AutoCodes – GMC – P11C6 2016 GMC Sierra

P11C6 2016 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 2016 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.

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Code Popularity 155

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
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Code P11C6 2016 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 2016 GMC Sierra - NOx Sensor 1 Heater Ground Circuit High - AutoCodes.com — P11C6 2016 GMC Sierra Code - NOx Sensor 1 Heater Ground Circuit High

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P11C6 2016 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 2016 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 2016 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 2016 GMC Sierra code?

Need more information on how to fix the P11C6 2016 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 P11C6 2016 GMC Sierra Code

1. What does the OBDII code P11C6 mean on a 2016 GMC Sierra?

P11C6 indicates an issue with the NOx Sensor 1 Heater Ground Circuit, specifically that the circuit voltage is higher than expected.

2. What are the symptoms of code P11C6 on a 2016 GMC Sierra?

Common symptoms include a check engine light, reduced fuel efficiency, possible limp mode activation, and increased emissions.

3. What causes the P11C6 code to appear on a 2016 GMC Sierra?

The most common causes are a faulty NOx sensor, damaged wiring or connectors in the heater ground circuit, or a malfunctioning engine control module (ECM).

4. Can a bad NOx sensor trigger the P11C6 code?

Yes, a faulty NOx sensor can cause the P11C6 code if the sensor's heater circuit is not functioning properly.

5. How do I diagnose the P11C6 code on my 2016 GMC Sierra?

Diagnose the code by visually inspecting the wiring and connectors for damage, testing the NOx sensor heater circuit with a multimeter, and checking for any related ECM faults.

6. Can I drive with the P11C6 code on my 2016 GMC Sierra?

Driving with this code is not recommended, as it can lead to higher emissions, poor engine performance, and potential damage to other components.

7. How is the P11C6 code fixed on a 2016 GMC Sierra?

Repairs may include replacing the NOx sensor, repairing damaged wiring or connectors, or updating/reprogramming the ECM.

8. How much does it cost to fix code P11C6 on a 2016 GMC Sierra?

Repair costs can vary, but replacing a NOx sensor typically ranges from $300 to $700, depending on parts and labor.

9. What tools are needed to fix the P11C6 code on a 2016 GMC Sierra?

Common tools include an OBDII scanner, a multimeter for electrical testing, and basic hand tools for sensor replacement.

10. Can a software update fix the P11C6 code on a 2016 GMC Sierra?

In some cases, a software update for the ECM may resolve the issue if it's caused by incorrect programming. Consult a dealer or mechanic for confirmation.