AutoCodes – Ford – P249C Ford

P249C Ford Code - Excessive Time To Enter Closed Loop Reductant Injection Control

Quick Answer

Some manufacturers are now using a Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) system commonly called a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system to reduce harmful Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx). Common causes include Exhaust Leaks, Fuel contamination, Faulty Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF). 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: P249C Ford indicates Excessive Time To Enter Closed Loop Reductant Injection Control.
Common causes: Common causes include Exhaust Leaks, Fuel contamination, Faulty Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF).
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.

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Code Popularity 12,165

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 Jul 09, 2020

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code P249C Ford Description

Some manufacturers are now using a Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) system commonly called a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system to reduce harmful Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx). The diesel exhaust fluid is a Urea based solution of approximately 32% Urea and 64% distilled water. The solution is injected into the exhaust gas stream upstream of the SCR catalyst. Once in the exhaust system it decomposes and becomes Ammonia (NH3) and Carbon dioxide (CO2). Within the catalyst, the NH3 and CO2 react with the Nox to create Oxygen (O2) and harmless Nitrogen (N2).
The system requires a storage tank for the diesel exhaust fluid, a pump with integrated level sensor, pressure sensor and fluid quality sensor, an injector fitted to the exhaust system, fluid heater and the catalyst. Sensors can also be fitted close to the SCR catalyst to monitor temperature during regeneration.
The system is closely monitored for correct operation as failure of the system will have a large impact on vehicle exhaust gas emissions of oxides of Nitrogen.

OBDII Code P249C Ford - Excessive Time To Enter Closed Loop Reductant Injection Control - AutoCodes.com — P249C Ford Code - Excessive Time To Enter Closed Loop Reductant Injection Control

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P249C Ford?

Exhaust Leaks
Fuel contamination
Faulty Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF)
Faulty NOx Sensor
Diesel Exhaust Fluid
Faulty Selective Catalyst Reduction (SCR) Catalyst

How to Fix the DTC P249C Ford?

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 P249C Ford 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 P249C Ford Code

1. What does OBDII code P249C mean on a Ford vehicle?

P249C indicates "Excessive Time to Enter Closed Loop Reductant Injection Control," meaning the vehicle's diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) system is taking too long to start normal operation during engine warm-up.

2. What are common symptoms of code P249C?

Common symptoms include the check engine light turning on, reduced fuel efficiency, increased emissions, and possible DEF system warning messages.

3. What causes code P249C to appear?

This code is typically caused by a faulty NOx sensor, issues with the DEF injector, a clogged DEF system, low-quality DEF fluid, or problems with the exhaust temperature sensors.

4. Can a clogged DEF injector trigger code P249C?

Yes, a clogged DEF injector can prevent proper reductant injection, leading to delayed entry into closed-loop operation and triggering the P249C code.

5. How do I diagnose the P249C code on a Ford vehicle?

Diagnosing this code involves scanning with an OBDII scanner, checking the NOx sensors, inspecting the DEF system for clogs or leaks, and verifying the quality of the DEF fluid.

6. Can driving with the P249C code damage my vehicle?

While the vehicle may still run, ignoring the code could lead to increased emissions, reduced engine performance, and potential damage to the exhaust aftertreatment system.

7. How is the P249C code fixed?

Repairs may include replacing the NOx sensor, cleaning or replacing the DEF injector, refilling or replacing DEF fluid, or fixing any wiring or sensor issues in the exhaust system.

8. Does bad DEF fluid cause the P249C code?

Yes, contaminated or low-quality DEF fluid can lead to improper operation of the reductant system, triggering the P249C code.

9. Can extreme cold weather cause the P249C code?

Yes, in extremely cold temperatures, DEF can crystallize or freeze, causing delays in the system achieving the closed-loop operation and triggering the code.

10. How much does it cost to repair the P249C code?

Repair costs vary depending on the issue, but replacing a NOx sensor typically costs $200-$500, while DEF injector repairs or replacements may cost $300-$800.