AutoCodes – Generic – P2221

P2221 Code - NOx Sensor Heater Sense Circuit Bank 2

Quick Answer

The Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) sensor measures the amount of nitric oxide and nitrogen oxide in the exhaust system. Common causes include Faulty Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) Sensor, Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) Sensor harness is open or shorted, Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) 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: P2221 indicates NOx Sensor Heater Sense Circuit Bank 2.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) Sensor, Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) Sensor harness is open or shorted, Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) 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.

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Code Popularity 9,677

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 Jun 14, 2020

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
Comments
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Code P2221 Description

The Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) sensor measures the amount of nitric oxide and nitrogen oxide in the exhaust system. When the NOx sensor indicates that the storage capacity has been reached, the regeneration phase is initiated by the fueling management system. The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) monitors the NOx sensor and sets the code when the NOx sensor circuit voltage reading is not within the normal operating threshold for a specific engine bank.

OBDII Code P2221 - NOx Sensor Heater Sense Circuit Bank 2 - AutoCodes.com — P2221 Code - NOx Sensor Heater Sense Circuit Bank 2

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P2221?

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

How to Fix the DTC P2221?

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 P2221 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 P2221 code?

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Need Help with the Code?

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Information for Specific Makes

P2221 Chevrolet — NOx Sensor Heater Sense Circuit Bank 2
P2221 Dodge — NOx Sensor Heater Sense Circuit Bank 2
P2221 Ford — NOx Sensor Heater Sense Circuit Bank 2
P2221 GMC — NOx Sensor Heater Sense Circuit Bank 2

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.