What This Sensor Does
The 2871960 is a dual-port pressure cell. Two hoses run off it — one tapped upstream of the diesel particulate filter, one downstream. The sensor reads the pressure drop across the filter and reports it to the ECM. That delta is how the engine decides how much soot is loaded and when to command a regeneration.
It runs a 4-pin connector into the factory aftertreatment harness. Power, ground, signal, and reference. No calibration procedure on install — the ECM reads the analog signal directly, so a plug-and-play swap is normal once the hoses are back on the correct ports.
Get the ports backwards and the ECM sees a negative or inverted delta. That usually throws a rationality fault rather than a plausible soot reading, so it is worth marking the hoses before you pull the old sensor off the bracket.
How These Sensors Fail
Two failure modes dominate. First, the sensing cell drifts or dies outright, and you get an implausible signal fault. Second — more common — the pressure hoses plug with soot and ash or crack at the fitting. A blocked hose gives the same symptom as a bad sensor: the ECM sees no delta, assumes the filter is clean, and stops commanding regens until soot builds far enough to derate the truck.
Before you condemn the sensor, pull both hoses and check them for restriction. Blow them out. Look at the fittings on the DPF for carbon packing. A lot of 2871960 sensors get replaced when the actual problem was a plugged tap tube or a chafed hose leaking to atmosphere.
Also check the connector. Aftertreatment harnesses sit in heat and road spray. Green pins, spread terminals, and water in the connector body all produce the same intermittent codes as a dead cell. Backprobe the reference voltage before ordering anything.
Why These Numbers Cross
2871960, 4984187, 2511413C1, S48002 and 5EL054 all describe the same dual-port differential pressure sensor with the same 4-pin aftertreatment connector. The spread of numbers is a supersession and branding artifact, not a design difference. Cummins carries 2871960 and 4984187 for the same sensing element across its post-2007 engine families.
International/Navistar catalogs the identical unit as 2511413C1 because ISX and ISB engines went into ProStar and LT chassis under a Navistar parts book. Standard lists it as S48002 in the independent aftermarket, and 5EL054 is a general aftermarket reference. Same body, same ports, same signal output.
All numbers above belong to their respective manufacturers and are listed here for identification only. Cross-reference is where you start, not where you finish — confirm fit against the number stamped on the sensor you are pulling, or against your engine serial number.
2871960 Cross-Reference & Interchange Numbers
These manufacturer and aftermarket numbers commonly cross-reference to 2871960. Use them to identify the part — then confirm the exact fit by VIN or the number stamped on your old unit before you order. An interchange is a starting point, not a fitment guarantee.
| Brand / Line | Cross-Reference Numbers |
|---|---|
| Aftermarket | 5EL054 |
| Cummins | 4984187 |
| International/Navistar | 2511413C1 |
| Standard | S48002 |
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to reprogram the ECM after replacing 2871960?
No calibration or programming step is required. The sensor sends an analog signal the ECM reads directly. Clear the stored fault codes after installation and run the truck to confirm the delta reading responds normally during a parked or active regen.
My old sensor is stamped 2511413C1 — is this the same part?
2511413C1 is the International/Navistar number for the same dual-port differential pressure sensor. It shares the port layout and 4-pin connector with 2871960. Numbers are listed for identification only, so verify against your engine serial number before you order.
Can a bad DPF pressure sensor cause a derate?
Yes. If the ECM cannot read a valid pressure drop across the filter, it stops commanding regens and soot keeps loading. Once the fault sets or restriction climbs far enough, the engine derates. Check the pressure hoses for plugging before replacing the sensor — a blocked tap tube produces the same symptom.
Not sure it fits? We check before you pay.
Run your VIN and we’ll match parts to your exact truck, or call the counter — a person who knows trucks verifies fitment by OEM number before the order ships. No wrong-box returns.
More cross-reference guides
Need the part, not just the reading?
Every part below is a Premium Quality aftermarket Direct Replacement with published OEM cross-reference numbers, a 6+ month warranty and same-business-day shipping from Tacoma, WA. Not sure it fits? Run your VIN — or call and a person who knows trucks will verify fitment before you pay.