AutoCodesGMC – P2205 2016 GMC Sierra

P2205 2016 GMC Sierra Code - NOx Sensor 1 Heater Control Circuit

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 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
P2205 2016 GMC Sierra indicates NOx Sensor 1 Heater Control Circuit.
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
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.
AI answers can be wrong. Verify repairs with testing. Open full chat
Code Popularity 253
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Mar 24, 2024
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Code P2205 2016 GMC Sierra 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 P2205 2016 GMC Sierra - NOx Sensor 1 Heater Control Circuit - AutoCodes.com
P2205 2016 GMC Sierra Code - NOx Sensor 1 Heater Control Circuit

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P2205 2016 GMC Sierra?

  • 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 P2205 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 P2205 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 P2205 2016 GMC Sierra 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 P2205 2016 GMC Sierra Code

1. What does the OBDII code P2205 mean on a 2016 GMC Sierra?

The code P2205 indicates an issue with the NOx Sensor 1 Heater Control Circuit, which helps the NOx sensor function properly to monitor nitrogen oxide emissions.

2. What are the common symptoms of P2205 on a 2016 GMC Sierra?

Symptoms may include the check engine light turning on, reduced engine performance, poor fuel efficiency, and possibly a failure to pass emissions tests.

3. What causes the P2205 code to appear on a GMC Sierra?

Common causes include a faulty NOx sensor heater, damaged wiring or connectors in the heater circuit, or issues with the engine control module (ECM).

4. Can a bad NOx sensor cause other problems in a 2016 GMC Sierra?

Yes, a malfunctioning NOx sensor can lead to increased emissions and negatively impact engine performance and fuel economy.

5. How can I diagnose the P2205 code on my GMC Sierra?

Start by inspecting the wiring and connectors for damage, then test the NOx sensor heater circuit with a multimeter to check for proper voltage and continuity.

6. Can I drive my 2016 GMC Sierra with the P2205 code?

While the vehicle may still be drivable, continuing to drive with this code can lead to increased emissions and further damage to the emission control system.

7. How do I fix a P2205 code on my GMC Sierra?

Repairs may include replacing the NOx sensor, repairing or replacing damaged wiring, or updating/reprogramming the ECM if necessary.

8. How much does it cost to fix the P2205 code on a GMC Sierra?

The cost depends on the specific repair needed, but replacing the NOx sensor typically ranges from $200 to $500, including parts and labor.

9. Can a faulty NOx sensor heater trigger other OBDII codes?

Yes, a malfunctioning heater may also trigger related codes like P2200 or P2201, which indicate broader issues with the NOx sensor.

10. Do I need to clear the P2205 code after repairs?

Yes, after completing repairs, use an OBDII scanner to clear the code and verify that it doesn’t return during a test drive.

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