AutoCodesFord – P20BD Ford

P20BD Ford Code - Reductant Heater 'B' Control Circuit/Open

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
P20BD Ford indicates Reductant Heater 'B' Control Circuit/Open.
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.
AI answers can be wrong. Verify repairs with testing. Open full chat
Code Popularity 36,203
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Jul 29, 2022
💬 Need more help? Ask Coddy for instant answers — it's free!

Code P20BD 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 P20BD Ford - Reductant Heater 'B' Control Circuit/Open - AutoCodes.com
P20BD Ford Code - Reductant Heater 'B' Control Circuit/Open

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P20BD Ford?

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

How to Fix the DTC P20BD 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.

Code Tech Notes

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P20BD 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.

Need more information about the P20BD Ford code?

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

Need Help with the Code?

Get the P20BD Ford 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 Ford Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P20BD Ford related to the Reductant Heater 'B' Control Circuit/Open?

- Common symptoms include the check engine light illuminating, reduced engine performance, and potential issues with emissions control.

2. What are the possible causes of OBDII code P20BD Ford indicating a Reductant Heater 'B' Control Circuit/Open?

- The code may be triggered by a faulty reductant heater 'B', issues with the control circuit, damaged wiring, or a defective powertrain control module (PCM).

3. How can I diagnose the cause of OBDII code P20BD Ford for the Reductant Heater 'B' Control Circuit/Open?

- Diagnosing the issue involves using an OBDII scanner to retrieve the specific fault code, conducting visual inspections for damaged wiring, and performing tests on the reductant heater 'B' and its control circuit.

4. Can driving with OBDII code P20BD Ford for the Reductant Heater 'B' Control Circuit/Open cause further damage?

- While driving with this code may not immediately harm the vehicle, it is recommended to address the issue promptly to avoid potential long-term damage to the emissions control system.

5. How can I repair OBDII code P20BD Ford related to the Reductant Heater 'B' Control Circuit/Open?

- Repair typically involves replacing the faulty reductant heater 'B', repairing any damaged wiring or connectors, and resetting the fault codes using an OBDII scanner.

6. Are there any DIY tips for addressing OBDII code P20BD Ford for the Reductant Heater 'B' Control Circuit/Open?

- DIY enthusiasts with automotive experience can attempt to visually inspect the wiring and connectors for visible damage before considering professional diagnosis and repair.

7. Is it safe to continue driving my vehicle with OBDII code P20BD Ford indicating a Reductant Heater 'B' Control Circuit/Open?

- While the vehicle may still be operational, continued driving with this code may result in decreased fuel efficiency and potential emissions issues, so it is advisable to address the problem promptly.

8. How much does it typically cost to repair OBDII code P20BD Ford for the Reductant Heater 'B' Control Circuit/Open?

- The cost of repairs can vary depending on the extent of the issue, the need for parts replacement, and labor costs, but it is recommended to consult a professional for an accurate estimate.

9. Can resetting the OBDII codes temporarily resolve P20BD Ford for the Reductant Heater 'B' Control Circuit/Open?

- Resetting the codes may temporarily turn off the check engine light, but if the underlying issue is not addressed, the code is likely to reappear after driving cycles.

10. How long does it typically take to repair OBDII code P20BD Ford related to the Reductant Heater 'B' Control Circuit/Open?

- The repair time can vary depending on the specific cause of the code, availability of parts, and the workload of the repair shop, but it is recommended to plan for at least a few hours for diagnosis and repair.

Discuss the causes and fixes for P20BD Ford OBDII Code

AutoCodes App

Fix Your Car Smarter

Try the New AutoCodes App!

Get complete OBDII diagnostics, repair solutions, and cost estimates, plus AI chat support on demand.

AutoCodes App on Google Play