AutoCodesGMC – P20B9 2016 GMC Sierra

P20B9 2016 GMC Sierra Code - Reductant Heater 1 Control Circuit

Quick Answer

As reductant will freeze at temperatures below -11°C (12°F), there are 2 reductant heaters located in the reductant tank. Common causes include Faulty Reductant Heater, Reductant Heater harness is open or shorted, Reductant Heater 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
P20B9 2016 GMC Sierra indicates Reductant Heater 1 Control Circuit.
Common causes
Common causes include Faulty Reductant Heater, Reductant Heater harness is open or shorted, Reductant Heater 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 207
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Jul 29, 2022
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Code P20B9 2016 GMC Sierra Description

As reductant will freeze at temperatures below -11°C (12°F), there are 2 reductant heaters located in the reductant tank. One heats the reductant in the tank, and one heats the reductant supplied to the reductant injector supply pipe. The Engine Control Module (ECM) monitors the reductant temperature in the tank in order to determine if the reductant temperature is below its freeze point. If the ECM determines that the reductant may be frozen, it activates a "defrost strategy" energizing the reductant eater. This energizing action terminates when the temperature sensor measures a threshold value over which the heater must be deactivated.
The Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) will be set when the ECM indicates the reductant tank heater control circuit is open for greater than 4 s.
OBDII Code P20B9 2016 GMC Sierra - Reductant Heater 1 Control Circuit - AutoCodes.com
P20B9 2016 GMC Sierra Code - Reductant Heater 1 Control Circuit

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P20B9 2016 GMC Sierra?

  • Faulty Reductant Heater
  • Reductant Heater harness is open or shorted
  • Reductant Heater circuit poor electrical connection
  • Faulty Reductant Pump and Sensor Assembly
  • Faulty Reductant Control Module

How to Fix the DTC P20B9 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 P20B9 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 P20B9 2016 GMC Sierra code?

Need more information on how to fix the P20B9 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 P20B9 2016 GMC Sierra Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P20B9 in a 2016 GMC Sierra?

- Common symptoms include the Check Engine light illuminating, decreased fuel efficiency, and potential issues with the vehicle's emissions system.

2. What does the OBDII code P20B9 indicate in a 2016 GMC Sierra?

- OBDII code P20B9 specifically refers to a fault in the Reductant Heater 1 Control Circuit in the emissions system of the vehicle.

3. What are some possible causes of OBDII code P20B9 in a 2016 GMC Sierra?

- Possible causes include a faulty reductant heater 1 control module, damaged wiring or connectors in the control circuit, or issues with the reductant heater itself.

4. How can I diagnose the Reductant Heater 1 Control Circuit issue causing OBDII code P20B9 in my 2016 GMC Sierra?

- Diagnosing this issue typically involves inspecting the wiring and connectors, testing the reductant heater for proper functionality, and using a diagnostic scanner to analyze the control module.

5. Is it safe to continue driving my 2016 GMC Sierra with OBDII code P20B9 triggered?

- It is generally not recommended to continue driving with this code present, as it can affect the vehicle's emissions performance and lead to potential issues with passing emissions tests.

6. Can I reset the Check Engine light after fixing the Reductant Heater 1 Control Circuit problem causing OBDII code P20B9 in my 2016 GMC Sierra?

- Yes, once the underlying issue is fixed, the Check Engine light can be reset using an OBDII scanner to clear the trouble code.

7. How much does it typically cost to repair the Reductant Heater 1 Control Circuit issue causing OBDII code P20B9 in a 2016 GMC Sierra?

- Repair costs can vary depending on the exact cause of the issue, but it may involve replacing the control module, repairing wiring, or addressing heater component problems, potentially ranging from $200 to $800.

8. Can a DIY enthusiast fix the Reductant Heater 1 Control Circuit problem causing OBDII code P20B9 in a 2016 GMC Sierra?

- Depending on the exact cause, some DIY enthusiasts with the right tools and knowledge may be able to address this issue themselves, especially if it involves tasks like checking wiring connections.

9. Will fixing the Reductant Heater 1 Control Circuit issue causing OBDII code P20B9 improve my 2016 GMC Sierra's performance and fuel efficiency?

- Yes, resolving this issue can lead to improved emissions performance, better fuel efficiency, and overall smoother operation of the vehicle.

10. How often should I get my 2016 GMC Sierra's emissions system checked to prevent issues like OBDII code P20B9 from occurring?

- It's generally recommended to have your vehicle's emissions system inspected during regular maintenance intervals to catch any potential issues early and prevent codes like P20B9 from triggering.

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