P2220

NOx Sensor Heater Control Circuit High Bank 2

Q: Is it safe to drive with P2220?

It usually drives normally, but the sensor can't reach operating temperature, so it will fail emissions and on many diesels may start a derate countdown. Have it addressed.

Q: Can I just clear P2220?

It returns once the heater circuit runs again unless the high/short fault or the sensor is repaired.

Auxiliary emissions control Generic OBD-II Medium

What it means

P2220 means the PCM detects a high-voltage (short-to-voltage or open) fault in the heater control circuit of the bank 2 NOx sensor. The heater brings the sensor to operating temperature so it can measure exhaust NOx; with the control circuit out of range the sensor can't do its emissions job. It usually traces to wiring or a failed NOx sensor.

Medium

Can I keep driving? Usually driveable, but it will fail emissions and, on many diesels, can trigger a reduced-power derate countdown, so don't leave it indefinitely.

Real-world scan data

Seen in

scans in the past year

Found in

<0.1%

of scans

<0.1%

of scans that found faults

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
Failed or incomplete emissions readiness
On diesels: possible SCR/DEF warnings or a reduced-power (derate) countdown
Often no noticeable change in how the engine drives

Common causes

Most likely first

Faulty NOx sensor (bank 2) with an internal heater faultLikely
Short to voltage or open in the NOx heater control wiringCommon
Poor connector contact or corrosion at the sensor plugCommon
Bad ground causing the heater control circuit to read highLess often

How to diagnose & fix

Work through it in order

Read freeze-frame data and check for related NOx heater codes (P2218, P2219, P2221).
Inspect the bank 2 NOx sensor connector and heater wiring for damage, corrosion, and chafing.
Check the heater control circuit for a short-to-voltage or open, and verify the ground against spec.
Clear the code and monitor whether the heater control reading returns to range.
If the circuit is good, replace the NOx sensor as specified (sensor and heater are one assembly).

FAQ

Quick answers

Is it safe to drive with P2220?+

It usually drives normally, but the sensor can't reach operating temperature, so it will fail emissions and on many diesels may start a derate countdown. Have it addressed.

Can I just clear P2220?+

It returns once the heater circuit runs again unless the high/short fault or the sensor is repaired.

Read & clear P2220 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