P2002: Particulate Filter Efficiency Below Threshold Bank 1
A generic powertrain (engine and transmission) trouble code, same meaning on every brand.
Yes for now, but a blocked filter can put the engine into reduced power mode.
Symptoms
- Reduced power
- Frequent regeneration cycles
- Smell of hot exhaust after driving
Likely causes, most common first
- Diesel particulate filter loaded with soot or ash
- Failed regeneration cycles from short journeys
- Differential pressure sensor or hoses blocked
- Engine fault producing excess soot
Read P2002 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
P2002 means the diesel particulate filter is not doing its job. The filter traps soot and burns it off periodically in a regeneration cycle that needs sustained heat - which is why cars used only for short cold journeys block their filters and cars used on motorways rarely do.
Before accepting a filter replacement, have the pressure sensor and its two small hoses checked. Those hoses run hot, harden and crack, and a false pressure reading condemns a perfectly good filter. Ask also whether the underlying cause has been found: a filter that blocked because of a leaking injector or a failing turbo will block again.
Repair options and cost
Typical US independent-shop ranges, parts and labor. Dealers run higher; regional labor rates vary.
Owner reports mentioning P2002
“An OBD2 engine code of P2002 came up, so I took it to my local Ford Dealership. While it was at the dealership, I did a little research and found out that this crack on the DPF filter was a common occurrence on 2017-2020 F250 and F350 Powerstrokes. Ford is aware of this problem but they told me that my warranty would not cover this, as it was a "filter"! This crack is located on the piping right before a flange connection! It is a factory weld that is cracking in every one of this diesel trucks! I was quoted a repair cost of over $6300 ! This is outrageous and I refuse to pay this much for a "filter " because only the dealership can replace it!”2019 Ford F-350 SD · May 2023
“The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-250. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated on the instrument panel with error code P2002. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was 106,000.”2016 Ford F-250 SD · Jul 2022 · 106,000 mi
“Check engine code P2002. Dealer indicated the diesel particulate filter needs replaced. Found Ford Customer Satisfaction Program 20M06 which based on the description covers the issue but Ford says 20M06 is not attached to my VIN even though it represents the exact same issue.”2016 Ford F-250 SD · Jul 2022
Cars that report P2002 most often
Based on mentions of this code in NHTSA owner complaints.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive with P2002?
Yes for now, but a blocked filter can put the engine into reduced power mode.
How much does it cost to fix P2002?
Typical US repair costs range from $150 for the simplest fix (pressure sensor or hose repair) to $4,000 in the worst case. The right number depends on which cause your car has - see the causes list.
Related codes
The codes closest to P2002. 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.