AutoCodes – GMC – P11C6 2015 GMC Sierra

P11C6 2015 GMC Sierra Code - NOx Sensor 1 Heater Ground Circuit High

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: P11C6 2015 GMC Sierra indicates NOx Sensor 1 Heater Ground Circuit High.
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 142

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 24, 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 P11C6 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 P11C6 2015 GMC Sierra - NOx Sensor 1 Heater Ground Circuit High - AutoCodes.com — P11C6 2015 GMC Sierra Code - NOx Sensor 1 Heater Ground Circuit High

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P11C6 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 P11C6 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 P11C6 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 P11C6 2015 GMC Sierra code?

Need more information on how to fix the P11C6 2015 GMC Sierra code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the P11C6 2015 GMC Sierra code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

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 P11C6 2015 GMC Sierra Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P11C6 in a 2015 GMC Sierra related to NOx Sensor 1 Heater Ground Circuit High?

- Common symptoms include the Check Engine light illuminating, decreased fuel efficiency, and potential engine performance issues.

2. What causes the NOx Sensor 1 Heater Ground Circuit High code (P11C6) in a 2015 GMC Sierra?

- The code can be triggered by a faulty NOx sensor, damaged wiring or connectors, or issues with the heater circuit of the sensor.

3. How serious is the P11C6 NOx Sensor 1 Heater Ground Circuit High code in a 2015 GMC Sierra?

- While the vehicle may still be driveable with this code, it is important to address it promptly to prevent potential damage to the engine or emissions system.

4. Can I continue driving my 2015 GMC Sierra with the P11C6 code related to NOx Sensor 1 Heater Ground Circuit High?

- It is generally recommended to avoid driving the vehicle for an extended period with this code present to prevent further damage and ensure proper emissions control.

5. How can I diagnose and repair the NOx Sensor 1 Heater Ground Circuit High code (P11C6) in my 2015 GMC Sierra?

- Diagnosis typically involves checking the sensor, inspecting wiring and connectors, and testing the heater circuit. Repairs may include sensor replacement, fixing wiring issues, or addressing heater circuit problems.

6. Is it possible to reset the P11C6 NOx Sensor 1 Heater Ground Circuit High code in a 2015 GMC Sierra without fixing the underlying issue?

- While clearing the code may temporarily turn off the Check Engine light, it is crucial to address the root cause to prevent ongoing issues and ensure proper vehicle operation.

7. Can a DIY enthusiast fix the P11C6 NOx Sensor 1 Heater Ground Circuit High code in a 2015 GMC Sierra?

- Depending on your skill level and access to tools, some DIY enthusiasts may be able to diagnose and repair this code, but professional assistance is recommended for more complex issues.

8. How much does it typically cost to repair the P11C6 NOx Sensor 1 Heater Ground Circuit High code in a 2015 GMC Sierra?

- The cost of repair can vary based on factors like the extent of the issue, parts needed, and labor rates, but it is advisable to budget for sensor replacement or potential wiring repairs.

9. Are there any preventive measures to avoid the NOx Sensor 1 Heater Ground Circuit High code (P11C6) in a 2015 GMC Sierra?

- Regular maintenance, such as checking sensor health during tune-ups and addressing any warning lights promptly, can help prevent issues that may trigger this code.

10. Can the NOx Sensor 1 Heater Ground Circuit High code (P11C6) in a 2015 GMC Sierra cause emissions test failures?

- Yes, this code can affect emissions readings, potentially leading to test failures. It is important to address the underlying issue to ensure compliance with emissions regulations.