P20BD OBD Error Code: Problem & Solutions

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The trouble code P20BD can be defined as Reductant Heater B Control Circuit/Open. Is the car engine not performing as per the expectations? Are you noticing affected fuel economy, increased emissions from the tailpipe and check engine light illuminated on the dashboard? This can be an indication of the problem with the reductant heater B control circuit of the vehicle, resulting in OBD code P20BD getting stored in the powertrain control module (PCM).

The reductant heater B control circuit is being monitored by the engine control module. This trouble code would be set by the ECM when the reductant heater B control circuit voltage would not be as per the specifications set by the manufacturer. The engine control module, powertrain control module or the transmission control module monitors this circuit depending upon the particular automobile.

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

• Imperfect reductant heater
• Flaws in the reductant temperature sensor
• Issue of unbolted reductant heater control harness
• Unacceptable electrical connection in the reductant heater control circuit
• Defective SCR controller /PCM or programming error

1. Engine Control Module - Most of the time it is difficult to intercept the ECM faults and thus must be checked for thoroughly. There can be a problem with the circuit or the software might have malfunctioned. Thus repair, replace or reprogram the component as per requirement.
2. Exhaust Gas Recirculation Valve - Did you just see check engine light flashing on your dashboard? If the computer would detect some fault with the automobile’s EGR valve circuit, then it would set up the check engine light so that the driver is notified about the fault. Don’t waste time and get them replaced or else this fault code can turn up.
3. Automatic Transmission Module - Sometime the transmission module is unable to communicate or correctly anticipate the speed of the vehicle and thus creates difficulty in gear shift leading to sluggish acceleration, throttle response and stalling. Thus can also hamper a lot of components physically and thus must be check for and replaced, if required.
4. Fuel Injector - The fuel injectors are important component of the fuel delivery system that helps in proper utilization of the fuel entering the engine. This not only helps in taking care of the air to fuel ratios in the engine, helping the combustion process but also enhances the performance. Thus, replace faulty injector now!
5. Powertrain Control Module - If the PCM is faulty, it can stores wrong OBD codes and can lead to misdiagnosis. This can happen due to misinterpretation of data received from the various sensors and components which also affects the vehicle’s performance. Thus replace it immediately.
6. Electronic Control Unit - If the ECU is at fault, it will not be able to read the boost converter temperatures correctly leading to underperformance. Thus, replace faulty ECU now!
7. Diagnostic Tool - Choose from our diagnostic tools collection that will come handy to detect and correct the OBD error code.

Our main motive is to achieve customer satisfaction as for us our customers are everything and that’s why we will help you to diagnose P20BD code by mentioning some major symptoms below:

Common Symptoms

• The engine performance might be reduced
• Diminishing fuel mileage
• Excessive black smoke might start emitting from automobile exhaust
• There might be some other SCR related codes

If you wish to correct this fault code, then you have to follow certain steps. Correcting a problem needs your careful attention. Here are some ways with the help of which you will be able to correct the OBD Code P20BD:

• Carefully adjust the faults in the reductant heater control sensor
• Adjust the flawed reductant heater control sensor harness
• Bad reductant heater control circuit replacement
• Faulty wiring and connector repairs
• Powertrain control module repair and reprogramming

However, if you face any issue then we have stocked a wide range of best priced pcm, ecm, diesel exhaust fluid, reductant heater, reductant temperature sensor, catalytic converter, ecm module, pcm module and more to help you out in fixing your car.

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

• Find and freeze frame data with the code. Then, clear the code and take the vehicle on a test drive under the same conditions.
• If the code reappears, perform a visual inspection of the reductant heater system harnesses and connectors.
• Plug the scanner into the vehicle diagnostic connector and retrieve all stored codes and pertinent freeze frame data. Note this information down before clearing the fault codes. Make the PCM to go into readiness mode or reset the code by test driving the vehicle.
• If the PCM enters readiness mode, the code is intermittent and will be difficult to diagnose. If the code gets reset immediately, start searching for the correct information source to get diagnostic flow charts, connector pin-out charts as well as constituent testing procedures and specifications. 
• Test (voltage drop) the power supply to the SCR control system using a DVOM. Check fuses with the circuit loaded to avoid misdiagnosis. With the help of the scanner, activate the reductant heater and test output control circuit voltage, if the power battery voltage and ground circuit are discovered appropriately.
• There are chances that the controller is bad or has experienced a programming error, if the voltage is insufficient. If the voltage output circuit is within parameters, use the DVOM and test the reductant heater element.
• If the heater does not meet manufacturer’s specifications, then it might have failed and shall be replaced.

Common Mistakes When Diagnosing The P20BD Code

• Non performance of the glow plug control module
• Failure in the car wiring
• The reductant tank heater might not function properly