AutoCodesGMC – P11C5 2015 GMC Sierra

P11C5 2015 GMC Sierra Code - NOx Sensor 1 Heater Ground 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
P11C5 2015 GMC Sierra indicates NOx Sensor 1 Heater Ground 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.
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Code Popularity 185
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Mar 24, 2024
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Code P11C5 2015 GMC Sierra 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 P11C5 2015 GMC Sierra - NOx Sensor 1 Heater Ground Circuit - AutoCodes.com
P11C5 2015 GMC Sierra Code - NOx Sensor 1 Heater Ground Circuit

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P11C5 2015 GMC Sierra?

  • 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 P11C5 2015 GMC Sierra?

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 P11C5 2015 GMC Sierra 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 P11C5 2015 GMC Sierra code?

Need more information on how to fix the P11C5 2015 GMC Sierra code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

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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 P11C5 2015 GMC Sierra Code

1. What does the OBDII code P11C5 mean on a 2015 GMC Sierra?

P11C5 indicates an issue with the NOx Sensor 1 Heater Ground Circuit, which monitors and regulates the nitrogen oxide (NOx) sensor heater for proper operation.

2. What are the symptoms of code P11C5 on a 2015 GMC Sierra?

Common symptoms include the check engine light turning on, reduced fuel efficiency, poor engine performance, or the vehicle entering limp mode.

3. What causes the P11C5 code to appear on a 2015 GMC Sierra?

Potential causes include a faulty NOx sensor, damaged wiring or connectors in the sensor’s ground circuit, or a malfunctioning engine control module (ECM).

4. Can I drive my 2015 GMC Sierra with a P11C5 code?

While the vehicle may still be drivable, ignoring the code can lead to reduced performance, higher emissions, and potential damage to other components.

5. How do I troubleshoot the P11C5 code on a 2015 GMC Sierra?

Start by inspecting the NOx sensor wiring and connectors for damage or corrosion. Use a multimeter to check for continuity in the ground circuit and verify proper voltage at the sensor.

6. How do I fix the P11C5 code on a 2015 GMC Sierra?

Repairs may include replacing the NOx sensor, repairing damaged wiring, cleaning corroded connectors, or reprogramming or replacing the ECM if necessary.

7. How much does it cost to fix the P11C5 code on a 2015 GMC Sierra?

Repair costs vary but can range from $300 to $800 for NOx sensor replacement, plus additional labor costs if wiring or ECM repairs are needed.

8. Can a faulty NOx sensor trigger the P11C5 code on a 2015 GMC Sierra?

Yes, a defective NOx sensor is one of the primary causes of this code, particularly if the heater circuit within the sensor is malfunctioning.

9. What tools are needed to diagnose the P11C5 code on a 2015 GMC Sierra?

A diagnostic scan tool, a multimeter, and basic automotive tools are typically required to diagnose and repair this issue.

10. Does the P11C5 code affect emissions on a 2015 GMC Sierra?

Yes, a malfunctioning NOx sensor can lead to increased nitrogen oxide emissions, potentially causing the vehicle to fail an emissions test.

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