Code
P204E
Generic
P — Powertrain
Reductant Pressure Sensor Circuit Intermittent/Erratic
Views:
UK: 12
EN: 22
RU: 18
AI status
Completed
Completed
100%
Causes
- Loose, corroded, or contaminated sensor connector
- Damaged, chafed, or broken wiring in the sensor circuit
- Failed or failing reductant pressure sensor
- DEF crystallization or contamination affecting the sensor or port
- Intermittent ground or poor reference voltage (5 V) supply
- Intermittent ECM/input module fault or software issue
Symptoms
- MIL (Check Engine) illuminated with P204E stored
- Erratic or fluctuating reductant pressure values in live data
- SCR system warnings or reduced emissions control performance
- Possible reduced engine power or limp mode if SCR protection triggered
- Difficulty starting after DEF freezing/melting cycles (intermittent)
What to check
- Read and record freeze frame data and all related DTCs
- Monitor live reductant pressure sensor data while key ON and during engine running
- Wiggle harness and connector while watching live data for intermittent changes
- Visually inspect sensor connector and wiring for corrosion, damage, or DEF crystals
- Back-probe connector to confirm 5 V reference, ground, and signal presence
- Perform continuity and resistance checks on wiring to the control module
Signal parameters
- Sensor type: typically analog voltage output (0–5 V) proportional to pressure, or module-level CAN message on some systems
- Typical signal idle/low pressure: ~0.5–1.0 V (system dependent)
- Typical signal high pressure: ~3.5–4.5 V (system dependent)
- Reference supply: regulated ~5 V reference from ECM
- Ground: low-resistance chassis/ECM ground
- Intermittent fault presents as sudden spikes, dropouts, or noisy/fluctuating voltage or message loss
Diagnostic algorithm
- Verify code and related codes. Record freeze frame and check for other reductant/DEF codes.
- Using a scan tool, view live reductant pressure sensor data. Note behavior at key ON, engine OFF, engine running, and during system events (e.g., pump activation).
- Perform a visual inspection of the sensor, connector and harness for corrosion, DEF crystallization, chafing, or water ingress. Clean/repair as required.
- With connector connected, back-probe the connector: confirm 5 V reference, ground continuity, and observe the signal voltage while cycling key and operating the system. Look for intermittent loss or spikes.
- Wiggle test the harness and connector while monitoring live data to reproduce intermittent behavior. Isolate the affected section if wiggle causes code or fluctuations.
- If intermittent signal persists, disconnect sensor and measure wiring continuity and insulation to ground and power (check for shorts). Repair wiring faults before replacing components.
- If wiring and connectors test good, substitute a known-good sensor or bench-test the sensor per manufacturer procedure (resistance/voltage vs pressure) to confirm sensor operation.
- If new sensor behaves the same, inspect/control test the ECM input circuit (look for intermittent reference supply, internal ECU faults, or software updates). Consider module reflash or replacement if supported diagnostics indicate.
- After repair, clear codes and perform a road or system test to confirm code does not return and system operates normally.
Likely causes
- Corroded/loose connector at the pressure sensor
- Damaged wiring (intermittent break or short) between sensor and control module
- Contaminated sensor (urea/DEF crystals) causing intermittent readings
- Sensor internal failure
Fault status
Status
Reductant Pressure Sensor Circuit Intermittent/Erratic
Repair difficulty: Medium
Diagnostic time: 0.5-2.5 hours
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