AutoCodesGeneric – P20BE

P20BE Code - Reductant Heater 2 Performance

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
P20BE indicates Reductant Heater 2 Performance.
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 27,451
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 P20BE 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 resistance is greater or less than a calibrated value for greater than 8 s.
OBDII Code P20BE - Reductant Heater 2 Performance - AutoCodes.com
P20BE Code - Reductant Heater 2 Performance

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P20BE?

  • 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 P20BE?

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 P20BE 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 P20BE code?

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Information for Specific Makes

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 P20BE Code

1. What are common symptoms of OBDII code P20BE (Reductant Heater 2 Performance)?

- Common symptoms include the illumination of the check engine light, reduced fuel efficiency, and potential issues with the vehicle's emission system.

2. What causes OBDII code P20BE to trigger?

- This code is typically triggered when the reductant heater 2 in the vehicle's selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system does not perform within the expected parameters.

3. How serious is OBDII code P20BE?

- While this code may not cause immediate drivability issues, it can lead to increased emissions and potential long-term damage to the vehicle's emission control system if left unrepaired.

4. What are some possible repair tips for OBDII code P20BE?

- Repair tips may include checking the reductant heater 2 for proper operation, inspecting the wiring and connections for any faults, and clearing the code to see if it reoccurs.

5. Can I drive my vehicle with OBDII code P20BE?

- It is generally safe to drive the vehicle with this code, but it is recommended to have the issue diagnosed and repaired as soon as possible to prevent further problems.

6. How can I diagnose OBDII code P20BE at home?

- Diagnosing this code may require a professional OBDII scanner to read the code, along with visual inspection of the reductant heater 2 components and related wiring.

7. Will resetting the OBDII code P20BE make it go away permanently?

- Resetting the code may temporarily turn off the check engine light, but if the underlying issue causing the code is not addressed, it is likely to return.

8. How much does it typically cost to repair OBDII code P20BE?

- The cost of repairing this code can vary depending on the exact cause of the issue, but it may involve replacing the reductant heater 2, repairing wiring faults, or addressing other related components.

9. Can a DIY enthusiast fix OBDII code P20BE?

- While some DIY enthusiasts may be able to diagnose and repair this code, it is recommended to have the issue assessed by a professional mechanic to ensure proper resolution.

10. How long can I safely drive with OBDII code P20BE before getting it repaired?

- It is best to address this code promptly to prevent any potential damage to the emission control system and maintain optimal vehicle performance.

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