P2003 Diesel particulate filter efficiency below threshold (bank 2)
What P2003 means
On a diesel with a particulate filter for each cylinder bank, the engine control unit uses the pressure difference across the bank 2 filter to judge how well it works. The pressure drop is too low, suggesting soot is passing through.
P2003 is a generic SAE J2012 code: it means the same on every make. The exact cause still depends on the car, so read the freeze-frame data before replacing parts.
At a glance
- Severity
- Medium
- Typical repair cost
- 400–4000 €
- Workshop time
- 2–8 h
- Repair difficulty
- Hard
- DIY possible
- No
- Check engine light
- Yes
- Affects emissions test
- Yes
- Limp mode possible
- Yes
Parts and labour at an independent workshop in Europe. Main dealers charge more; the cause decides the bill, not the code.
Symptoms
- Check engine light on
- Visible black smoke from the exhaust
- Failed emissions test
- Possible reduced power
Common causes
- Cracked or damaged particulate filter
- Disconnected, split or leaking differential pressure sensor hose
- Faulty differential pressure sensor
- Exhaust leak before the filter
- Filter removed or emptied
Can I keep driving with P2003?
You can keep driving, but have it checked within one to two weeks. A damaged particulate filter will fail the technical inspection.
What to check first
- Inspect the differential pressure sensor hoses for splits or disconnection
- Check the sensor reading with the engine off and at idle
- Look for exhaust leaks before the filter and soot at the tailpipe
- Replace the sensor or particulate filter as needed
Related codes
- P2002 Diesel particulate filter efficiency below threshold (bank 1)
- P2004 Intake manifold runner control stuck open (bank 1)
- P2006 Intake manifold runner control stuck closed (bank 1)
- P2008 Intake manifold runner control circuit/open (bank 1)
- P2014 Intake manifold runner position sensor/switch circuit (bank 1)
- P2015 Intake manifold runner position sensor/switch circuit range/performance (bank 1)
- P2017 Intake manifold runner position sensor/switch circuit high (bank 1)
- P203B Reductant (AdBlue) level sensor A circuit range/performance
Data: TORKO fault-code catalogue, built on OBDex (CC0-1.0) and reviewed against workshop practice. Informational only — it does not replace a diagnosis by a mechanic.
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