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The definition of code P207F is “Reductant Quality Performance.” The powertrain control module (PCM) or engine control module (ECM) constantly analyzes how your vehicle’s reductant catalyst system converts NOx to nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and water. If the PCM or ECM notices that the reductant catalyst system isn’t performing as expected, it will set this code. This generic powertrain code can appear in any OBD-II vehicle with a diesel engine, as the reductant catalyst system is only present in diesel engines. It is common to see code P207F in Ford vehicles.
More About Error Code P207F
Diesel engines tend to produce more emissions in their basic state than gasoline engines, so systems have been developed to minimize those emissions. In most modern diesel vehicles, you will have a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system, which uses diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) to reduce your NOx emissions further. This code doesn’t mean that the SCR catalyst system or general reductant catalyst system isn’t working at all, but instead that it’s working at less than optimal capacity. This often means that the NOx sensor has determined a higher level of NOx than the manufacturer has programmed as optimal.
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By itself, the P207F fault code doesn’t cause any symptoms except for a higher level of emissions, which you may not even be able to tell unless you get an emissions check on your vehicle. However, these problems can prevent the diesel particulate filter (DPF) from regenerating, which leaves soot trapped inside the filter. This can cause many symptoms, like poor engine performance, decreased fuel economy, higher engine temperatures, and significantly more black smoke coming from the exhaust. The P207F error code also doesn’t usually set the check engine light, but a problem with the DPF regenerating usually will.
The problems leading to the P207F code often have to do with a failure somewhere within the SCR. General SCR failure can result in this fault code, and both contaminated DEF and a failure of the DEF injector can also create the P207F code. Notably, the P207F code error doesn’t often create symptoms significant enough to turn on the check engine light by itself. It’s not a hard fault, so the cause can be small overall.
The P207F code isn’t often seen as exceptionally serious by itself, but if it develops into a DPF regeneration problem, it can become serious. The DPF regeneration is important because it helps manage soot within your diesel exhaust. If that soot continues building up, it can result in drivability problems and visible concerns related to exhaust. As a recurring problem that many vehicle owners, especially Ford owners, experience, it’s a good idea to fix it when possible.
Most people will physically be able to drive with the P207F code, and you may even be driving your vehicle with the P207F code without knowing. However, in certain vehicles, the unit will be unable to start if the issue is unresolved; it depends entirely on the make and model. Because this code indicates that the SCR system isn’t performing at its maximum capacity, not that it’s stopped working entirely, it doesn’t usually turn on the check engine light by itself. However, once you know that the system is working below capacity, most experts will recommend getting help.
Diagnosis for a P207F code is known to be extremely difficult. The P207F Ford code, one of the more common experiences of the code, is a problem that tends to plague Ford diesel owners. As a conditional diagnostic trouble code, diagnosing the P207F code often requires a lot of knowledge of what this code might mean for you and how to check potential problems that could result in it. It’s an extremely generalized code that is difficult to understand and fix, so most people struggling with it opt for an experienced mechanic to help them with the fix.
Inspection can be as difficult as diagnosing the P207F code because you might need to know what to inspect. This cause usually relates to the SCR somehow, but it doesn’t point to a specific component of the SRC or even specific wiring problems. You may even need advanced equipment to know when the P207F code is happening. This is just one reason it’s a good idea to leave the inspection to a certified mechanic.
Most people will need additional help with the P207F code at some point, even if they try to do some of the fix on their own. No matter what kind of help you’re looking for, you can check out an expert for assistance.
First, you should find an auto repair shop in your area. Even in a vehicle that isn’t experiencing drivability problems, a local automobile repair shop lets you get help without going out of your way.
This is also an extremely generic trouble code, and if your code reader is showing you other error codes, those can help you diagnose the problem. The OBD-II database, which you can find at KBB.com, will give some insight into other trouble codes and how to fix them.
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