Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Particulate Matter Bank 1, Sensor 1 (PM11) Sensor
The PM11 sensor detects the presence of particulates in the filtered exhaust gas. The sensor element consists of comb electrodes of infinite resistance through which exhaust gases pass. Diesel particulates (soot) are primarily carbon and are a good conductor of electricity. When the particulates pass through the electrodes, they allow voltage to pass from one electrode to another, completing a circuit. This change in resistance is detected by the PM11 module and interpreted as soot leakage.
The PM11 sensor also contains a heater element to regenerate the sensor electrodes. The PM11 module activates the heater element, which heats the sensor to greater than 600°C (1112°F) to burn off soot deposits.
The PM11 sensor is located downstream of the diesel particulate filter.
Typical PM11 Sensor
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.