Fault code P244C is called “Exhaust Temperature Too Low For Particulate Filter Regeneration (Bank 1)” but in different programs it may be called differently. This fault designation applies to all vehicles equipped with OBD-II.
Technical description and explained code P244C
Fault code P244C is a generic code defined as “Exhaust temperature too low for regeneration of particulate filter (Bank 1)”. It is set on vehicles with diesel engines.
The diesel particulate filter (DPF) is designed to remove ninety percent of the carbon particles (soot) from the exhaust gases of diesel engines. It is located before the catalytic converter or NOx trap.
When engine exhaust passes through the particulate filter, large particles are trapped between the fibers. As soot accumulates, the pressure of the exhaust increases.
After a sufficient amount of soot has accumulated and the exhaust pressure has reached the programmed degree. The filter element must be regenerated to allow the exhaust gases to continue to pass through the DPF.
A special diesel engine fluid is used to convert the remaining exhaust particles to non-toxic exhaust particles. In addition, an elevated temperature is required for complete combustion of the particles in the exhaust system.
Only then is the system able to convert NOx into nitrogen, carbon dioxide and water. To further reduce NOx in the exhaust system, a reductant catalyst (SRC) is added.
The filter must go into regeneration mode for self-cleaning. This only occurs after certain conditions have been set. Code P244C is set by the control module when the filter is full and the required conditions are not met. In this case the temperature for regeneration is too low.
When this error occurs, the vehicle sometimes goes into emergency mode, thereby limiting engine power and driving speed.
Symptoms of vehicle malfunctions
The main signal that an error P244C has occurred is the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) is also known as the CheckEngine Light.
It can also be warning signs such as:
- The “Check engine” control lamp on the control panel will illuminate (the code will be stored as a fault).
- The particulate filter control lamp may illuminate.
- Engine output may drop.
- Excessive amount of soot emitted with the car exhaust gases.
Error P244C is not considered very serious, but if the problem is not solved for a long time, the engine control module (ECM) can put the vehicle into emergency mode. This will cause the vehicle speed to be limited and engine power to drop.
Factors that can cause this error code
The error code P244C can mean that one or more of the following problems have occurred:
- Diesel particulate filter malfunction.
- DPF temperature sensor is defective.
- Open or short circuit in DPF temperature sensor circuit.
- Use of fuel with high sulfur content.
- Contaminated air filter element.
- Exhaust gas leakage.
- Incorrect ECM strategy prevents proper regeneration.
- Sometimes the cause is a faulty ECM module.
How to fix or reset OBD-2 code P244C
Some suggested steps for troubleshooting and fix the error code P244C:
- Connect the OBD-II scanner to the vehicle’s diagnostic connector and read all stored data and error codes.
- Clear the error codes from the computer memory.
- Test-drive the vehicle to see if the P244C error appears again.
- If the code appears again, visually inspect the electrical wires and connectors.
- Check the particulate filter as well as the particulate filter temperature sensor.
- Repair or replace any damaged or defective components.
- Test and replace the engine control module (ECM) if necessary.
Diagnose and repair of problems
It is better to start troubleshooting error P244C with visual inspection of relevant harnesses and connectors. You should pay special attention to the wiring near the hot exhaust components and sharp edges.
The DPF temperature sensor should then be checked with a multimeter. If the sensor does not meet the manufacturer’s resistance requirements, it should be replaced.
If the sensor is OK, check the hoses for blockages or breaks and clean or replace if necessary. High temperature silicone hoses should be used for replacement.
After testing the sensor and inspecting the hoses, check the electrical circuitry of the system. Disconnect all associated control modules before checking resistance with a multimeter. If necessary, repair or replace damaged or shorted circuits.
By following all recommendations, error P244C will most likely be corrected and will disappear. If it does not, the problem may be a faulty engine control module (ECM).
On which vehicles does this problem occur most frequently
Fault code P244C can occur on different vehicles but there are statistics on which brands this occurs most often. Here is a list of some of them:
- BMW
- Ford (Connect, Focus, Galaxy, Kuga, Mondeo, S-Max, Transit)
- Isuzu
- Toyota
Fault code P244C can sometimes be found with other errors. The most common are the following: P244A, P244B, P244D, P244E, P244F.