AutoCodesGMC – P20BD 2018 GMC Sierra

P20BD 2018 GMC Sierra 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 2018 GMC Sierra 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 374
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 P20BD 2018 GMC Sierra 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 2018 GMC Sierra - Reductant Heater 2 Control Circuit - AutoCodes.com
P20BD 2018 GMC Sierra Code - Reductant Heater 2 Control Circuit

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P20BD 2018 GMC Sierra?

  • 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 2018 GMC Sierra?

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 2018 GMC Sierra 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 2018 GMC Sierra code?

Need more information on how to fix the P20BD 2018 GMC Sierra code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the P20BD 2018 GMC Sierra 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 P20BD 2018 GMC Sierra Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P20BD in a 2018 GMC Sierra related to the Reductant Heater 2 Control Circuit?

The common symptoms may include the check engine light coming on, reduced engine performance, and potential issues with the vehicle's emissions system.

2. What can cause the OBDII code P20BD in a 2018 GMC Sierra?

The code P20BD typically indicates a problem with the Reductant Heater 2 Control Circuit, which can be caused by issues such as a faulty reductant heater, damaged wiring, or a malfunctioning control module.

3. How serious is the OBDII code P20BD in a 2018 GMC Sierra?

While the severity can vary, it is important to address this issue promptly as it can impact the vehicle's emissions control system and overall performance.

4. Can I continue driving my 2018 GMC Sierra with the OBDII code P20BD?

It is not recommended to ignore the code P20BD, as driving with this issue unresolved may lead to further damage to the vehicle's emissions system and potential performance issues.

5. How can I diagnose and repair the OBDII code P20BD in my 2018 GMC Sierra?

Diagnosing and repairing the code P20BD typically involves inspecting the reductant heater system, checking for wiring faults, testing the control module, and replacing any faulty components as needed.

6. Will resetting the check engine light resolve the OBDII code P20BD in a 2018 GMC Sierra?

Resetting the check engine light may temporarily clear the code, but it is essential to address the underlying issue causing the code to prevent it from reoccurring.

7. Can a DIY enthusiast fix the OBDII code P20BD in a 2018 GMC Sierra?

While some DIY enthusiasts may be able to diagnose and repair the code P20BD themselves, it is recommended to consult a professional mechanic for accurate diagnosis and proper repair to ensure the issue is resolved correctly.

8. How much does it cost to repair the OBDII code P20BD in a 2018 GMC Sierra?

The cost of repairing the code P20BD can vary depending on the cause of the issue, the extent of the repairs needed, and labor costs. It is advisable to consult a mechanic for an accurate cost estimate.

9. What is the purpose of the Reductant Heater 2 Control Circuit in a 2018 GMC Sierra?

The Reductant Heater 2 Control Circuit is an essential component of the vehicle's emissions control system, responsible for heating the reductant (DEF fluid) to help reduce emissions.

10. How often does the OBDII code P20BD related to the Reductant Heater 2 Control Circuit occur in a 2018 GMC Sierra?

The occurrence of the OBDII code P20BD related to the Reductant Heater 2 Control Circuit can vary, but it is a known issue in some 2018 GMC Sierra vehicles that may require attention from a qualified mechanic.

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