P2002: Diesel Particulate Filter Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1)
The DPF isn't trapping soot the way it should. Usually the filter is cracked, or the pressure sensor is giving bad readings.
Green, yellow, red: three ways P2002 can look
The same code can be a quick fix or a reason to pull over. Match your situation to the closest example.
Keep an eye on it
Set once, no soot at the tailpipe, sensor hoses fine.
Schedule a repair
Soot in the tailpipe or the code returns. Get it diagnosed.
Stop and get help
Derate, heavy smoke, or melted parts. Stop and get help.
Symptoms you might notice
- Usually none
- Possible black soot at the tailpipe
Common causes, cheapest first
- Cracked or damaged DPF
- DPF differential pressure sensor or hoses faulty
- Exhaust leak
- DPF removed or tampered
What you can check before calling
- Look for black soot inside the tailpipe (shouldn't be there with a working DPF)
- Check the DPF pressure sensor hoses
A code points to a system, not a part. Replacing parts based on the code alone is how people spend money without fixing the problem. Testing confirms the cause first.
Want the full story? Read our guide: DPF regeneration explained: passive, active and forced.
Generic codes (second character 0) mean the same thing on every vehicle. Some manufacturers add their own details, so check service information for your exact vehicle.
Related codes
More diesel & cummins codes
- P242F
Diesel Particulate Filter Restriction - Ash Accumulation - P2459
Diesel Particulate Filter Regeneration Frequency - P2454
Diesel Particulate Filter Pressure Sensor A Circuit Low - P2455
Diesel Particulate Filter Pressure Sensor A Circuit High - P244A
Diesel Particulate Filter Differential Pressure Too Low - P244B
Diesel Particulate Filter Differential Pressure Too High
Look up another code
Cummins fault code (like 1922), J1939 SPN and FMI (like SPN 3251 FMI 0), or an OBD-II code (like P0420).
Questions
What does P2002 mean?
P2002 means "Diesel Particulate Filter Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1)". The DPF isn't trapping soot the way it should. Usually the filter is cracked, or the pressure sensor is giving bad readings.
Can I drive with code P2002?
It depends on what the vehicle is doing. Green: Set once, no soot at the tailpipe, sensor hoses fine. Yellow: Soot in the tailpipe or the code returns. Get it diagnosed. Red: Derate, heavy smoke, or melted parts. Stop and get help.
What causes P2002?
The most common causes are: cracked or damaged DPF; dPF differential pressure sensor or hoses faulty; exhaust leak.
Is P2002 a serious code?
It can be. Derate, heavy smoke, or melted parts. Stop and get help.
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