog.

What most often causes P0470?

Most often it's soot-plugged sensor tubes or a failed sensor. Wiring faults and the condition of the DPF are also worth checking.

Can I just clear the P0470 code?

Clearing it may turn off the light briefly, but the code will return if the cause remains. Find and fix the fault first.

This is general information about the code. The meaning can differ between makes and models: a scan tool and the repair manual for your car will show the exact cause.