P20A3 - OBD Trouble Code

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The trouble code P20A3 can be elucidated as Reductant Purge Control Valve Circuit High. If the PCM has detected some fault in the reductant purge control valve circuit, then it would give rise to P20A3 error code. It would also result in the appearance of the check engine light.

This trouble code is generic, which would mean that it can apply to all the vehicles which are equipped with the OBD-II or the vehicles which are made since 1996 up to the present. The specifications on the definition, the troubleshooting steps as well as repairs can always vary from one vehicle make to another. The reductant purge control valve circuit is being monitored by the engine control module. This trouble code would be set by the ECM when the reductant purge control valve circuit would not be as per the specifications set by the manufacturer.

What causes this problem with the Reductant Purge Control Valve Circuit High?

• Faulty PCM or ECM
• There can be inoperative reductant purge control valve
• Unusable fuse or fuse-able link
• Imperfect control module ground strap
• Broken or loose connector
• The wiring might not be functioning properly

1. Engine Control Module - Dead cells in batteries can cause a failure in the engine control module. Many times a battery is left in the rig long after a cell has died. This would affect the grounding in the car battery.
2. Powertrain Control Module - If there are some faults in the PCM, then it may throw off the timing and fuel settings of the engine, which can negatively affect the performance. A flawed PCM may cause the vehicle to experience a reduction in fuel efficiency, power as well as acceleration.
3. Exhaust Gas Recirculation Valve – Bad EGR valve can cause many performance issues. Common signs include engine performance issues like decreased power and acceleration, rough idle, and the Check Engine Light coming on. Thus, replace faulty EGR valve now!
4. Diesel Exhaust Fluid Pump – If the DEF pump will not function properly, it can cause increased emissions in the exhaust system and reduced the longevity of the filtration elements in the exhaust system. Thus, replace faulty pump immediately.
5. Electronic Control Unit - Do you know that the poor performance or unexplained drops in fuel economy or efficiency are often associated to onboard car computer problems, or defective ECU issues?
6. Diagnostic Tools – Use factory grade diagnostic tools to resolve OBD code P20A3 error. Buy new diagnostic tools and equipment for us.

You might be thinking that how would you diagnose these problems? We at Parts Avatar Canada would help you diagnose the major symptoms easily.

Common Symptoms

• Visibility in the check engine light
• The engine performance might be reduced
• Diminishing fuel mileage

Looking out for some ways with the help of which you can correct this fault code? Then you have arrived at the correct place. We are here to help you out, so you must check out the steps mentioned below as follows:

• You must fix the defective wiring
• It is essential to restore the flawed reductant purge control valve
• Make sure to mend the faulty PCM or ECM
• The ground straps should be restored to working order
• The blown fuse or fuse-able link should be repaired

There is no need to get strained if your OBD Code is still flashing up as we are here at your service. Have a look at our superior variety of pcm, ecm, reductant purge control valve, diesel exhaust fluid, reductant tank heater, DEF system, reductant pump, reductant purge control valve, pressure sensor, temperature sensor, filters, reductant injector, fuse able link and many more. Now all your problems would vanish within no time.

Here are some steps which you should follow in order to diagnose this fault code:

An advanced scan tool is used to properly diagnose P20A3 fault code which is capable of factory sensor readings as well as codes to start. A technician which is well qualified would be able to read the data from the scan tool and would tell that exactly when and where the issue actually occurred or if the problem is still occurring. They can always clear the code from the ECM and take a test drive of the vehicle. This can be done while monitoring the scan tool data to see if the fault returns or if it is intermittent. Then after that the next step is to find all the constituents which are related to the reductant purge control valve circuit and then search for obvious physical damage. As per the particular vehicle, the DEF system might incorporate several constituents which include a reductant pump, purge valve, pressure sensor, integrated level sensor, temperature sensor, system heaters, filters, an electrically controlled reductant injector and a reservoir. A thorough visual inspection should be performed to inspect the related wiring for obvious defects such as scraping, rubbing, bare wires, or burn spots.

Then after that it is important to examine the connectors and connections for security, corrosion and damaged pins. The process should include all wiring connectors and connections to all components including the PCM or ECM. Consult the particular tech data for the automobile to check if a fuse or fuse-able link is incorporated into the circuit. The advanced steps become very automobile specific and need the appropriate advanced equipment to perform correctly. These procedures require a digital multimeter and the specific technical references for the vehicle. Now in this case, a pressure gauge may also be needed to assist the process of troubleshooting.

The reference voltage and the acceptable ranges might differ depending upon on the particular vehicle and the circuit configuration. Particular technical data will include troubleshooting charts and the appropriate sequence to follow assisting you with correct diagnosis. Now if an absence of a power source or ground is identified in this process, then there would be a need of continuity testing to inspect integrity of the wiring, connectors and other constituents. Make sure to perform continuity tests with the power removed from the circuit and the normal readings for wiring and connections should be 0 ohms of resistance. Resistance or no continuity would indicate that there are some faults in the wiring, so it should be repaired or restored. Then a continuity test should be performed from the PCM or ECM to the frame will confirm the serviceability level of ground straps and ground wires. The presence of resistance would indicate that the connection is loose or there is corrosion.

Common Mistakes When Diagnosing The P20A3 Code

• Powertrain control module related issues
• Quirks in the reductant purge valve
• Issues related with the car wiring