What Is the P205B Code?
Symptoms
Causes
Seriousness
Can I Still Drive?
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The definition of code P205B is “Reductant Tank Temperature Sensor A Circuit Range/Performance.” Essentially, this means that the powertrain control module (PCM) or engine control module (ECM) has noted a problem with the reductant tank temperature sensor, specifically the “A” sensor in your vehicle. This code can appear on all OBD-II-equipped vehicles with a reductant tank, which is only in diesel engines.
More About Error Code P205B
Your powerful diesel engine has a complex system that converts leftover exhaust particles to harmless gases, helping it fit into emission standards. As part of the selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system, the engine injects diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) into the exhaust stream, causing a rise in temperature for your diesel particulate filter (DEF), which allows your particulates to burn for longer and reduce emissions as much as possible. There are many areas where a problem may pop up. The P205B generic powertrain code indicates that the vehicle’s reductant tank temperature sensor, which monitors the temperature of the DEF in the DEF storage tank, returns a voltage that isn’t within the acceptable parameters.
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What Are the Symptoms of a P205B Code?
The most common symptoms of the P205B code usually involve a malfunctioning SCR system. Major symptoms may include a reduction in fuel efficiency, excessive black smoke from the vehicle exhaust, overall diminished engine performance, and additional codes that point to a problem within the SCR system. It is common to see the check engine light turn on, but your vehicle may need multiple failed cycles before turning on the malfunction indicator lamp.
What Are Some Causes of a P205B Code?
Most of the time, the problems related to the P205B code have to do with a problem in the reductant tank temperature sensor, including a defective reductant tank temperature sensor or problems with open and shorted circuits surrounding this system. In some cases, the SCR controller may be experiencing faults, or there may be a programming error within the PCM or ECM. But these are fairly uncommon reasons to experience fault code P205B.
How Serious Is the P205B Code?
As part of the SRC system, the P205B engine code should be considered extremely severe and addressed as soon as possible. In some vehicles, this engine code could disable the SCR system, as being unable to identify the specific internal temperature of the reductant tank means that the vehicle might make the tank much too hot, overheating an important area of your engine. This can result in catalyst damage, especially if you don’t fix the cause of the code quickly. It is best to get assistance with the P205B code.
Can I Still Drive with a P205B Code?
You may be able to drive for a period of time with the P205B code active, but you shouldn’t drive for very long. The P205B engine code can result in catalyst damage, which is much more difficult and expensive to fix than diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P205B. Instead of continuing to drive and ignoring this fault code, getting expert assistance and fixing the problem is a good idea.
How Easy Is It to Diagnose a P205B Code?
Diagnosis of the P205B code can be difficult solely because this code provides little direction in determining the problem. You also need to be able to tell whether the code is intermittent or consistent. Intermittent codes are much more difficult to diagnose and may require more research and understanding before determining the core problem. Getting help from an expert mechanic is best for DIYers rather than trying to figure this code out yourself.
How Difficult Is It to Inspect a P205B Code?
To inspect the P205B error code, you’ll need advanced specialty tools, such as a diagnostic scanner, a digital volt/ohmmeter (DVOM), and a vehicle information source, including technical service bulletins for diagnostic information. It’s also good to have experience with the systems involved in the P205B code, including the SCR system, as you need to perform a visual inspection and determine whether there are any wiring or electrical connection problems.
Need Additional Help with Your P205B Code?
It’s very common for people to need help with the P205B code, as it can be difficult to understand and even more difficult to diagnose and inspect. For help from a certified mechanic, there are plenty of great options.
First, you should find an auto repair shop for diagnosis in your area. This will allow you to accurately diagnose your error code in the most convenient way possible.
It’s also important that you check out the OBD-II database at KBB.com. This database is key if you’re experiencing additional error codes, as it will give you insight into what those codes mean and how to fix them.
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