AutoCodesChevrolet – P20C0 2016 Chevrolet Silverado

P20C0 2016 Chevrolet Silverado Code - Reductant Heater 2 Control Circuit High 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
P20C0 2016 Chevrolet Silverado indicates Reductant Heater 2 Control Circuit High 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 247
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 P20C0 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 a voltage for greater than 4 s.
OBDII Code P20C0 2016 Chevrolet Silverado - Reductant Heater 2 Control Circuit High Voltage - AutoCodes.com
P20C0 2016 Chevrolet Silverado Code - Reductant Heater 2 Control Circuit High Voltage

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P20C0 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 P20C0 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 P20C0 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 P20C0 2016 Chevrolet Silverado code?

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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 P20C0 2016 Chevrolet Silverado Code

What does the OBDII code P20C0 mean on a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado?

The P20C0 code indicates a problem with the Reductant Heater 2 Control Circuit, specifically that it is experiencing high voltage.

What are the symptoms of the P20C0 code in a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado?

Common symptoms include the check engine light turning on, poor engine performance, or issues with the diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) system in colder weather.

What causes the P20C0 code to appear?

The code is typically caused by issues like a faulty reductant heater, damaged wiring or connectors in the heater circuit, or a malfunctioning powertrain control module (PCM).

Can I drive my 2016 Chevrolet Silverado with the P20C0 code?

While the truck might still be drivable, ignoring the code can lead to further DEF system problems and may eventually limit engine performance.

How do I diagnose the P20C0 code on my Silverado?

Diagnosis involves checking the DEF system’s heater circuit for damaged wiring, testing the reductant heater's resistance, and verifying the voltage levels in the control circuit.

How can I fix the P20C0 code?

Repairs may include replacing the reductant heater, repairing damaged wiring or connectors, or updating or reprogramming the PCM if necessary.

Is the P20C0 code related to cold weather issues?

Yes, the reductant heater is responsible for preventing DEF from freezing in cold temperatures, so the code may cause problems in colder climates.

How much does it cost to repair the P20C0 code?

Repair costs can vary but may range from $200 to $800 depending on whether you need to replace the reductant heater or repair the wiring.

Can a bad reductant heater cause other issues in my Silverado?

Yes, a failing reductant heater can lead to DEF freezing in cold weather, which may cause further emissions system problems or reduced engine performance.

Do I need to reprogram the PCM to fix the P20C0 code?

PCM reprogramming is not always required, but if the issue persists after hardware repairs, an update or reprogramming may be necessary.

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