P2205

NOx Sensor Heater Control Circuit/Open Bank 1 Sensor 1

NOx sensor / emissions Generic OBD-II Medium

What it means

P2205 means the PCM detected an open in the heater control circuit of the bank 1, sensor 1 NOx sensor. That heater brings the sensor up to operating temperature so it can measure nitrogen-oxide levels for the emissions system. When the heater circuit is open the sensor can't work, but the engine itself still runs normally — so this is primarily an emissions fault. The usual causes are a failed NOx sensor, broken heater wiring, a bad connector, or a lost power supply.

Medium

Can I keep driving? Drivable — this is an emissions fault, but on some diesels repeated NOx faults can trigger a speed-limiting derate, so don't leave it unrepaired.

Real-world scan data

Seen in

570

scans in the past year

Found in

0.1%

of scans

0.2%

of scans that found faults

Appears alongside · share of P2205 scans

P22A3in 96.5% of scans

P229Ein 95.1% of scans

P2200in 91.9% of scans

Figures reflect only diagnostic scans recorded through our own apps and tools. Cars are typically scanned because a symptom or warning light prompted it, so these counts describe our scan records — not the incidence of faults in any model, and not the quality, reliability, or safety of any vehicle. No comparison between manufacturers or models is implied. All trademarks belong to their respective owners; no affiliation or endorsement is implied.

Common symptoms

What you'll notice

Check-engine light on
Often no noticeable change in how the car drives
Failed emissions test
Possible DEF/SCR or reduced-power warning on diesel applications

Common causes

Most likely first

Faulty NOx sensor (the heater is built into the sensor)Likely
Open or shorted NOx sensor heater control wiringCommon
Poor or corroded connector at the NOx sensorCommon
Blown fuse or lost power supply to the sensorLess often
Faulty NOx sensor module or PCM driver (least likely)Less often

How to diagnose & fix

Work through it in order

Read freeze-frame data and check for companion NOx sensor codes.
Inspect the bank 1 sensor 1 NOx sensor connector and wiring for opens, shorts, and corrosion.
Confirm the sensor has power and ground, and check the feeding fuse.
Measure the heater circuit for continuity; an 'open' fault means a break somewhere in that circuit.
Replace the NOx sensor if the heater is open internally. Clear and re-test.

FAQ

Quick answers

Is it safe to drive with P2205?+

Usually yes for normal driving, since it's an emissions monitor. But on diesels running SCR, repeated NOx faults can lead to a speed-limiting derate, so repair it promptly.

Can I just clear P2205?+

It returns until the open heater circuit is fixed. The NOx sensor also can't do its job while the heater is dead, so the emissions monitor stays incomplete.

Read & clear P2205 yourself

Scan your car, confirm the code, and clear it once it's fixed — with OBD DashX on your phone.

▶ Get it on Google Play

✓ Verified name — SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6Guidance reviewed by OBD DashX