AutoCodesFord – P20C0 Ford

P20C0 Ford Code - Reductant Heater 'B' Control Circuit High

Quick Answer

The reductant heater and sender assembly contain a pickup tube for the reductant pump modules, an electric heating element, a reductant temperature sensor, and an electrode type level sensor. 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 Ford indicates Reductant Heater 'B' Control Circuit High.
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 5,227
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 Ford Description

The reductant heater and sender assembly contain a pickup tube for the reductant pump modules, an electric heating element, a reductant temperature sensor, and an electrode type level sensor. The heating element is directly above the pickup tubes inlet filter. When the reductant temperature sensor detects the diesel exhaust fluid temperature dropping to the freezing point of 12°F (-11°C), the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) will command the glow plug control module to provide voltage to the heating element. The heating element thaws liquid reductant within the reductant heater and sender assembly reservoir during cold ambient temperatures.
OBDII Code P20C0 Ford - Reductant Heater 'B' Control Circuit High - AutoCodes.com
P20C0 Ford Code - Reductant Heater 'B' Control Circuit High

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P20C0 Ford?

  • Faulty Reductant Heater
  • Reductant Heater harness is open or shorted
  • Reductant Heater circuit poor electrical connection

How to Fix the DTC P20C0 Ford?

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.

Code Tech Notes

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P20C0 Ford 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 Ford code?

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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 Ford Code

What does the OBDII code P20C0 mean for a Ford vehicle?

The P20C0 code indicates an issue with the Reductant Heater 'B' control circuit, specifically that the circuit voltage is too high.

What are the symptoms of a P20C0 code in a Ford?

Symptoms can include the Check Engine Light turning on, poor DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid) system performance, and potential issues with emissions compliance.

What causes the P20C0 code to appear?

Common causes include a faulty reductant heater, damaged wiring or connectors, a malfunctioning control module, or corrosion in the circuit.

Can I drive my Ford vehicle with a P20C0 code?

While the vehicle may still be drivable, ignoring this code can lead to emissions system failure and potentially reduced engine performance over time.

How do I diagnose the P20C0 code?

Diagnosis involves inspecting the reductant heater, checking for damaged wiring or corroded connectors, and testing the control circuit for proper voltage and resistance.

What is the function of the reductant heater in a Ford vehicle?

The reductant heater prevents the DEF from freezing in cold temperatures, ensuring proper operation of the emissions system.

How is the P20C0 code fixed?

Repairs may include replacing the reductant heater, repairing or replacing damaged wiring, cleaning corroded connectors, or reprogramming the control module if necessary.

What tools are needed to diagnose and repair the P20C0 code?

You’ll need an OBDII scanner, a multimeter for voltage and resistance testing, and possibly wiring repair tools for damaged circuits.

How much does it cost to fix the P20C0 code?

Repair costs vary depending on the issue, but replacing a reductant heater typically costs between $200 and $600, including parts and labor.

Can a P20C0 code trigger other related codes?

Yes, it may be accompanied by other DEF system-related codes, such as P20BA or P20B9, indicating additional issues with the reductant heaters or their circuits.

Discuss the causes and fixes for P20C0 Ford OBDII Code

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