AutoCodes – Ford – P20BC Ford

P20BC Ford Code - Reductant Heater 'A' Control Circuit High

Quick Answer

The reductant heater and sender assembly contain a pickup tube for the reductant pump modules, an electric heating element, a reductant temperature sensor, and an electrode type level sensor. 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 Ford indicates Reductant Heater 'A' Control Circuit High.
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 6,934

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

Repair Importance Level

Urgent (Diagnose now) (3 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Advanced (Pro) (3 / 3)

What is this?

Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Jul 29, 2022

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Tech Notes ▶
Cost to Diagnose
Comments
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Code P20BC Ford Description

The reductant heater and sender assembly contain a pickup tube for the reductant pump modules, an electric heating element, a reductant temperature sensor, and an electrode type level sensor. The heating element is directly above the pickup tubes inlet filter. When the reductant temperature sensor detects the diesel exhaust fluid temperature dropping to the freezing point of 12°F (-11°C), the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) will command the glow plug control module to provide voltage to the heating element. The heating element thaws liquid reductant within the reductant heater and sender assembly reservoir during cold ambient temperatures.

OBDII Code P20BC Ford - Reductant Heater 'A' Control Circuit High - AutoCodes.com — P20BC Ford Code - Reductant Heater 'A' Control Circuit High

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P20BC Ford?

Faulty Reductant Heater
Reductant Heater harness is open or shorted
Reductant Heater circuit poor electrical connection

How to Fix the DTC P20BC Ford?

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 does this mean?

Code Tech Notes

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What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P20BC Ford 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.

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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.