AutoCodesGMC – P20C0 2016 GMC Sierra

P20C0 2016 GMC Sierra 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 GMC Sierra 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 194
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 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 control circuit is shorted to a voltage for greater than 4 s.
OBDII Code P20C0 2016 GMC Sierra - Reductant Heater 2 Control Circuit High Voltage - AutoCodes.com
P20C0 2016 GMC Sierra Code - Reductant Heater 2 Control Circuit High Voltage

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P20C0 2016 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 P20C0 2016 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 P20C0 2016 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 P20C0 2016 GMC Sierra code?

Need more information on how to fix the P20C0 2016 GMC Sierra code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the 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 GMC Sierra Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P20C0 in a 2016 GMC Sierra?

- Common symptoms include the Check Engine light coming on, reduced engine performance, and possible increased fuel consumption.

2. What does the OBDII code P20C0 indicate in a 2016 GMC Sierra?

- The code P20C0 indicates a malfunction in the Reductant Heater 2 Control Circuit, specifically high voltage.

3. What are the possible causes of OBDII code P20C0 in a 2016 GMC Sierra?

- Possible causes include a faulty Reductant Heater 2, damaged wiring or connectors in the control circuit, or a malfunctioning powertrain control module.

4. How can I diagnose the OBDII code P20C0 in my 2016 GMC Sierra?

- Diagnosis typically involves using a scan tool to retrieve the specific fault code, checking the wiring and connectors related to the Reductant Heater 2, and testing the heater itself for proper function.

5. Can I continue driving my 2016 GMC Sierra with OBDII code P20C0?

- It is not recommended to continue driving with this code present, as it can lead to reduced engine performance and potential damage to emission control components.

6. How can I repair OBDII code P20C0 in my 2016 GMC Sierra?

- Repair may involve replacing the Reductant Heater 2, repairing or replacing damaged wiring or connectors, or reprogramming the powertrain control module.

7. Is it safe to clear the OBDII code P20C0 in my 2016 GMC Sierra without addressing the issue?

- Clearing the code without addressing the underlying problem may temporarily turn off the Check Engine light, but the issue will likely resurface, causing potential performance issues and emission problems.

8. Can a DIY enthusiast fix OBDII code P20C0 in a 2016 GMC Sierra?

- Depending on the underlying cause, a DIY enthusiast with the right tools and knowledge may be able to address the issue, such as replacing the Reductant Heater 2 or repairing damaged wiring.

9. How much does it typically cost to repair OBDII code P20C0 in a 2016 GMC Sierra at a repair shop?

- The cost of repair can vary depending on the specific cause of the code, but it may range from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars, including parts and labor.

10. Will OBDII code P20C0 cause my 2016 GMC Sierra to fail an emissions test?

- Yes, having this code present can cause your vehicle to fail an emissions test due to the malfunction in the Reductant Heater 2 Control Circuit.

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