AutoCodes – Chevrolet – P20BD 2015 Chevrolet Silverado

P20BD 2015 Chevrolet Silverado Code - Reductant Heater 2 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: P20BD 2015 Chevrolet Silverado indicates Reductant Heater 2 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 273

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
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code P20BD 2015 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 line heater control circuit is open for greater than 4 s.

OBDII Code P20BD 2015 Chevrolet Silverado - Reductant Heater 2 Control Circuit - AutoCodes.com — P20BD 2015 Chevrolet Silverado Code - Reductant Heater 2 Control Circuit

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P20BD 2015 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 P20BD 2015 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 P20BD 2015 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 P20BD 2015 Chevrolet Silverado code?

Need more information on how to fix the P20BD 2015 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 P20BD 2015 Chevrolet Silverado Code

1. What does the OBDII code P20BD mean on a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado?

P20BD indicates an issue with the Reductant Heater 2 Control Circuit, which is responsible for heating the diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) to prevent freezing and ensure proper operation.

2. What are the symptoms of the P20BD code on a 2015 Silverado?

Common symptoms include the check engine light turning on, reduced DEF system performance, potential DEF system warnings, and difficulty in cold weather due to frozen DEF.

3. What causes the P20BD code to appear on a Chevrolet Silverado?

Possible causes include a faulty DEF heater, damaged wiring or connectors in the heater circuit, or a malfunctioning heater control module.

4. Can I drive my Silverado with the P20BD code?

It’s generally safe to drive in the short term, but ignoring the issue could lead to DEF system malfunctions, reduced engine performance, and potential emissions non-compliance.

5. How can I diagnose the P20BD code on my Silverado?

Check the DEF heater, inspect wiring and connectors for damage or corrosion, and test the heater circuit using a multimeter or scan tool for proper operation.

6. What repairs are commonly needed for the P20BD code?

Repairs may include replacing the DEF heater, repairing damaged wiring or connectors, or replacing the control module if it’s found to be defective.

7. How much does it cost to fix the P20BD code on a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado?

Repair costs can range from $200 to $800 depending on whether you need to replace the DEF heater, repair wiring, or replace the control module.

8. Can a software update fix the P20BD code?

In rare cases, a software update might resolve the issue if the problem is related to incorrect control logic, but hardware issues are more common with this code.

9. What tools are needed to troubleshoot the P20BD code?

You’ll need an OBDII scanner, a multimeter, and possibly wiring diagrams for the DEF heater circuit to properly diagnose the issue.

10. How do I prevent the P20BD code from recurring?

Regularly inspect the DEF system’s wiring and connectors, ensure timely maintenance of the DEF heater, and avoid using low-quality DEF fluid that could contribute to system issues.