AutoCodes – Chevrolet – P20BF 2017 Chevrolet Silverado

P20BF 2017 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 2017 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 418

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 P20BF 2017 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 2017 Chevrolet Silverado - Reductant Heater 2 Control Circuit Low Voltage - AutoCodes.com — P20BF 2017 Chevrolet Silverado Code - Reductant Heater 2 Control Circuit Low Voltage

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P20BF 2017 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 2017 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 2017 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 2017 Chevrolet Silverado code?

Need more information on how to fix the P20BF 2017 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 2017 Chevrolet Silverado Code

1. What does the P20BF code mean on a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado?

The P20BF code indicates a problem with the Reductant Heater 2 Control Circuit, specifically low voltage, which can affect the operation of the diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) system.

2. What are the symptoms of the P20BF code?

Common symptoms include an illuminated check engine light, DEF system warnings on the dash, poor DEF performance, or the vehicle entering reduced power mode.

3. What causes the P20BF code to appear?

This code can be triggered by issues such as a faulty reductant heater, damaged wiring or connectors, a blown fuse, or a malfunctioning powertrain control module (PCM).

4. Can I drive my Silverado with the P20BF code?

You may be able to drive the truck temporarily, but the DEF system may stop functioning properly, potentially leading to reduced power mode or emissions compliance issues.

5. How do I diagnose the P20BF code?

Diagnosis involves checking the wiring and connectors for damage, testing the reductant heater for proper resistance, and ensuring the control circuit is receiving the correct voltage.

6. How do I fix the P20BF code?

Repairs may include replacing the reductant heater, repairing damaged wiring, replacing a blown fuse, or in rare cases, reprogramming or replacing the PCM.

7. How much does it cost to repair the P20BF code?

Repair costs vary depending on the issue but typically range from $200 to $600, with reductant heater replacement being the most common fix.

8. Is the P20BF code covered under warranty?

If your vehicle is still under the emissions warranty, the repair may be covered. Check with your dealership for details.

9. Can a bad reductant heater cause other problems?

Yes, a faulty reductant heater can prevent the DEF system from functioning, leading to increased emissions and potential engine performance issues.

10. How can I prevent the P20BF code from recurring?

Regularly inspect and maintain the DEF system, including checking wiring and connectors for damage and ensuring the system operates within the correct temperature range.