AutoCodesGMC – P22A1 2017 GMC Sierra

P22A1 2017 GMC Sierra Code - NOx Sensor 2 Circuit High 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 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
P22A1 2017 GMC Sierra indicates NOx Sensor 2 Circuit High Voltage.
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.
AI answers can be wrong. Verify repairs with testing. Open full chat
Code Popularity 150
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Mar 24, 2024
💬 Need more help? Ask Coddy for instant answers — it's free!

Code P22A1 2017 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 P22A1 2017 GMC Sierra - NOx Sensor 2 Circuit High Voltage - AutoCodes.com
P22A1 2017 GMC Sierra Code - NOx Sensor 2 Circuit High Voltage

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P22A1 2017 GMC Sierra?

  • 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 P22A1 2017 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 P22A1 2017 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 P22A1 2017 GMC Sierra code?

Need more information on how to fix the P22A1 2017 GMC Sierra code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the P22A1 2017 GMC Sierra 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 P22A1 2017 GMC Sierra Code

1. What does the OBDII code P22A1 mean on a 2017 GMC Sierra?

The P22A1 code indicates a high voltage issue in the circuit for NOx Sensor 2, which monitors nitrogen oxide levels in the exhaust system.

2. What are the common symptoms of code P22A1 on a 2017 GMC Sierra?

Symptoms may include the check engine light turning on, reduced fuel efficiency, poor engine performance, or the vehicle entering limp mode.

3. What causes the P22A1 code to appear?

Common causes include a faulty NOx Sensor 2, damaged wiring or connectors in the sensor circuit, or issues with the vehicle's ECM (Engine Control Module).

4. Can I drive my 2017 GMC Sierra with a P22A1 code?

While you may be able to drive the vehicle, it’s not recommended. The code can indicate emissions issues and may lead to reduced engine performance or further damage.

5. How do I diagnose the P22A1 code on my GMC Sierra?

Diagnose the code by using an OBDII scanner to confirm the fault, visually inspecting the NOx Sensor 2 wiring and connectors for damage, and testing the sensor's voltage with a multimeter.

6. How do I fix the P22A1 code on a 2017 GMC Sierra?

Repairs may include replacing the faulty NOx Sensor 2, repairing damaged wiring or connectors, or reprogramming/updating the ECM if necessary.

7. How much does it cost to repair a P22A1 code?

The cost of repairing a P22A1 code can range from $200 to $600, depending on whether the NOx sensor needs replacement or if additional wiring repairs are required.

8. Can a dirty exhaust system cause a P22A1 code?

Yes, excessive soot or contamination in the exhaust system can impact the performance of the NOx sensor, potentially triggering the P22A1 code.

9. What tools are needed to troubleshoot code P22A1?

You’ll need an OBDII scanner, a multimeter to check voltage, and possibly a wiring diagram for your vehicle to troubleshoot the issue.

10. Does a P22A1 code affect emissions testing?

Yes, a P22A1 code will likely cause your 2017 GMC Sierra to fail an emissions test since it indicates a malfunction in the NOx monitoring system.

Discuss the causes and fixes for P22A1 2017 GMC Sierra OBDII Code

Code P22A1 2017 GMC Sierra comments

No comments found for this page.

AutoCodes App

Fix Your Car Smarter

Try the New AutoCodes App!

Get complete OBDII diagnostics, repair solutions, and cost estimates, plus AI chat support on demand.

AutoCodes App on Google Play