AutoCodesChevrolet – P20BC 2018 Chevrolet Silverado

P20BC 2018 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 2018 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 198
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 2018 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 2018 Chevrolet Silverado - Reductant Heater 1 Control Circuit High Voltage - AutoCodes.com
P20BC 2018 Chevrolet Silverado Code - Reductant Heater 1 Control Circuit High Voltage

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P20BC 2018 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 2018 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 2018 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 2018 Chevrolet Silverado code?

Need more information on how to fix the P20BC 2018 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 2018 Chevrolet Silverado Code

What does the OBDII code P20BC mean on a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado?

Code P20BC indicates a problem with the Reductant Heater 1 Control Circuit experiencing high voltage, which is part of the diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) system.

What are the common symptoms of code P20BC in a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado?

Symptoms include the check engine light turning on, potential DEF system warnings, poor DEF system performance, and possible reduced engine power.

What causes the P20BC code to appear?

Common causes include a faulty reductant heater, damaged wiring or connectors in the control circuit, or issues with the engine control module (ECM).

Can I drive my Silverado with the P20BC code active?

Driving with this code is possible but not recommended, as it may lead to reduced emissions system efficiency and potentially trigger limp mode.

How do I diagnose the P20BC code?

Diagnosis involves inspecting the reductant heater circuit for damaged wiring, testing the heater’s resistance, and checking for proper voltage supply from the ECM.

What tools are needed to fix the P20BC code?

You’ll need an OBDII scanner, a multimeter for electrical testing, and potentially replacement parts like a reductant heater or wiring harness.

How much does it cost to repair the P20BC code?

Repair costs can vary from $100 to $500 depending on whether the problem is with wiring or if the reductant heater itself needs replacement.

Can the P20BC code trigger other issues in the DEF system?

Yes, prolonged issues with the reductant heater can affect the DEF system’s ability to reduce emissions and may lead to additional fault codes.

How do I clear the P20BC code after repairs?

Use an OBDII scanner to clear the code after confirming the issue is resolved. Drive the vehicle to ensure the code doesn’t reappear.

What happens if the P20BC code is ignored?

Ignoring this code can result in reduced emissions performance, possible limp mode activation, and eventual damage to the DEF system components.

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