P0474 Code: Exhaust Pressure Sensor A Circuit Intermittent/Erratic
🟠 Moderate severity · drivable
Drivable, but the sensor reading may flicker, causing power and fuel economy to vary; fix it soon.
What P0474 means
The exhaust pressure sensor signal is jumping around instead of staying steady, so the engine computer cannot trust the exhaust backpressure reading. Intermittent or erratic signals are usually caused by a loose or corroded connection or damaged wiring. The computer uses this reading to manage emissions, so an unstable signal can affect how the engine runs.
Symptoms
- Check engine light is on
- Intermittent loss of power
- Fluctuating fuel economy
- Rough idle or stalling on some vehicles
Common causes
- most common: Loose or corroded sensor connector
- common: Damaged or frayed wiring to the sensor
- common: Faulty exhaust pressure sensor
- less common: Intermittent short in the signal circuit
- rare: Faulty engine computer
How to fix it
| Fix | DIY? | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Clean and tighten the sensor connector | Yes | $0–50 |
| Replace the exhaust pressure sensor | Yes | $80–200 |
| Repair damaged sensor wiring | Mechanic | $50–200 |
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive with a P0474 code?
Yes, but the engine may run unevenly since the sensor reading is unreliable. Have it checked out before too long.
Why does an intermittent code keep coming and going?
The signal drops in and out, usually because of a loose connector or damaged wiring that only fails sometimes.
How much does it cost to fix a P0474?
Cleaning a connector is nearly free. A new sensor costs about $80–$200, and wiring repairs run $50–$200.
Related codes
P0472
P0472 Code: Exhaust Pressure Sensor A Circuit Low
P0473P0473 Code: Exhaust Pressure Sensor A Circuit High
P0475P0475 Code: Exhaust Pressure Control Valve A Malfunction
Updated 2026-08. This page is informational and not a substitute for professional diagnosis.