DURAMAX-P0545 moderate Duramax ›

Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Circuit Low Bank 1 Sensor 1

The DURAMAX-P0545 (Duramax) diesel fault code means: Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Circuit Low Bank 1 Sensor 1. This is a moderate severity code.

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Keep driving?
Yes, with caution
DIY difficulty
intermediate
Estimated cost
$100-$2,500 depending on component
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What Are the Symptoms of DURAMAX-P0545?

  • Check Engine Light illuminated
  • Reduced engine performance
  • Limp mode or 'Service Engine' message
  • Rough idle or stalling (sensor-related)
  • Hard shift or slip (transmission codes)

What Causes DURAMAX-P0545? (Most Likely First)

  • EGT1 sensor shorted low Very Likely
  • Wiring harness damage or connector corrosion Likely
  • Sensor end-of-life (high mileage engines) Possible
  • Control module internal fault Less Likely

Can I Still Drive with DURAMAX-P0545?

Yes, with caution. DURAMAX-P0545 is rated moderate severity. Keep trips short and get it diagnosed soon rather than waiting for symptoms to worsen.

Common Fixes by Vehicle

What techs usually find when diagnosing DURAMAX-P0545 on specific platforms — tap a platform for the fix and the exact part:

2001-2016 GM 2500HD/3500HD 6.6L Duramax Moderate DIY

Pre-turbo EGT sensor low voltage. Sensor sits in the exhaust manifold or turbo inlet and bakes. Unplug and measure - should be 300+ ohms cold. Replace with OEM; aftermarket EGTs on Duramax often read wrong and cause regen issues.

Labor: 0.8 hr

Frequently Asked Questions

What is P0545 on a Duramax?

Duramax code P0545 (Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Circuit Low Bank 1 Sensor 1) is a moderate-severity diagnostic trouble code triggered by the engine control module when it detects a problem in the associated system. A bad 5V reference (P0642/P0643) will cascade into multiple unrelated sensor codes — always diagnose reference voltage first.

Is a Duramax P0545 safe to drive?

Depends on severity — sensor codes usually drivable; PCM/transmission codes should be repaired before continued use.

How much does it cost to fix P0545 on a Duramax?

Component repairs typically $100-$500. Control module replacement $800-$2,500.

Mechanics Guide Step-by-step diagnosis

How Do You Diagnose DURAMAX-P0545?

  1. Connect scan tool and capture freeze frame data showing when fault occurred

  2. Verify battery voltage and all PCM grounds are clean and tight

  3. Back-probe the suspect sensor / circuit with a DMM and compare to spec

  4. Inspect wiring harness for abrasion, chafing, or rodent damage

  5. After repair, clear code and drive a complete drive cycle to confirm fix

Sources 1

This page is built from documented references. Verify against your own service info before repair work.

  • SAE J2012Diagnostic Trouble Code Definitions (defines P0545 as a generic OBD-II code)

P0545 on Other Platforms

The same code ID appears across other engines, vehicles, and equipment. Diagnostic flow varies by platform — see the matching breakdown:

Gas / Automotive (OBD-II) Generic OBD-II definition for P0545 MaxxForce moderate EGT Sensor 1 Low Input Power Stroke moderate EGT Sensor Low (Bank 1 Sensor 1)

Which Vehicles Commonly Get DURAMAX-P0545?

  • 2007.5-2010 Chevy Silverado 2500/3500 HD 6.6L Duramax LMM
  • 2007.5-2010 GMC Sierra 2500/3500 HD 6.6L Duramax LMM
  • 2011-2016 Chevy Silverado 2500/3500 HD 6.6L Duramax LML
  • 2011-2016 GMC Sierra 2500/3500 HD 6.6L Duramax LML
  • 2017+ Chevy Silverado 2500/3500 HD 6.6L Duramax L5P
  • 2017+ GMC Sierra 2500/3500 HD 6.6L Duramax L5P

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