AutoCodes – GMC – P2206 2018 GMC Sierra

P2206 2018 GMC Sierra Code - NOx Sensor 1 Heater Control 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 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: P2206 2018 GMC Sierra indicates NOx Sensor 1 Heater Control 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: 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 208

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

Repair Importance Level

Urgent (Diagnose now) (3 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Advanced (Pro) (3 / 3)

What is this?

Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Mar 24, 2024

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code P2206 2018 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 P2206 2018 GMC Sierra - NOx Sensor 1 Heater Control Circuit Low Voltage - AutoCodes.com — P2206 2018 GMC Sierra Code - NOx Sensor 1 Heater Control Circuit Low Voltage

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P2206 2018 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 P2206 2018 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 P2206 2018 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 P2206 2018 GMC Sierra 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 P2206 2018 GMC Sierra Code

What does the OBDII code P2206 mean on a 2018 GMC Sierra?

Code P2206 indicates a problem with the NOx Sensor 1 Heater Control Circuit, specifically low voltage detected in the heater control circuit.

What are the symptoms of P2206 on a 2018 GMC Sierra?

Common symptoms include decreased engine performance, poor fuel efficiency, illuminated check engine light, and possible emission system warnings.

What causes the P2206 code to appear?

Typical causes include a faulty NOx sensor heater, damaged wiring or connectors in the heater circuit, or a malfunctioning powertrain control module (PCM).

Can I drive my 2018 GMC Sierra with the P2206 code?

While the vehicle may still be drivable, driving with this code can lead to increased emissions and potential damage to other exhaust or emissions components.

How do I fix the P2206 code on a GMC Sierra?

Repairs may involve replacing the NOx sensor, repairing or replacing damaged wiring, checking and cleaning connectors, or updating/reprogramming the PCM if necessary.

How is the NOx sensor heater related to vehicle emissions?

The heater in the NOx sensor ensures the sensor operates effectively by maintaining optimal temperature, which is crucial for accurate monitoring of nitrogen oxide levels.

How do you diagnose the P2206 code?

Diagnosis typically involves scanning the vehicle with an OBDII tool, inspecting the NOx sensor and its wiring, checking the heater voltage, and testing the PCM for faults.

What tools are needed to repair the P2206 code?

Common tools include an OBDII scanner, multimeter for voltage testing, wiring repair kits, and basic hand tools for component replacement.

How much does it cost to fix a P2206 code?

Repair costs vary, but replacing the NOx sensor typically ranges from $300 to $600, depending on labor rates and parts pricing.

Can a dirty or clogged exhaust system cause the P2206 code?

While unlikely, exhaust system blockages can indirectly affect sensor performance. The most common issue is related to the sensor heater circuit itself.