What Is the P20BA Code?
Symptoms
Causes
Seriousness
Can I Still Drive?
Diagnose
Difficulty of Inspecting
Get Additional Help
Diesel exhaust fluid can sometimes be at risk of freezing or crystallizing in low temperatures, which is obviously something that diesel engine manufacturers want to avoid inside your diesel engine. To avoid this problem, manufacturers include a reductant heater inside the vehicle, usually in either the reductant injector supply hose or the diesel exhaust fluid filter reservoir. The P20BA code indicates that the voltage signal from reductant heater A is not within the expected range that the manufacturer set.
More About the P20BA Code
Diesel exhaust fluid allows your diesel engine to convert the leftover exhaust particles, which can be extremely dangerous to the environment, into gasses that are much less harmful or completely harmless, converting harmful NOx into the less-harmful Nitrogen, Carbon Dioxide, and Water. This process happens through Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems. When your vehicle throws the P20BA code, it means that the SCR system is going to function less effectively overall.
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What Are the Symptoms of a P20BA Code?
The first symptom you’ll probably notice is that the check engine light will turn on. Sometimes, this is the only indication, but there may be other signs as well. Your engine may not be able to do DPF regeneration, which can even put the vehicle into Reduced Power Mode. Additionally, you might notice a reduction in fuel efficiency, and sometimes, you might start seeing excessive amounts of black smoke from the vehicle exhaust. Additionally, it’s common to see other SCR-related codes within the engine.
What Are Some Causes of a P20BA Code?
A faulty reductant heater is a potential problem, as well as an issue with your reductant temperature sensor. Wiring issues can also cause this problem, up to and including open or shorted circuits within the reductant heater control system. It can also be a problem in an adjacent system, such as failure of the glow plug control module (GPCM) or SCR controller. Finally, if none of these are faulty, it could be an issue with the PCM, although this is very rare and should not be expected before checking everything else.
How Serious Is the P20BA Code?
The P20BA code is very serious. Not only can your vehicle end up going into Reduced Power Mode, which can severely negatively impact your ability to drive the vehicle, but it can also make it difficult for the vehicle to convert the harmful NOx into less harmful gasses. Additionally, if you keep handling the car without managing this code, you could end up with catalyst damage, which can be much more expensive and difficult to rectify.
Can I Still Drive with a P20BA Code?
An expert will not suggest that you drive for any extended periods of time with the P20BA code. Although you can usually drive safely to the local repair shop with a P20BA code, you shouldn’t keep driving for long periods of time. The code will inevitably start creating damage within the engine, which will be a much more difficult fix that you won’t be able to put off forever.
How Easy Is It to Diagnose a P20BA Code?
To diagnose the actual cause of the P20BA code, you’ll need to be able to visually inspect the reductant heater system, scan through the diagnostic connector and understand all stored codes, and use a digital volt/ohmmeter. This diagnostic process can be difficult for someone who’s not used to fixing vehicles, and if you’re a general hobbyist, you should hand it over to an expert.
How Difficult Is It to Inspect a P20BA Code?
To inspect a P20BA code, you need a thorough understanding of the way the vehicle looks when everything is working properly. You’ll need access to vehicle-specific diagnostic information and the ability to visually inspect the vehicle’s reductant heater system. If you don’t have these things, then it’s best to just hand it over to an expert who can help.
Need Additional Help with Your P20BA Code?
Not only will your vehicle have potentially severe performance issues due to the P20BA code, but you can also experience further engine problems if you avoid handling this problem for too long. If you’re looking to get help in fixing this code, then you should look no further than a local repair shop, which can help you fix any make, model, and problem.
With Kelley’s repair shop locator, you can quickly find a repair shop in your area. Find the closest option to make sure you can drive safely to a repair shop.
Additionally, many problems associated with your SCR system will throw more than just a single code. If you’re looking to get more information about how these codes work, then the KBB OBD-II database can help. With this database, you’ll learn more about different problems within your vehicle and how the vehicle will let you know about them.
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