AutoCodesChevrolet – P20BF 2016 Chevrolet Silverado

P20BF 2016 Chevrolet Silverado Code - Reductant Heater 2 Control Circuit Low Voltage

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
P20BF 2016 Chevrolet Silverado indicates Reductant Heater 2 Control Circuit Low Voltage.
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 333
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 P20BF 2016 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 shorted to ground or overloaded for greater than 4 s.
OBDII Code P20BF 2016 Chevrolet Silverado - Reductant Heater 2 Control Circuit Low Voltage - AutoCodes.com
P20BF 2016 Chevrolet Silverado Code - Reductant Heater 2 Control Circuit Low Voltage

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P20BF 2016 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 P20BF 2016 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 P20BF 2016 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 P20BF 2016 Chevrolet Silverado code?

Need more information on how to fix the P20BF 2016 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 P20BF 2016 Chevrolet Silverado Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P20BF in a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado?

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

2. What does the OBDII code P20BF indicate in a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado?

- The code P20BF specifically refers to a fault in the Reductant Heater 2 control circuit, indicating low voltage in the system.

3. What are the possible causes of OBDII code P20BF in a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado?

- Potential causes include a faulty Reductant Heater 2, damaged wiring or connectors, a defective heating element, or issues with the power supply to the heater.

4. How can I diagnose the Reductant Heater 2 control circuit low voltage issue in my 2016 Chevrolet Silverado?

- Diagnosis involves checking the wiring and connectors for damage, testing the resistance of the heating element, and verifying the power supply to the heater using a multimeter.

5. Can I continue driving my 2016 Chevrolet Silverado with OBDII code P20BF active?

- It is not recommended to drive the vehicle with this fault unresolved, as it can lead to reduced engine performance and potential damage to emission control components.

6. How can I repair OBDII code P20BF in my 2016 Chevrolet Silverado?

- Repair options include replacing the Reductant Heater 2, repairing damaged wiring or connectors, testing and replacing the heating element, and ensuring a proper power supply to the heater.

7. Is it possible to reset the OBDII code P20BF in a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado without fixing the underlying issue?

- While you can clear the code using an OBDII scanner, it will likely return until the root cause of the Reductant Heater 2 control circuit low voltage problem is resolved.

8. How important is it to fix OBDII code P20BF in a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado promptly?

- It is essential to address this fault promptly to prevent further damage to emission control components, ensure proper engine performance, and maintain compliance with emissions regulations.

9. Can extreme weather conditions affect the occurrence of OBDII code P20BF in a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado?

- Yes, extreme temperatures can impact the performance of the Reductant Heater 2 system, potentially leading to issues with low voltage and triggering the P20BF fault code.

10. What is the typical cost of repairing OBDII code P20BF in a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado at a dealership or a repair shop?

- The cost of repair can vary depending on the exact cause of the issue, but it may range from $200 to $500 or more, including parts and labor.

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