What does it mean?
This generic powertrain/engine diagnostic code applies to all engines using variable nozzle turbochargers (gasoline or diesel), starting around 2005 on Ford trucks with 6.0L diesel engines, all Ford EcoBoost engines, and eventually leading to the Cummins 6.7L in 2007, the 3.0L in the Mercedes lineup in 2007, and more recently the Cummins 3.0L 6-cylinder in Nissan vans starting in 2015. This does not mean you won’t necessarily get this code in a VW or other brand.
This code is strictly concerned with the incoming signal from the exhaust pressure sensor not matching the intake manifold pressure or ambient air pressure at various times during engine operation. This could be an electrical circuit fault or it could be mechanical.
Codes P047B, P047C, or P047D may also be present along with P047E. The only difference between these codes is the duration of the issue and the type of electrical/mechanical problem encountered by the sensor/circuit/engine controller.
Troubleshooting steps may vary by manufacturer, gas or diesel, type of exhaust pressure sensor, and wire colors. Refer to a vehicle-specific repair guide to determine which sensor is the “B” sensor for your particular vehicle.
Related “B” Exhaust Pressure Sensor Fault Codes:
P047A Exhaust Pressure Sensor “B” Circuit
P047B Exhaust Pressure Sensor “B” Circuit Range/Performance
P047C Exhaust Pressure Sensor “B” Circuit Low Value
P047D Exhaust Pressure Sensor “B” Circuit High
Symptoms
Symptoms of a P047E engine code may include:
Check Engine Light on
Lack of power
Unable to perform a manual regeneration – burn soot from the particulate filter. Looks like a catalytic converter but has temperature sensors and pressure sensor probes inserted into it.
If unable to perform regeneration, it may eventually become a no-start condition.Potential Causes
Typically, the causes for this code to set are:
Blockage in the exhaust manifold tube to the pressure sensor
Exhaust gas recirculation / air intake / boost air system leaks
Intermittent open in the exhaust pressure sensor ground circuit
Intermittent open in the signal circuit between the exhaust pressure sensor and the PCM
Intermittent short to voltage in the signal circuit to the exhaust pressure sensor
Exhaust gas pressure sensor
A Powertrain Control Module (PCM) may have failed (very unlikely)Diagnostic and Repair Procedures
A good starting point is always to search for a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) for your specific vehicle. The vehicle manufacturer may have a PCM flash/reprogramming to cover this issue, and it’s worth checking before finding out you’ve taken a long/wrong path.
Next, locate the exhaust pressure sensor on your specific vehicle. Once located, disconnect the tube connecting the sensor to the exhaust manifold. Try blowing through it. If you can’t, try running a small piece of wire through it to dislodge the carbon trapped inside, causing the error code you’re experiencing.
If the tube is clear and free, visually inspect the connectors and wiring. Look for chafing, rubbing, bare wires, burns, or melted plastic. Separate the connectors and carefully inspect the terminals (the metal parts) inside the connectors. See if they look corroded, burnt, or perhaps greenish compared to the normal metallic color you’re probably used to seeing. You can get electrical contact cleaner at any auto parts store if terminal cleaning is needed. If that’s not possible, find 91% rubbing alcohol and a soft plastic-bristled brush to clean them. Then let them air dry, get some dielectric silicone compound (same as used for light bulb sockets and spark plug wires), and apply a bit where the terminals make contact.
Next, ensure the tube connecting the turbocharger to the intake manifold is not leaking. Visually inspect all tube connections around the turbocharger and intake manifold. Tighten all hose/band clamps.
If you have a scan tool, clear the diagnostic codes from memory and see if this code returns. If it doesn’t, the connections were likely your problem.
If the code returns, we’ll need to test the sensor and its associated circuits. Typically, there are 3 wires to the exhaust pressure sensor. Disconnect the harness going to the exhaust pressure sensor. With a digital voltmeter (DVOM), test the 5V supply circuit going to the sensor to ensure it’s powered (red wire to the 5V supply circuit, black wire to a good ground). If there are 12 volts at the sensor when there should be 5 volts, repair the wiring from the PCM to the sensor for a short to 12 volts, or possibly a faulty PCM.
If that’s OK, with a DVOM, check that you have 5V on the exhaust pressure sensor signal circuit (red wire and sensor signal circuit, black wire to a good ground). If there is no 5 volts at the sensor, or if you see 12 volts at the sensor, repair the wiring from the PCM to the sensor, or again a faulty PCM.
If that’s fine, check that the exhaust pressure sensor is properly grounded. Connect a test light to the positive 12V battery terminal (red terminal) and touch the other end of the test light to the ground circuit going to the exhaust pressure sensor circuit ground. If the test light does not illuminate, that would indicate the circuit problem. If it lights up, wiggle the wire harness going to each terminal to see if the test light flickers, indicating an intermittent connection.
If all tests have passed so far and you continue to get a P047E code, try wiggling the sensor wire harness while watching the scan tool to see if the code returns. If it does, that most likely indicates an intermittent connection in the harness. If not, it would most likely indicate a faulty exhaust pressure sensor, although a faulty PCM cannot be ruled out until the sensor has been replaced.
P047E Intermittent Exhaust Pressure Sensor Circuit
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