AutoCodes – Mercedes-Benz – P20B9 Mercedes-Benz

P20B9 Mercedes-Benz Code - Reductant Heater 'A' Control Circuit/Open

Quick Answer

Some manufacturers are now using a Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) system commonly called a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system to reduce harmful Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx). 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 Mercedes-Benz indicates Reductant Heater 'A' Control Circuit/Open.
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.
AI answers can be wrong. Verify repairs with testing. Open full chat
Code Popularity 3,727
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 Mercedes-Benz Description

Some manufacturers are now using a Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) system commonly called a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system to reduce harmful Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx). The diesel exhaust fluid is a Urea based solution of approximately 32% Urea and 64% distilled water. The solution is injected into the exhaust gas stream upstream of the SCR catalyst. Once in the exhaust system it decomposes and becomes Ammonia (NH3) and Carbon Dioxide (CO2). Within the catalyst, the NH3 and CO2 react with the Nox to create Oxygen (O2) and harmless Nitrogen (N2).
The system requires a storage tank for the diesel exhaust fluid, a pump with an integrated level sensor, pressure sensor, and fluid quality sensor, an injector fitted to the exhaust system, a fluid heater, and the catalyst.
The system is closely monitored for correct operation as a failure of the system will have a large impact on vehicle exhaust gas emissions of oxides of Nitrogen.
OBDII Code P20B9 Mercedes-Benz - Reductant Heater 'A' Control Circuit/Open - AutoCodes.com
P20B9 Mercedes-Benz Code - Reductant Heater 'A' Control Circuit/Open

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P20B9 Mercedes-Benz?

  • Faulty Reductant Heater
  • Reductant Heater harness is open or shorted
  • Reductant Heater circuit poor electrical connection
  • Faulty Engine Control Module (ECM)

How to Fix the DTC P20B9 Mercedes-Benz?

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 Mercedes-Benz 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 Mercedes-Benz code?

Need more information on how to fix the P20B9 Mercedes-Benz code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the P20B9 Mercedes-Benz 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 P20B9 Mercedes-Benz Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P20B9 in a Mercedes-Benz related to the Reductant Heater 'A' Control Circuit/Open?

- Common symptoms include the check engine light illuminating, decreased fuel efficiency, and potential issues with the vehicle passing emissions tests.

2. What can cause the OBDII code P20B9 in a Mercedes-Benz to trigger?

- The code P20B9 is typically triggered by a malfunction in the Reductant Heater 'A' control circuit, which may be caused by a faulty heater element, damaged wiring, or a problem with the control module.

3. How serious is the OBDII code P20B9 in a Mercedes-Benz?

- While the code itself may not cause immediate harm to the vehicle, it can lead to reduced efficiency and potential emissions-related problems. It is recommended to address the issue promptly to prevent further complications.

4. Can I continue driving my Mercedes-Benz with the OBDII code P20B9 present?

- It is generally safe to drive the vehicle with this code present, but it is advisable to have the issue diagnosed and repaired as soon as possible to prevent any potential long-term damage or performance issues.

5. How can I diagnose and repair the OBDII code P20B9 in my Mercedes-Benz?

- Diagnosing the code typically involves testing the Reductant Heater 'A' circuit for continuity, inspecting the wiring for damage, and checking the control module for proper function. Repair may involve replacing the heater element, repairing damaged wiring, or replacing the control module as needed.

6. Can I reset the OBDII code P20B9 in my Mercedes-Benz using an OBDII scanner?

- Yes, you can use an OBDII scanner to reset the code after addressing the underlying issue. However, if the problem is not fixed, the code is likely to reappear.

7. Is it possible to prevent the OBDII code P20B9 in my Mercedes-Benz from occurring?

- While some cases of this code may be unavoidable due to component failure, regular maintenance and timely repairs can help prevent issues with the Reductant Heater 'A' circuit and minimize the likelihood of triggering this code.

8. How much does it typically cost to repair the OBDII code P20B9 in a Mercedes-Benz?

- The cost of repairing this code can vary depending on the specific cause of the issue, the extent of the repairs needed, and the labor rates of the repair shop. It is recommended to obtain quotes from reputable mechanics or dealerships for an accurate estimate.

9. Will fixing the OBDII code P20B9 in my Mercedes-Benz improve fuel efficiency?

- Addressing the underlying issue causing the code P20B9, such as a malfunctioning Reductant Heater 'A' circuit, can potentially improve fuel efficiency by ensuring the proper operation of emissions control systems in the vehicle.

10. Can the OBDII code P20B9 in a Mercedes-Benz cause damage to other engine components?

- While the code itself may not directly cause damage to other components, ignoring the underlying issue can lead to increased emissions, reduced efficiency, and potential long-term impact on the vehicle's engine performance. It is best to address the problem promptly to avoid any further complications.

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