Feedback

P20C2 OBD Error Code: Problem & Solutions

OBD Code P20C2 - Reductant Heater C Control Circuit Performance

<<See All OBD Codes

OBD error code P20C2 is a generic error code. Now you must be wondering what does this term generic code means. Generic codes are the code that apply to all makes and models.

So, what is this OBD error code P20C2 about? This error code indicates that there is some issue with your vehicle’s reductant heater C control circuit. If you wish to know more about this error code you will need to go through the subsequent sections.

Learn More About OBD Error Code P20C2

It might interest you to know that your modern day vehicle’s have inbuilt powerful diesel engines which in order to meet the emission standards have installed high end EGR, cat converters, diesel particulate filters and mre to reduce the NOx emissions. Now, you must be wondering how is it related to P20C2 error code. Well, your vehicle's powertrain control module will set this OBD error code P20C2 when it detects some voltage errors with the reductant heater C control circuit performance. To know more about this error code, take a look at the sections below.


What causes this problem with the Reductant Heater C Control Circuit Performance


  • Non-operative reductant heater
  • Open or shorted reductant heater harness
  • Poor electrical connection in the reductant heater circuit

Replace/Repair These Parts To Fix Code P20C2

  1. Powertrain Control Module - If your car’s PCM isn’t functioning properly, you will need to have it replaced as early as possible to avoid any form of engine performance issues. You can find one with us at PartsAvatar for your specific make and model.
  2. Reductant Tank Heater - A well functioning one is extremely essential to make sure that diesel exhaust fluid does not freeze under extreme weather condition. If you are facing OBD error code P20C2, then chances are that you have a faulty reductant tank heater which demand a quick replacement.
  3. EGR System & Parts - The EGR system performs the crucial function of recirculating a portion of an engine's exhaust gas back to the engine cylinders. This proves that you can’t go a long way with a damaged egr valve and related parts. Replace the faulty ones today with PartsAvatar.
  4. Diesel Particulate System & Parts - If the DPF parts are not functioning properly, they can cause increased emissions in the exhaust system and reduce the longevity of the filtration elements in the exhaust system. Thus, replace faulty ones today.
  5. Catalytic Converter - Chances of catalytic converter being damaged is quite high, as they are continually exposed to engine heat. If you need new cat converter to get rid of this error code P20C2 then you can find one with us at PartsAvatar.
  6. Diesel Exhaust Fluid - Dirty or low level of diesel exhaust fluid can be troublesome for your vehicle’s performance. Don’t think and replace the dirty one today.
  7. Glow Plug Control Module - We have in stock high end glow plug control modules for all makes and models. So, don’t waste time and get your hand on our best range of auto parts today.

Symptoms Of The OBD Error Code P20C2

If you are facing OBD error code P20C2, then there are significant common symptoms that can be felt or observed. We have worked out a list here to help you out in understanding this problem better.


Common Symptoms


  • Steep fall in engine performance
  • Black emissions from exhaust
  • Fall in fuel economy
  • Appearance of other SCR related codes

How To Correct P20C2 Reductant Heater C Control Circuit Performance

It is very important to fix the fault code P20C2. So here are some ways with which you can correct this issue:


  • Undergo faulty reductant heater replacement
  • Undergo open or shorted reductant heater wires and connectors replacement
  • Undergo electrical connections for the reductant heater C control circuit replacement
  • Replace the faulty catalytic converters and other related exhaust parts
  • Make sure that your vehicle’s control modules - glow plug control modules and powertrain control module are in best shape, if not, then undergo their replacement at the earliest.

To do all this, you will need few high-quality auto parts such as PCM, EGR System, Diesel Particulate Filter, Catalytic Converter, Diesel Exhaust Fluid, Reductant Tank Heater, Reductant Heater Harness, Glow Plug Control Module and so on. From where will you get them? From your local store? Well, why go there when you can order quality parts with us while sitting in the comfort of your home. So, just browse through our website and order your needed parts today.

Easy Diagnosis Of Engine Error OBD Code P20C2

If you want to easily diagnose this fault code P20C2, then all you have to do is to follow the steps which are mentioned below:

Firstly, you will need to get hold of a diagnostic scanner, digital volt/ohmmeter and a reliable source of vehicle diagnostics.It will be really helpful if you could get hold of technical service bulletin (TSB) specific to your vehicle. Believe us it will prove to be extremely helpful for you in your diagnosis process. While choosing a TSB, make sure that it matches your vehicle year, make, and model and also the engine size.

  • To start you diagnosis, undergo a complete visual inspection of your vehicle’s reductant heater C control circuit and related harnesses and connectors.Make sure the wires and connectors are not burnt or damaged, in case they are you will need repair or replace them. Now, connect the diagnostic scanner to the diagnostic port of your vehicle and restore all the store codes and freeze the frame data. Not the information and clear all the codes.Next step is to test drive the vehicle till the vehicles PCM enters the readiness mode or the code is reset.
  • In case of an intermittent code, it will be more difficult to diagnose it as the condition which set this code needs to be worsen in order to diagnose this code.
  • In case the code resets itself, then you will need to look into the vehicle information source to get the diagnostic flow charts flow charts, connector pin out charts, connector face views, as well as component testing procedures and specifications.
  • You will need this information to move on to the next diagnosis step. Make use of the DVOM to check the power supply to the SCR control system. Also, check the fuses with loaded circuit to avoid an sort of misdiagnosis. In case you discover inappropriate power or voltage, then you will need to test the output control circuit voltage. If this voltage turns out to be insufficient then check if the controller is bad or is facing any programming error.
  • In case the voltage output circuit turns out to be within the needed parameters, then use the DVOM to check the reductant heater element for C control Circuit. You can consider as failed if the heater fails to meet manufacturer’s specifications.

Common Mistakes When Diagnosing the P20C2 Code

When you undergo error code P20C2 diagnosis, few misdiagnosis are common. In order to make sure that you don’t commit any, make sure to keep an eye on the following failures:

  • Failing glow plug control module
  • Failing reductant tank heater
  • Troublesome wiring

Other Diagnostic Codes Related To OBD Code P20C2

P20C1 - Reductant Heater "C" Control Circuit/Open

P20C3 - Reductant Heater "C" Control Circuit Low

P20C4 - Reductant Heater "C" Control Circuit High