AutoCodesRAM – P20B1 RAM

P20B1 RAM Code - Diesel Exhaust Fluid Reductant Heater Control Valve Circuit Open

Quick Answer

The Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Tank Level Sensor and Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Tank Temperature Sensor are a combination sensor used to measure the level and temperature of the fluid in the DEF Tank. Common causes include Faulty Diesel Exhaust Fluid Reductant Heater Control Valve, Diesel Exhaust Fluid Reductant Heater Control Valve harness is open or shorted, Diesel Exhaust Fluid Reductant Heater Control Valve 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
P20B1 RAM indicates Diesel Exhaust Fluid Reductant Heater Control Valve Circuit Open.
Common causes
Common causes include Faulty Diesel Exhaust Fluid Reductant Heater Control Valve, Diesel Exhaust Fluid Reductant Heater Control Valve harness is open or shorted, Diesel Exhaust Fluid Reductant Heater Control Valve 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.
AI answers can be wrong. Verify repairs with testing. Open full chat
Code Popularity 202
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Jul 15, 2024
💬 Need more help? Ask Coddy for instant answers — it's free!

Code P20B1 RAM Description

The Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Tank Level Sensor and Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Tank Temperature Sensor are a combination sensor used to measure the level and temperature of the fluid in the DEF Tank. Though combined, the level sensor and the temperature sensor operate independently of each other. Both sensors operate as a two-wire 5-Volt sensor. The DEF Tank Level Sensor is a 14-point magnetic reed switch sensor. The DEF Tank Temperature Sensor is a negative temperature coefficient sensor. The DEF Dosing Control Unit will illuminate the MIL lamp via the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) immediately after this diagnostic runs and fails. The DEF Dosing Control Unit will turn off the MIL lamp via the PCM immediately after the diagnostic runs and passes in three consecutive key cycles. This monitor runs a short time after Diesel Exhaust Fluid Tank heating is commanded. The Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) will be set when the DEF Dosing Control Unit detects a Diesel Exhaust Fluid Reductant Heater Control Valve circuit open.
OBDII Code P20B1 RAM - Diesel Exhaust Fluid Reductant Heater Control Valve Circuit Open - AutoCodes.com
P20B1 RAM Code - Diesel Exhaust Fluid Reductant Heater Control Valve Circuit Open

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P20B1 RAM?

  • Faulty Diesel Exhaust Fluid Reductant Heater Control Valve
  • Diesel Exhaust Fluid Reductant Heater Control Valve harness is open or shorted
  • Diesel Exhaust Fluid Reductant Heater Control Valve circuit poor electrical connection

How to Fix the DTC P20B1 RAM?

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 P20B1 RAM 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 P20B1 RAM code?

Need more information on how to fix the P20B1 RAM code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the P20B1 RAM 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 P20B1 RAM Code

1. What does the OBDII code P20B1 on a RAM vehicle mean?

The P20B1 code indicates an issue with the Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) reductant heater control valve circuit, specifically an open circuit.

2. What are the symptoms of the P20B1 code?

Common symptoms include the check engine light turning on, poor DEF system performance, and reduced engine power or limp mode in severe cases.

3. What causes the P20B1 code to appear?

Potential causes include a faulty reductant heater control valve, damaged wiring or connectors in the heater circuit, or issues with the DEF heater relay.

4. Can I continue driving my RAM vehicle with the P20B1 code?

Driving with this code may lead to reduced engine performance and possible emissions system failure, so it’s recommended to address the issue promptly.

5. How is the P20B1 code diagnosed?

A mechanic will inspect the reductant heater control valve, check for damaged wiring or connectors, and use a diagnostic tool to monitor the DEF system's operation.

6. How do you fix the P20B1 code on a RAM vehicle?

Repairs may include replacing the reductant heater control valve, repairing damaged wiring or connectors, or replacing the DEF heater relay if faulty.

7. What tools are needed to repair the P20B1 code?

Common tools include an OBDII scanner, a multimeter to test circuits, and basic hand tools for removing and replacing components.

8. Is the P20B1 code covered under warranty for RAM vehicles?

It may be covered under the emissions system warranty, depending on the vehicle's age and mileage. Check with your dealership for specific coverage details.

9. Can a bad DEF heater control valve affect emissions?

Yes, a malfunctioning DEF heater control valve can impact the DEF system, causing higher emissions and potentially failing emissions tests.

10. How much does it cost to repair the P20B1 code?

Repair costs can vary, but replacing the reductant heater control valve typically ranges from $200 to $500, including parts and labor.

Discuss the causes and fixes for P20B1 RAM OBDII Code

Code P20B1 RAM comments

No comments found for this page.

AutoCodes App

Fix Your Car Smarter

Try the New AutoCodes App!

Get complete OBDII diagnostics, repair solutions, and cost estimates, plus AI chat support on demand.

AutoCodes App on Google Play