P0473: Exhaust Pressure Sensor A Circuit High
A generic powertrain (engine and transmission) trouble code, same meaning on every brand.
Yes with care - if power drops noticeably, have it seen promptly.
Symptoms
- Check engine light
- Limp mode on some diesels
- Poor turbo response
Likely causes, most common first
- Signal shorted to voltage
- Sensor failed high
- Reference voltage fault
- Genuine extreme back-pressure
Read P0473 yourself before paying for diagnosis
A basic Bluetooth OBD-II scanner ($20-40) plugs into the port under the dashboard and shows this code with live sensor data on your phone - useful both for confirming the fix and for talking to a shop from an informed position.
What is going on and how it gets diagnosed
P0473 pegs the exhaust pressure signal at the top of its range. Electrically that is a short to voltage; physically it would mean back-pressure high enough to strangle the engine - which is why some diesels respond to this code with immediate limp mode, protecting the turbo from a pressure spike that may not exist.
The distinction is quick with a scan tool: a pegged reading with the engine off is electrical (there is no pressure to measure at rest); a reading that rises with rpm from a sane baseline deserves a genuine restriction check before any parts move.
Repair options and cost
Typical US independent-shop ranges, parts and labor. Dealers run higher; regional labor rates vary.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive with P0473?
Yes with care - if power drops noticeably, have it seen promptly.
How much does it cost to fix P0473?
Typical US repair costs range from $80 for the simplest fix (wiring repair) to $450 in the worst case. The right number depends on which cause your car has - see the causes list.
Related codes
The codes closest to P0473. They often appear together, and telling them apart is usually what narrows the diagnosis.
Definition per SAE J2012 standard nomenclature. Symptoms, causes and costs are editorial guidance - always confirm with a diagnosis of your specific vehicle.