What it means
Same as P24C6 with intermittent or erratic signal. Wiring faults of this kind typically come from chafing, water ingress at connector seals, or pin push-back — a wiggle test on the harness while the code is active often confirms the location.
At a glance
- Usually lights the check-engine light
- Affects emissions; the car can fail an emissions test
How it works
The PM sensor’s temperature element helps the control module confirm that the sensor is hot enough for soot measurement after regeneration. This code sets when its temperature-circuit signal becomes erratic or drops out intermittently instead of remaining stable as expected.
Common causes
Most likely first.
- Intermittent contact at connector
- Connector with intermittent contact under vibration
- Harness routed against vibrating component
Symptoms
- Check-engine light on
- Particulate matter sensor or aftertreatment warning
- Emissions inspection failure
How to diagnose it
- Review freeze-frame data and live temperature readings for dropouts, and note whether they occur with vibration, heat, or engine movement.
- Inspect the PM-sensor connector and harness near the exhaust for loose terminals, corrosion, damaged insulation, or contact with a vibrating or hot component.
- With live data displayed, gently wiggle the connector and harness sections to locate any position that makes the temperature signal jump or disappear.
- Check connector pin fit and test the temperature circuit for intermittent opens or shorts while flexing the harness.
- If the wiring remains stable, test the PM sensor temperature element for intermittent failure against the manufacturer’s specification.
Common fixes
- Secure a loose PM-sensor connector or repair an intermittent terminal contact.
- Repair chafed, heat-damaged, or internally broken temperature-circuit wiring.
- Reroute and secure the harness away from vibration and hot exhaust parts.
- Replace the PM sensor if its temperature signal drops out despite a stable circuit.
Can I keep driving?
You can generally drive if there are no other symptoms, but the intermittent fault can return and leave the PM sensor or aftertreatment warning on. Arrange repair soon, since emissions monitoring may be affected.
A code shows where the control module detected a fault, not always which part failed. Check the causes in order and confirm with a test before replacing parts. Have several codes? Check them together
This is a generic code: it means the same on every make. The car’s maker may add more detail in its own service information.