Guide To P202A OBD Error Code Solutions

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Do you know what does P202A error signify? This is a general type of error which signifies that the PCM can be faulty and is known as reductant tank heater control circuit/open. In order to minimize the soot emission, DPF’s are available in newer vehicles. To burn off the soot, the DPF utilizes the diesel exhaust fluid. The DEF is heated by the reductant tank heater up to the temperature which is effective. The improper functioning of the reductant tank heater will be detected by the PCM, and the P202A error will be set in the vehicle.

The OBD-II error code – P202A is a general type of diagnostic trouble code and is known as reductant tank heater control circuit/open. This error will be set in the vehicle if the powertrain control module identifies an open circuit in the control system of the reductant tank heater. Here the word, ‘reductant’ particularly signifies the liquid reductant fluid which is also known as diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) which is injected into the exhaust stream so that the exhaust emission is minimized.

What causes this problem with the Reductant Tank Heater Control Circuit/Open?

• The electrical connectors in the reductant tank heater control circuit might be defective or the wires might be corroded, burnt, short or eroded.
• Faulty reductant tank heater element.
• Malfunctioning of the reductant temperature sensor.
• The reductant temperature thermostat might be broken at the place where it is fixed.
• The other control units might have failed or a faulty PCM. It is to be noted that, this is a very rare case, and the issue must be sought elsewhere before fixing any other control unit.

1. Powertrain control module - A faulty PCM can cause misfiring issues and the engine behavior might also be erratic. If your vehicle is causing misfiring issues, then it is because of a faulty powertrain control module. Shop them from Parts Avatar at best prices online.
2. Tank heater - Erratic heater behavior indicates that the tank heater is malfunctioning. Get rid of the defective P202A error by replacing the defective tank heater from PartsAvatar.
3. Diesel particulate filter - If the turbo fails or if there is too much of oil dripping into the diesel particulate filter, then it can turn out to be defective. Avoid the P202A error by replacing the faulty DPF.
4. Engine control module - The engine control module is considered to be the brain of the engine management system. So if your ECM is not functioning properly, then an immediate replacement is needed so that the system functions normally.
5. Engine wiring connectors - The engine wiring connectors play an important role in connecting various components. Is the engine wiring connector broken? Get the replacement for faulty engine wiring connectors at affordable prices from PartsAvatar.
6. Temperature sensor - The temperature sensor measures the temperature and sends the information to the charger to adjust the voltage. If the temperature is high, the temperature sensor will fail and will need a replacement to function normally.
7. Tank heater element - Do you find the tank heater element to be broken? Get the right replacement from PartsAvatar at the best prices.

It is essential to know the symptoms of an issue as only then you would be able to solve the problem. So that’s why we have listed out some major symptoms of OBD Code P202A here:

Common Symptoms

• The possible chances of DPF regeneration might be very less.
• Flashing of the engine light or the service engine will indicate you with a warning light.

Here are some ways with the help of which you will be able to correct the OBD Code P202A:

• The damaged wires and the electrical connectors must be fixed.
• Faulty reductant tank heater element must be replaced.
• Replacing the malfunctioning reductant temperature sensor.
• Fixing the broken reductant temperature thermostat.
• Changing the faulty PCM.

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It is essential to diagnose this fault code. Here are some steps which a mechanic should follow for diagnosing the problem that triggered a P202A code to be stored:

• This is a general type of trouble code and it is not difficult to diagnose or repair this error.
• It’s always best to give it to the professionals or technicians as they know the tactics to resolve this error where they will connect a scanner to the diagnostic port and recover the stored codes and freeze frame data.
• Performance issue can rise in the vehicle if the electrical connectors or the wires in the reductant tank heater control circuit is broken, damaged or corroded. The mechanic will address them first.
• If the error still shows up, then he will start inspecting the reductant tank heater element, reductant temperature sensor, and reductant temperature thermostat.
• Any possible defects will be addressed immediately.
• Rarely, the mechanic will check the powertrain control module as they might be faulty. If they are found to be defective, the faulty powertrain control module will be replaced.
• If this error code has been made alright, then the mechanic will look for other error codes and address them first, before starting to diagnose the error code P202A.
• After every diagnosis, the mechanic will reset the code, test drive the vehicle to see if the error code is still stored. Also, this will help the mechanic to know as to where the error occurred.

Common Mistakes When Diagnosing The P202A Code

• Defective powertrain control module.
• Damaged reductant tank heater.
• Reductant tank heater control module might be malfunctioning.
• Electrical wiring issue.