Differential pressure across DPF too low — on Citroen 1.6/2.0 HDi this is usually the pressure sensor or split pipework, not the DPF.
Citroen P244A — Differential pressure across DPF too low — on Citroen 1.6/2.0 HDi this is usually the pressure sensor or split pipework, not the DPF. Typical UK independent garage cost: £60–£1800.
What actually causes P244A on a Citroen
P244A on Citroen HDis is almost always the DPF differential pressure sensor itself failing, or its short rubber sense pipes splitting and giving false readings. The DPF is rarely actually damaged when this code stores — diagnose properly before quoting a £900–£1,800 DPF replacement.
Citroen engines that log P244A
- 1.6 HDi DV6 (Berlingo, C3, C4, DS3)
- 2.0 HDi DW10 (C5, DS5, Picasso)
How we diagnose P244A on a Citroen
- Inspect both rubber sense pipes to the DPF differential pressure sensor — common splitting at the ends
- Test sensor with scan tool: should read 0 hPa at engine off, rising under throttle
- Only after sensor + pipework confirmed good, perform actual DPF backpressure check
- Force regen if soot loading reads high but no other DPF damage
The common misdiagnosis to avoid
DPF replacement on a Citroen with P244A and intact rubber pipes is almost always unnecessary — replace the sensor first (£35–£90 part).
Citroen P244A repair cost in the UK
Expect £60–£1800 including parts and labour at an independent garage. Main-dealer quotes on Citroen are usually higher for the same job, and the spread exists because the cheap cause and the expensive cause throw the same code — pay for the diagnosis before you pay for parts.
Bob's workshop tip
Always carry spare DPF sense pipes (£4 each) in the workshop — every Citroen HDi over 80k will eventually need them, and they take 5 minutes to swap.
Codes usually seen alongside P244A on Citroen
- P244B
- P2002
- P0401
Symptoms drivers report with P244A
- Engine Management Light (EML) on, often shortly after a motorway run.
- Car drops into 'limp mode' with reduced power, making overtakes dodgy.
- Start-Stop system stops working (standard safety lockout for emissions codes).
- Noticeable whistling or hissing noise from under the car when accelerating.
- DPF warning light might flash, but the car doesn't feel like it's actually blocked.
Repairs that clear P244A
- Replace DPF pressure sensor (cheap first fix)
- Replace rubber sense pipes
- Backpressure test before DPF replacement
For the generic, all-makes explanation of this code — meaning, every known cause and UK cost bands — see our P244A guide.