AutoCodesBuick – P220B Buick

P220B Buick Code - NOx Sensor 2 Supply Voltage 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 2, Nitrogen Oxides Sensor 2 harness is open or shorted, Nitrogen Oxides Sensor 2 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
P220B Buick indicates NOx Sensor 2 Supply Voltage Circuit.
Common causes
Common causes include Faulty Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) Sensor 2, Nitrogen Oxides Sensor 2 harness is open or shorted, Nitrogen Oxides Sensor 2 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 386
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Jul 27, 2021
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Code P220B 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 when the sensor supply voltage is less than 10.8 V.
OBDII Code P220B Buick - NOx Sensor 2 Supply Voltage Circuit - AutoCodes.com
P220B Buick Code - NOx Sensor 2 Supply Voltage Circuit

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P220B Buick?

  • Faulty Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) Sensor 2
  • Nitrogen Oxides Sensor 2 harness is open or shorted
  • Nitrogen Oxides Sensor 2 circuit poor electrical connection

How to Fix the DTC P220B 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 is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P220B 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.

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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 P220B Buick Code

1. What does the OBDII code P220B mean for a Buick?

P220B indicates an issue with the NOx Sensor 2 Supply Voltage Circuit, often related to the sensor's power or voltage supply being out of range.

2. What are the symptoms of P220B on a Buick?

Common symptoms include reduced engine performance, illuminated check engine light, poor fuel efficiency, and possible increased emissions.

3. What causes the P220B code to appear?

Typical causes include a faulty NOx sensor, damaged wiring or connectors, a blown fuse, or issues with the vehicle's powertrain control module (PCM).

4. Can I drive my Buick with a P220B code?

While the car may still be drivable, it’s not recommended, as it can lead to poor performance, higher emissions, and potential damage to the catalytic converter.

5. How do I diagnose the P220B code?

Start by checking the NOx sensor wiring and connectors for damage, test the sensor’s voltage supply, inspect fuses, and scan for additional trouble codes.

6. How much does it cost to fix a P220B code on a Buick?

Repair costs vary but may range from $200 to $600, depending on whether the NOx sensor, wiring, or other components need to be replaced.

7. Can a bad NOx sensor cause other problems?

Yes, a faulty NOx sensor can lead to increased emissions, reduced fuel efficiency, and potential damage to the exhaust system.

8. What tools are needed to troubleshoot a P220B code?

You’ll typically need an OBDII scanner, a multimeter to check voltage, and possibly wiring diagrams for your Buick model.

9. Does cleaning the NOx sensor fix the P220B code?

In most cases, cleaning the NOx sensor is not effective. If the sensor is faulty, replacement is usually required.

10. Will resetting the check engine light clear P220B permanently?

Resetting the light may clear the code temporarily, but if the underlying issue isn’t fixed, the code will return.

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