AutoCodes – Generic – P2205

P2205 Code - NOx Sensor 1 Heater Control Circuit

Quick Answer

The Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) sensors are part of the selective catalytic reduction system, a device used to reduce NOx emission on diesel engines. Common causes include Faulty Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) Sensor, Nitrogen Oxides Sensor harness is open or shorted, Nitrogen Oxides Sensor circuit poor electrical connection. Severity is High - diagnose this code as soon as possible. Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

What it means: P2205 indicates NOx Sensor 1 Heater Control Circuit.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) Sensor, Nitrogen Oxides Sensor harness is open or shorted, Nitrogen Oxides Sensor circuit poor electrical connection.
Severity: High - diagnose this code as soon as possible.
Can I drive?: Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

Save to My Repairs My Repairs

AI answers can be wrong. Verify repairs with testing. Open full chat

Code Popularity 18,530

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

Repair Importance Level

Urgent (Diagnose now) (3 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Advanced (Pro) (3 / 3)

What is this?

Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Mar 29, 2024

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
Add Comment

💬 Need more help? Ask Coddy for instant answers — it's free!

Code P2205 Description

The Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) sensors are part of the selective catalytic reduction system, a device used to reduce NOx emission on diesel engines. There are two NOx sensors, one placed upstream of selective catalytic reduction, to measure inlet NOx concentration, and one placed downstream. They are connected with the control module via CAN and all the information is exchanged through it. Since it is a smart sensor, all the electrical monitoring is performed inside the sensor and only the results are sent to the Engine Control Module (ECM). Each NOx sensor contains a sensing cell, a pumping cell, and a heater. A sample of exhaust gas passes through a diffusion gap between the sensing cell and the pumping cell. The NOx sensor maintains a constant reference voltage across the sensing cell. An electronic circuit within the sensor controls the pump current through the pumping cell in order to maintain a constant voltage in the sensing cell. The amount of current required to maintain the reference voltage in the sensing cell is proportional to the concentration of NOx in the exhaust. The ECM varies the amount of diesel exhaust fluid (reductant) added by varying the reductant injector duty cycle in response to changes in engine exhaust NOx levels. The smart NOx sensors consist of two components, the NOx module and the NOx sensor element that are serviced as a unit. A circuit or performance condition with a NOx sensor is detected by the NOx sensor module. The smart NOx sensor module communicates the condition to the ECM over the serial data line. The ECM sets a DTC when a serial data message is received from the NOx sensor module. The Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) will be set if the ECM software detects a fault in the NOx sensor circuitry or a performance fault in the NOx sensor for greater than 2 s.

OBDII Code P2205 - NOx Sensor 1 Heater Control Circuit - AutoCodes.com — P2205 Code - NOx Sensor 1 Heater Control Circuit

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P2205?

Faulty Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) Sensor
Nitrogen Oxides Sensor harness is open or shorted
Nitrogen Oxides Sensor circuit poor electrical connection

How to Fix the DTC P2205?

Review the 'Possible Causes' above and visually examine the corresponding wiring harness and connectors. Check for damaged components and inspect connector pins for signs of being broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded.

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P2205 code, it typically requires 1.0 hour of labor. Rates vary by location, vehicle, and shop. Many shops charge between $80–$150 per hour; dealerships and metro areas may be higher, independents may be lower.

Need more information about the P2205 code?

Need more information on how to fix the P2205 code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the P2205 code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

Information for Specific Makes

P2205 Buick — NOx Sensor 1 Heater Control Circuit
P2205 Cadillac — NOx Sensor 1 Heater Control Circuit
P2205 Chevrolet — NOx Sensor 1 Heater Control Circuit
P2205 Dodge — NOx Sensor Heater Control Circuit/Open Bank 1
P2205 Ford — NOx Sensor Heater Control Circuit/Open Bank 1
P2205 GMC — NOx Sensor 1 Heater Control Circuit

About the author: William Orellana is a Master Mechanic and Mechanical Engineer with over 30 years of experience diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Learn more about his background.

Frequently Asked Questions about P2205 Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P2205 (NOx Sensor 1 Heater Control Circuit)?

The common symptoms of P2205 include the illumination of the Check Engine Light, reduced fuel efficiency, and possible performance issues.

2. What causes OBDII code P2205 to occur?

The most common cause of P2205 is a malfunction in the NOx Sensor 1 heater control circuit, which can be due to a faulty sensor, wiring issues, or a problem with the control module.

3. How serious is OBDII code P2205 (NOx Sensor 1 Heater Control Circuit)?

While the vehicle may still be operable with this code, it is important to address it promptly to ensure proper emissions control and prevent potential damage to other components.

4. Can I continue to drive my vehicle with OBDII code P2205?

It is generally safe to drive your vehicle with P2205, but it is recommended to have it diagnosed and repaired as soon as possible to avoid potential issues down the road.

5. How can I diagnose the cause of OBDII code P2205?

Diagnosing P2205 typically involves using a scan tool to retrieve the code, checking the NOx Sensor 1 heater circuit for continuity, inspecting the wiring for damage, and testing the sensor's resistance.

6. What are some repair tips for fixing OBDII code P2205?

Repairing P2205 may involve replacing the NOx Sensor 1 heater, repairing any damaged wiring, or reprogramming the control module. It is recommended to consult a professional mechanic for proper diagnosis and repair.

7. Can a DIY enthusiast repair OBDII code P2205 at home?

While some DIY enthusiasts may have the skills to diagnose and repair P2205, it is recommended to seek professional help for accurate diagnosis and proper repair to avoid any further complications.

8. How much does it typically cost to repair OBDII code P2205?

The cost of repairing P2205 can vary depending on the cause of the issue, the required parts, and the labor costs. It is advisable to get a few quotes from local mechanics to compare prices.

9. Will resetting the Check Engine Light resolve OBDII code P2205?

Simply resetting the Check Engine Light will not fix the underlying issue causing P2205. It is important to diagnose the problem and address it accordingly to prevent the code from reoccurring.

10. How often does OBDII code P2205 (NOx Sensor 1 Heater Control Circuit) occur in vehicles?

P2205 is a relatively common OBDII code, especially in vehicles equipped with NOx sensors. It can occur due to various reasons, but with proper diagnosis and repair, it can be resolved effectively.