AutoCodes – GMC – P20BE 2017 GMC Sierra

P20BE 2017 GMC Sierra 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 2017 GMC Sierra 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 195

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 P20BE 2017 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 resistance is greater or less than a calibrated value for greater than 8 s.

OBDII Code P20BE 2017 GMC Sierra - Reductant Heater 2 Performance - AutoCodes.com — P20BE 2017 GMC Sierra Code - Reductant Heater 2 Performance

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P20BE 2017 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 P20BE 2017 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 P20BE 2017 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 P20BE 2017 GMC Sierra code?

Need more information on how to fix the P20BE 2017 GMC Sierra 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 P20BE 2017 GMC Sierra Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P20BE in a 2017 GMC Sierra?

- Common symptoms include the check engine light coming on, reduced engine performance, and potential issues with the diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) system.

2. What does the OBDII code P20BE on a 2017 GMC Sierra indicate?

- The code P20BE indicates a performance issue with Reductant Heater 2, which is a component of the DEF system responsible for reducing emissions.

3. What are the possible causes of OBDII code P20BE in a 2017 GMC Sierra?

- Possible causes include a faulty Reductant Heater 2, wiring or electrical issues, a malfunctioning DEF system, or a problem with the powertrain control module (PCM).

4. How can I diagnose the cause of OBDII code P20BE in my 2017 GMC Sierra?

- To diagnose the issue, you can perform a visual inspection of the DEF system components, check the wiring and connections, and use a scan tool to monitor the Reductant Heater 2 performance.

5. Can I continue driving my 2017 GMC Sierra with OBDII code P20BE?

- It is not recommended to drive the vehicle with the code P20BE active, as it can lead to increased emissions and potential damage to the engine components.

6. How can I repair OBDII code P20BE in my 2017 GMC Sierra?

- Repair options may include replacing the Reductant Heater 2, repairing any wiring or electrical issues, resetting the code with a scan tool, or seeking assistance from a professional mechanic.

7. Is OBDII code P20BE covered under warranty for a 2017 GMC Sierra?

- Depending on the specific circumstances and warranty coverage, the repair for code P20BE may be covered under the vehicle's emissions warranty or powertrain warranty.

8. Are there any maintenance tips to prevent OBDII code P20BE in a 2017 GMC Sierra?

- Regularly servicing the DEF system, using high-quality DEF fluid, and addressing any warning signs promptly can help prevent issues that may trigger code P20BE.

9. Can a DIY enthusiast fix OBDII code P20BE in a 2017 GMC Sierra?

- While some basic checks and repairs can be done by a DIY enthusiast, diagnosing and repairing complex issues related to code P20BE may require professional expertise and specialized tools.

10. How long does it take to repair OBDII code P20BE in a 2017 GMC Sierra?

- The repair time for code P20BE can vary depending on the exact cause of the issue, availability of parts, and the expertise of the person performing the repair. It may take anywhere from a few hours to a day or more.