Engine-CodesGeneric – P20B8

P20B8 Code - Diesel Exhaust Fluid Reductant Pump Heater Control Circuit High

Quick Answer

The P20B8 diagnostic trouble code indicates a problem with the Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Reductant Pump Heater Control Circuit being too high. Common causes include Malfunctioning Reductant Pump Heater: The heater itself may be faulty and not functioning properly, causing the high voltage condition, Faulty Wiring: A short circuit or damaged wiring in the heater circuit can also trigger this code, Defective Relay: A malfunctioning relay that controls the reductant pump heater may cause the high voltage condition. Severity is High - diagnose this code as soon as possible. Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

What it means
P20B8 indicates Diesel Exhaust Fluid Reductant Pump Heater Control Circuit High.
Common causes
Common causes include Malfunctioning Reductant Pump Heater: The heater itself may be faulty and not functioning properly, causing the high voltage condition, Faulty Wiring: A short circuit or damaged wiring in the heater circuit can also trigger this code, Defective Relay: A malfunctioning relay that controls the reductant pump heater may cause the high voltage condition.
Severity
High - diagnose this code as soon as possible.
Can I drive?
Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Sep 08, 2024
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Code P20B8 Description

The P20B8 diagnostic trouble code indicates a problem with the Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Reductant Pump Heater Control Circuit being too high. In vehicles equipped with Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems, DEF is injected into the exhaust stream to reduce harmful emissions. The reductant pump heater is responsible for maintaining the DEF at the optimal temperature for efficient operation.

OBDII Code P20B8 - Diesel Exhaust Fluid Reductant Pump Heater Control Circuit High
P20B8 Code - Diesel Exhaust Fluid Reductant Pump Heater Control Circuit High

Common Causes of P20B8

  1. Malfunctioning Reductant Pump Heater: The heater itself may be faulty and not functioning properly, causing the high voltage condition.
  2. Faulty Wiring: A short circuit or damaged wiring in the heater circuit can also trigger this code.
  3. Defective Relay: A malfunctioning relay that controls the reductant pump heater may cause the high voltage condition.
  4. Control Module Issue: A problem with the control module that monitors the reductant pump heater circuit can also lead to this code being triggered.

Symptoms of P20B8

  1. Check Engine Light: The most common symptom associated with this code is the illumination of the check engine light on the vehicle's dashboard.
  2. Reduced Power: The vehicle may experience a decrease in power or performance due to the malfunctioning reductant pump heater.
  3. Poor Fuel Economy: A faulty reductant pump heater can lead to poor fuel efficiency as the SCR system may not be operating optimally.
  4. Failed Emissions Test: If the issue is not addressed, it may cause the vehicle to fail emissions testing due to increased emissions.

How to Fix P20B8

  1. Diagnose the Issue: Use a diagnostic scanner to retrieve the trouble code and determine the exact cause of the problem.
  2. Inspect Wiring and Connections: Check the wiring and connections in the reductant pump heater circuit for any damage or corrosion.
  3. Test the Reductant Pump Heater: Verify the functionality of the reductant pump heater to see if it is operating correctly.
  4. Replace Faulty Components: Replace any faulty components such as the heater, relay, or control module as needed.
  5. Clear Codes and Test Drive: Once the repair is completed, clear the trouble codes from the vehicle's memory and test drive to ensure the issue has been resolved.

Cost to Fix P20B8

The cost of repairing a P20B8 code can vary depending on the extent of the issue and the specific components that need to be replaced. On average, the repair for this issue can range from $200 to $500. This cost includes parts and labor. It's important to note that diagnostic time and labor rates at auto repair shops can vary, so it's advisable to check with local shops for a more accurate estimate.

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Code P20B8 Information for Specific Makes

  • P20B8 Dodge — Diesel Exhaust Fluid Reductant Pump Heater Control Circuit High
  • P20B8 RAM — Diesel Exhaust Fluid Reductant Pump Heater Control Circuit High
About the author: William Orellana is a Master Mechanic and Mechanical Engineer with over 30 years of experience diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Learn more about his background.

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