AutoCodes – Buick – P2202 Buick

P2202 Buick Code - NOx Sensor 1 Circuit Low Voltage

Quick Answer

The Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) sensors are part of the selective catalytic reduction system, a device used to reduce NOx emission on diesel engines. Common causes include Faulty Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) Sensor, Nitrogen Oxides Sensor harness is open or shorted, Nitrogen Oxides Sensor circuit poor electrical connection. Severity is Moderate - service should be scheduled soon. The vehicle may still be drivable for short trips if it runs normally, but avoid hard driving and repair it soon.

What it means: P2202 Buick indicates NOx Sensor 1 Circuit Low Voltage.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) Sensor, Nitrogen Oxides Sensor harness is open or shorted, Nitrogen Oxides Sensor circuit poor electrical connection.
Severity: Moderate - service should be scheduled soon.
Can I drive?: The vehicle may still be drivable for short trips if it runs normally, but avoid hard driving and repair it soon.

Save to My Repairs My Repairs

AI answers can be wrong. Verify repairs with testing. Open full chat

Code Popularity 344

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

Repair Importance Level

Moderate (Service soon) (2 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Intermediate (2 / 3)

What is this?

Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Mar 29, 2024

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Tech Notes
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
Add Comment

💬 Need more help? Ask Coddy for instant answers — it's free!

Code P2202 Buick Description

The Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) sensors are part of the selective catalytic reduction system, a device used to reduce NOx emission on diesel engines. There are two NOx sensors, one placed upstream of selective catalytic reduction, to measure inlet NOx concentration, and one placed downstream. They are connected with the control module via CAN and all the information is exchanged through it. Since it is a smart sensor, all the electrical monitoring is performed inside the sensor and only the results are sent to the Engine Control Module (ECM). Each NOx sensor contains a sensing cell, a pumping cell, and a heater. A sample of exhaust gas passes through a diffusion gap between the sensing cell and the pumping cell. The NOx sensor maintains a constant reference voltage across the sensing cell. An electronic circuit within the sensor controls the pump current through the pumping cell in order to maintain a constant voltage in the sensing cell. The amount of current required to maintain the reference voltage in the sensing cell is proportional to the concentration of NOx in the exhaust. The ECM varies the amount of diesel exhaust fluid (reductant) added by varying the reductant injector duty cycle in response to changes in engine exhaust NOx levels. The smart NOx sensors consist of two components, the NOx module and the NOx sensor element that are serviced as a unit. A circuit or performance condition with a NOx sensor is detected by the NOx sensor module. The smart NOx sensor module communicates the condition to the ECM over the serial data line. The ECM sets a DTC when a serial data message is received from the NOx sensor module. The Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) will be set if the ECM software detects a fault in the NOx sensor circuitry or a performance fault in the NOx sensor for greater than 2 s.

OBDII Code P2202 Buick - NOx Sensor 1 Circuit Low Voltage - AutoCodes.com — P2202 Buick Code - NOx Sensor 1 Circuit Low Voltage

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P2202 Buick?

Faulty Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) Sensor
Nitrogen Oxides Sensor harness is open or shorted
Nitrogen Oxides Sensor circuit poor electrical connection

How to Fix the DTC P2202 Buick?

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 does this mean?

Code Tech Notes

There is a Factory Service Bulletin for the following Chevrolet models:
2010 Chevrolet Express
2011 Chevrolet Express
2011 Chevrolet Silverado

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P2202 Buick 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 P2202 Buick code?

Need more information on how to fix the P2202 Buick code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the P2202 Buick code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

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 P2202 Buick Code

1. What does the OBDII code P2202 mean on a Buick?

P2202 indicates that the NOx Sensor 1 (upstream) is reporting a low voltage signal to the engine control module (ECM), suggesting a potential issue with the sensor or its circuit.

2. What are the symptoms of code P2202 on a Buick?

Common symptoms include the check engine light turning on, reduced fuel efficiency, poor engine performance, and potentially increased emissions.

3. What causes the P2202 code on a Buick?

Potential causes include a faulty NOx sensor, damaged wiring or connectors in the sensor circuit, excessive carbon buildup on the sensor, or issues with the ECM.

4. Can driving with a P2202 code damage my Buick?

While the car may still be drivable, ignoring this code can lead to increased emissions, reduced fuel efficiency, and potential damage to the catalytic converter over time.

5. How do I diagnose the P2202 code on a Buick?

Diagnosis involves inspecting the NOx sensor and its wiring for damage, checking the electrical connections, testing the sensor voltage output with a multimeter, and possibly using a scan tool to monitor live data.

6. How do I fix the P2202 code on a Buick?

Repairs may include replacing the NOx sensor, repairing or replacing damaged wiring or connectors, cleaning the sensor if carbon buildup is the issue, or updating/reprogramming the ECM if needed.

7. How much does it cost to fix a P2202 code on a Buick?

Repair costs vary, but replacing a NOx sensor typically ranges from $200 to $500, depending on the model and labor rates.

8. Can a bad NOx sensor cause other problems in my Buick?

Yes, a faulty NOx sensor can lead to poor fuel economy, increased emissions, and potential damage to the catalytic converter if not addressed promptly.

9. Is it possible to clear the P2202 code without fixing the issue?

The code can be cleared temporarily with a scan tool, but it will likely return if the underlying issue is not resolved.

10. How often do NOx sensors fail on a Buick?

NOx sensors can fail due to age, contamination, or electrical issues, and they typically last between 50,000 to 100,000 miles, but this varies depending on driving conditions and maintenance.