What does P0545 mean?
Exhaust gas temperature (EGT) sensors watch exhaust temperature around the turbo, catalyst and DPF, especially during regeneration.
Low voltage on a temperature sensor means the computer thinks it is very hot. This is nearly always a shorted sensor or wire.
Codes are a starting point. They tell you which test failed, not which part to replace. Check for other stored codes and fix those in a sensible order.
Symptoms
- Check engine light
- DPF regeneration disabled
- Possible reduced power
Common causes
- Signal wire shorted to ground
- Sensor shorted internally
- Water in the connector
How to diagnose P0545
- Look at live data: a shorted sensor will read an impossibly hot temperature.
- Unplug the sensor. The reading should jump to a very cold value (around -40 F). If it does, the sensor is shorted; if it does not, the wiring is shorted to ground.
- Check sensor resistance against the service spec at a known temperature.
- Compare all EGT readings after a cold soak; they should be close to air temperature.
- Check sensor resistance and wiring.
How to fix it
- Replace the EGT sensor
- Repair wiring
Estimated repair cost
Likely repairs for P0545 run from about $100 to $350, depending on the cause.
| Repair | Typical range (parts + labor) |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic fee (scan + testing) | $100 - $200 |
| Exhaust gas temperature sensor | $100 - $350 |
These are rough US estimates for an independent shop in 2026, based on typical parts prices and standard labor times. Dealers, big trucks, luxury brands and high-cost areas often run higher. They are not quotes. Use the repair cost estimator to adjust for your vehicle.
How serious is P0545?
Moderate severity
Drivable short term, but regens may be blocked and the DPF can load up.
P0545 FAQ
What does P0545 mean?
P0545 stands for "Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Circuit Low (Bank 1 Sensor 1)". Exhaust gas temperature (EGT) sensors watch exhaust temperature around the turbo, catalyst and DPF, especially during regeneration.
Can I drive with a P0545 code?
Drivable short term, but regens may be blocked and the DPF can load up.
How much does it cost to fix P0545?
It depends on the cause. The likely repairs for P0545 range from about $100 to $350 at an independent shop in the US, plus a diagnostic fee of roughly $100-$200. These are rough estimates; dealer prices and some vehicles run higher.
What is the most common cause of P0545?
The most common causes are: signal wire shorted to ground; sensor shorted internally; water in the connector.