What Is the P20EE Code?
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Seriousness
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The P20EE code indicates an issue with the vehicle’s catalyst efficiency. It’s a generic diagnostic trouble code that generally has to do with how your vehicle is converting NOx to nitrogen and water using the diesel exhaust fluid (DEF). If the reductant catalyst system isn’t converting NOx to nitrogen appropriately, you’ll see this code, which just generally indicates that it’s fallen below a previously noted efficiency threshold.
More About the P20EE Code
In a diesel engine, you’ll find a reductant catalyst system. This helps the vehicle turn nitrogen oxide (NOx) into nitrogen, helping to dramatically reduce the number of potentially dangerous NOx molecules that it puts out into the atmosphere. The selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system injects DEF into the exhaust system before the catalytic converter, which raises the temperature, improving the system’s efficiency. Not only does it help the vehicle convert more NOx, but it also helps the vehicle’s catalytic converters last longer.
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What Are the Symptoms of a P20EE Code?
Depending on how poorly the SCR system is functioning, you may have a number of different symptoms, ranging from just the check engine light turning on to more serious issues like excessive black smoke coming from your vehicle’s exhaust pipe, significantly reduced engine performance, and very poor fuel efficiency. Additionally, the vehicle will not pass an emissions check, and you might have other codes show up related to the exhaust system.
What Are Some Causes of a P20EE Code?
Because this is a very generic code, there are a number of possible triggers that you might see. This includes issues with the sensors for O2, NOx, or exhaust gas temperature, as well as a variety of issues surrounding your DEF, such as contamination, injector failure, or a lack of DEF in the system. Circuit problems and leaks can also cause this issue, as can concerns with your powertrain control module (PCM), potentially even as minor as a software update.
How Serious Is the P20EE Code?
As mentioned, the P20EE code can cause your vehicle to fail an emissions test, which makes it very serious if you’re planning to do something soon that will require one. Additionally, it causes issues with engine performance and fuel efficiency, which can mean that your vehicle is costing much more for you to run on a regular basis. Assume that this is a fairly serious code; you may even save money by fixing the issue.
Can I Still Drive with a P20EE Code?
Many people do drive with a P20EE code active, but it’s not a good idea to do it for very long. Not only do the engine performance and fuel efficiency issues mean that you’re wasting money by driving your vehicle with this problem active, but also the longer that you allow the code to stay active, the more likely that it will be more difficult and expensive to fix. An earlier fix will always be a better one.
How Easy Is It to Diagnose a P20EE Code?
The diagnosis process for a P20EE code can be difficult because there are so many possible causes of the code. Whether the problem is a sensor issue, the DEF levels, circuit concerns, or something else that’s rarer, the diagnosis process can be very difficult, which is why many hobbyists choose to get help from an expert.
How Difficult Is It to Inspect a P20EE Code?
As with the diagnostic process, the inspection process for a P20EE code can be difficult. This is largely because there are so many possible issues that can arise and because this system is not something that a lot of hobbyists are knowledgeable about. The inspection process also requires you to have a strong understanding of the way the system already looks, which might not be your personal set of knowledge. Instead, talk to a professional to get help with inspection and diagnosis.
Need Additional Help with Your P20EE Code?
For many people, the P20EE code is too generic and difficult to understand. That’s why they might turn to an expert instead. If you’re hoping to get help with the P20EE code, there are plenty of professionals who are knowledgeable about this system and how to fix it.
Anyone who’s experiencing issues with the P20EE can use KBB to find a repair shop in your area. This is a great way to find a local repair shop that will help you save more money when you take your vehicle in for a fix.
Additionally, many vehicles showing the P20EE code will also be showing other codes as well. If you want more insight into what those codes mean, then you can consult the KBB OBD-II database. This will help you understand more about the P20EE code and any other codes within your vehicle, giving you a better understanding of what’s going on in your vehicle.
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