P2003: Particulate Filter Efficiency Below Threshold Bank 2
A generic powertrain (engine and transmission) trouble code, same meaning on every brand.
Yes for now - expect reduced power mode if it worsens.
Symptoms
- Reduced power
- Repeated regeneration attempts
- Warning light for the exhaust filter
Likely causes, most common first
- Bank 2 particulate filter loaded
- Regeneration cycles not completing
- Sensor or hose fault on that bank
- Excess soot from an engine fault
Read P2003 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
P2003 is the bank 2 equivalent and appears on engines that carry a filter for each bank, typically larger diesel V-engines in trucks.
With two filters the comparison between them is a free diagnostic. If one bank loads far faster than the other, the cause is on that bank - an injector delivering poorly, a turbo passing oil - rather than in the driving pattern, which would load both equally.
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 P2003?
Yes for now - expect reduced power mode if it worsens.
How much does it cost to fix P2003?
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 P2003. 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.