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P0473 on Volkswagen: Causes, Symptoms and Fix Cost

Quick Answer

Safe to drive (short-term)

P0473 on a Volkswagen means the voltage from exhaust pressure sensor "A" has risen above the highest value its circuit should produce. That is an electrical fault: usually an open circuit in the sensor ground or signal wire, an unplugged or corroded connector, a short to voltage or a failed sensor, not a problem with the exhaust itself. What sensor "A" measures depends on the engine: on many diesels it is an exhaust back pressure sensor before the turbo or the particulate filter, and on many Volkswagen group TDIs it is the DPF differential pressure sensor, the part that tells the engine how full of soot the filter is.

Severity
Moderate · Emissions
Typical repair cost, all makes
€30-€470

Connect a standard OBD2 adapter (Bluetooth LE on iPhone) to your Volkswagen and Skanyx tells you what P0473 means on that engine, whether it is safe to keep driving, and what the fix should cost. Free on iPhone and Android.

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What does P0473 mean on a Volkswagen?

The Quick Answer above is the generic definition. What follows is the model-specific detail for the Volkswagen models that log P0473.

Volkswagen Golf TDI

2009-2014

On Volkswagen group common-rail TDIs this code points at exhaust pressure sensor 1 (G450), which is the DPF differential pressure sensor: a small box with one electrical connector and two hoses. On the 2.0 TDI engines coded CBEA and CJAA, sold mainly in North America, it sits in a foil pouch just behind the oil filler cap, not where some factory documentation shows it.

What causes P0473 on a Volkswagen?

Beyond the generic causes listed on the main P0473 page, these are the patterns noted for Volkswagen models:

  • Failed G450 sensor

    : Volkswagen Golf TDI

  • Broken signal or ground wire, or a loose plug, at G450

    : Volkswagen Golf TDI

How to diagnose P0473 on a Volkswagen with OBD2

Follow these steps to pinpoint the root cause of P0473:

  1. Read all stored codes and the freeze frame. Note any DPF codes (P2452 to P2455, P244A, P244B or P2463) stored alongside, because a loaded filter changes the plan. A generic OBD2 reader shows this code, its freeze frame and standard live data. A few diesels also report exhaust or DPF pressure on a standard PID, but on most cars the pressure reading, the soot load and the regeneration history need manufacturer-level software, and only that software or a workshop can run a forced regeneration or adapt a new sensor.
  2. Find out which sensor is exhaust pressure sensor "A" on your engine: a back pressure sensor near the exhaust manifold or turbo, a sensor before the particulate filter, or on many Volkswagen group TDIs the DPF differential pressure sensor. Check the workshop information for your engine code before buying a part.
  3. Check that the sensor connector is plugged in and latched, especially after recent work near the engine or exhaust, then unplug it and inspect for corrosion, water and pushed-back pins.
  4. With the key on and the engine off, measure the 5 V reference and the ground at the connector. A ground that does not read close to 0 V points to a broken ground wire.
  5. Check the signal wire for continuity back to the engine computer and for a short to voltage, and follow the harness past the turbo, exhaust pipes and DPF looking for melted or broken insulation.
  6. If the circuit tests good, replace the sensor with the correct part for the engine code, run the sensor adaptation if the engine computer asks for one, clear the code and road-test. If soot built up while the sensor was out, a forced regeneration may be needed afterwards.

How much does P0473 cost to fix on a Volkswagen? (EUR)

Estimated repair costs for P0473 in EUR, compiled across makes. Volkswagen costs typically sit in the middle of each range.

Repair Parts Cost Labor Cost Total Estimate DIY Difficulty
Replace exhaust pressure sensor €40–€150 €30–€80 €70–€230 Easy
Clean and repair sensor connector €10–€60 €60–€180 €70–€240 Moderate
Repair sensor wiring harness section €20–€120 €120–€350 €140–€470 Professional
Adapt or relearn a new sensor with diagnostic software (where required) €0–€0 €30–€80 €30–€80 Professional
Forced DPF regeneration if soot built up meanwhile €0–€0 €60–€150 €60–€150 Professional

Prices estimated as of March 2026. Costs vary by region, vehicle, and shop.

These codes are often seen alongside P0473 or point to related issues, on any make:

Looking for the full P0473 reference (all makes, full diagnosis flow, complete repair cost matrix)? See the main P0473 guide

Diagnose P0473 on your Volkswagen

Your car logged P0473. Skanyx reads it on a standard OBD2 adapter (Bluetooth LE on iPhone), tells you whether it is safe to keep driving, and shows the €30-€470 repair range so you know the number before a shop quotes you. Free on iPhone and Android, and you do not need to be a mechanic to read it.

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