AutoCodesChevrolet – P20BC 2016 Chevrolet Silverado

P20BC 2016 Chevrolet Silverado Code - Reductant Heater 1 Control Circuit High Voltage

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
P20BC 2016 Chevrolet Silverado indicates Reductant Heater 1 Control Circuit High Voltage.
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 331
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 P20BC 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 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 shorted to a voltage for greater than 4 s.
OBDII Code P20BC 2016 Chevrolet Silverado - Reductant Heater 1 Control Circuit High Voltage - AutoCodes.com
P20BC 2016 Chevrolet Silverado Code - Reductant Heater 1 Control Circuit High Voltage

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P20BC 2016 Chevrolet Silverado?

  • 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 P20BC 2016 Chevrolet Silverado?

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 P20BC 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 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 P20BC 2016 Chevrolet Silverado code?

Need more information on how to fix the P20BC 2016 Chevrolet Silverado code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

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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 P20BC 2016 Chevrolet Silverado Code

What does the OBDII code P20BC mean for a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado?

The P20BC code indicates a high voltage issue in the Reductant Heater 1 Control Circuit, which is part of the diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) system.

What are the common symptoms of the P20BC code in a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado?

Symptoms may include a check engine light, reduced fuel efficiency, poor DEF system performance, or the vehicle entering limp mode.

What causes the P20BC code to appear in a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado?

Common causes include a faulty reductant heater, damaged wiring or connectors, a failed control module, or corroded electrical connections.

Can I drive with the P20BC code active on my 2016 Chevrolet Silverado?

Driving is possible but not recommended, as the DEF system may not function properly, potentially leading to reduced engine performance or emissions violations.

How do I diagnose the P20BC code on a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado?

Diagnosis involves using an OBDII scanner, inspecting the reductant heater wiring and connectors for damage, and testing the heater’s resistance and voltage levels.

What is the reductant heater, and why is it important?

The reductant heater prevents diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) from freezing in cold temperatures, ensuring proper operation of the emissions system.

How do I fix the P20BC code on a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado?

Repairs may involve replacing a faulty reductant heater, repairing damaged wiring or connectors, or reprogramming or replacing the control module.

How much does it cost to fix the P20BC code on a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado?

Repair costs can range from $100 to $600, depending on whether the issue is a wiring repair or a replacement of the reductant heater or control module.

Can a bad reductant heater cause other issues in my Silverado?

Yes, a malfunctioning reductant heater can lead to DEF system failure, triggering limp mode and increasing emissions.

Do I need to reset the code after repairing the P20BC issue?

Yes, after completing repairs, use an OBDII scanner to clear the code and verify that it does not return.

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