A code that signals the diesel particulate filter (DPF) differential pressure is reading below the expected threshold. On Jaguar diesel engines, this often points to a faulty differential pressure sensor, a blocked sensor hose, or a damaged DPF. Ignoring it can lead to inaccurate soot load calculations and potential DPF issues.
P244A means the engine control unit (ECU) has detected that the differential pressure across the diesel particulate filter (DPF) is lower than expected. On most Jaguar diesel engines - from the Ingenium AJ200D to the 3.0 TDV6 - this is typically caused by a faulty DPF differential pressure sensor, a blocked or disconnected sensor hose, or a damaged DPF. The fix can range from a £50 hose replacement to a £180–£400 sensor replacement.
Do not ignore P244A. A faulty pressure reading can prevent proper DPF regeneration, leading to soot accumulation and potential DPF damage.
In a modern Jaguar diesel, the diesel particulate filter (DPF) is monitored by a differential pressure sensor that measures the pressure drop across the filter. This reading is used by the ECU to calculate the soot load and determine when regeneration is needed. P244A is triggered when the differential pressure reading is implausibly low - typically below 0.5 kPa - indicating that the sensor is not seeing the expected pressure difference. This can happen because the sensor itself is faulty, the sensor hoses are blocked or disconnected, the DPF is damaged (cracked or missing), or there is a wiring issue. The code is common on Ingenium diesel engines in the XE and XF, as well as the 3.0 TDV6 in the XF and F-Pace. The underlying cause is almost always related to the sensor or its connections, making it a code that demands systematic diagnosis.
If you see the DPF warning light, try a motorway run at steady speed. If the light persists, arrange a diagnostic check immediately.
Based on real diagnostic patterns from Jaguar specialists. The order reflects both likelihood and typical repair cost.
| Cause | Likelihood | Typical Cost (Fitted) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blocked or disconnected sensor hose | High | £50–£150 | Debris or condensation can block the hoses; check both sides of the sensor |
| Faulty DPF differential pressure sensor | High | £180–£400 | Sensor fails internally; common on Ingenium engines |
| Wiring or connector issue | Medium | £100–£250 | Corrosion or a bad connection can cause low readings |
| DPF internal damage (cracked or missing) | Low | £1,800–£2,800 | Physical damage allows exhaust gases to bypass the filter, reducing pressure drop |
| ECU communication fault | Low | £200–£600 | Rare; requires ECU reprogramming or replacement |
Cost figures [PATTERN DATA] - indicative independent‑specialist pricing, not drawn from our engine replacement dataset.
A competent Jaguar specialist will follow this order to avoid misdiagnosing an expensive DPF replacement.
Check the hoses connecting the sensor to the DPF for blockages, kinks, or disconnections. A simple cleaning or reconnection is often the fix.
Inspect the sensor wiring and connector for corrosion or damage. A cheap repair if found.
Using diagnostic software, read the sensor's live data and compare to known good values. A faulty sensor can be replaced cheaply.
If the sensor and hoses are good, a physical pressure test of the DPF can confirm if the filter is damaged.
If the DPF is physically damaged, replacement is the only option. This is the most expensive repair.
Our diagnostic wizard walks the same order, or use the registration lookup to confirm your engine.
Conditionally, yes - but only to get it directly to a garage. P244A itself is not an immediate engine-destroying fault, but it can prevent the ECU from accurately calculating the DPF soot load. If the sensor is reading too low, the ECU may think the DPF is less loaded than it actually is, leading to missed regenerations. This can cause the DPF to become clogged, which can lead to exhaust backpressure that damages the turbocharger. If the car has entered limp mode, it's unsafe for motorway driving due to lack of power. The safe approach is to avoid heavy acceleration and long journeys. Have it recovered or drive it gently to a specialist.
It means the ECU has detected that the DPF differential pressure is reading too low, often due to a faulty sensor, blocked hoses, or a damaged DPF.
Conditionally, yes - but only to get it directly to a garage. Avoid heavy acceleration and long journeys, as a faulty pressure reading can prevent proper DPF regeneration, leading to soot buildup and potential damage.
It can be. While it may be resolved with a simple sensor or hose replacement, it could also indicate a damaged DPF that needs replacement. Immediate diagnosis is recommended.
The cost ranges from about £50 for a hose repair to £180–£400 for a sensor replacement, and up to £1,800–£2,800 for a full DPF replacement. Diagnostic time is typically 1–2 hours.
Only temporarily. The code will return as soon as the ECU detects the low pressure reading again. Clearing it also destroys freeze‑frame data that helps diagnosis.
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