P244A: Particulate Filter Differential Pressure Too Low Bank 1
A generic powertrain (engine and transmission) trouble code, same meaning on every brand.
Yes - but the filter cannot be monitored properly until this is fixed.
Symptoms
- Check engine light
- Regeneration cycles at odd times
- Reduced power in some cases
Likely causes, most common first
- Differential pressure sensor hose split, blocked or disconnected
- Sensor failed
- Filter substrate cracked or hollowed out
- Wiring fault
Read P244A 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
P244A means the pressure difference across the particulate filter is lower than it should be. Some restriction is normal and expected; almost none suggests the computer is not measuring what it thinks it is.
The usual finding is a split, blocked or swapped hose at the pressure sensor - the cheap end of the possibilities. The serious end is a filter whose internal substrate has cracked or melted, letting exhaust pass straight through. That fails an emissions test and cannot be repaired, so establishing which of the two applies is worth doing carefully.
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 P244A?
Yes - but the filter cannot be monitored properly until this is fixed.
How much does it cost to fix P244A?
Typical US repair costs range from $100 for the simplest fix (pressure sensor 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 P244A. 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.