Code
P20EE
Generic
P — Powertrain
SCR NOx Catalyst Efficiency Below Threshold Bank 1 Catalyst 1
Views:
UK: 39
EN: 114
RU: 48
AI status
Completed
Completed
100%
Causes
- Degraded or damaged SCR catalyst substrate (contamination, poisoning, or physical damage)
- Insufficient or incorrect DEF/urea dosing (pump, injector/nozzle, lines, or control)
- Faulty or out-of-calibration NOx sensors (upstream or downstream)
- Exhaust leaks upstream or downstream of the SCR affecting sensor readings
- Blocked exhaust flow or excessive backpressure through catalyst
- Wiring/connectors or PCM/ECM communication faults for NOx sensors or DEF control
Symptoms
- MIL (Malfunction Indicator Lamp) illuminated with P20EE stored
- Increased NOx emissions and potential failed emissions test
- Possible reduced engine power or limp mode depending on vehicle strategy
- DEF/AdBlue warning messages or low DEF-related faults (may be separate DTCs)
- Visible DEF crystals or deposits around injector/lines in case of leaks
What to check
- Read all DTCs and freeze frame/fuel/trip data; note related DEF or NOx sensor codes
- Monitor live NOx sensor data upstream (pre-SCR) and downstream (post-SCR) with a capable scan tool
- Check DEF tank level, DEF quality (contamination/freezing), and fill history
- Inspect DEF dosing module, lines, and injector for leaks, clogging, or crystallization
- Visually inspect downstream wiring and connectors for NOx sensors and check for corrosion/damage
- Check exhaust for leaks, damage, or signs of overheating near SCR
Signal parameters
- Pre-SCR NOx sensor: NOx concentration (ppm) or sensor raw voltage/current
- Post-SCR NOx sensor: NOx concentration (ppm) or sensor raw voltage/current
- Delta NOx (pre – post) and calculated SCR conversion efficiency (%)
- SCR inlet/outlet temperature (°C) and temperature delta across catalyst
- DEF dosing command (ml/min or mg/kg) and actual dosing feedback if available
- NOx sensor heater status and sensor diagnostics (resistance/current)
Diagnostic algorithm
- Verify vehicle make/year and capture all current and historical DTCs and freeze-frame data. Note driving conditions when fault set.
- With scan tool, record live NOx readings upstream and downstream of the SCR during a representative drive cycle or on a dyno. Confirm the post-SCR NOx is consistently higher than allowed.
- Inspect DEF system: verify correct fluid level, quality, and no contamination. Check for crystallization around filler, pump, lines, and injector.
- Command and observe DEF dosing while monitoring NOx sensors: ensure dosing is commanded and injector dispenses (listen/observe or measure flow). Compare commanded vs actual if feedback available.
- Check NOx sensor operation: verify heater operation, sensor voltages/currents, compare sensors against each other and known-good values. Swap sensors only if manufacturer procedure allows.
- Inspect exhaust for leaks, damaged piping, or loose connections upstream of SCR that could affect sensor readings.
- Measure SCR inlet/outlet temperatures. Low temperatures can reduce conversion efficiency — verify if engine conditions during fault were within normal operating range.
- Check wiring and connectors for the DEF system, NOx sensors, and related grounds for corrosion or high resistance.
- If sensors and DEF system test good, perform an SCR efficiency test per manufacturer procedure (bench or on-vehicle catalyst efficiency test) to confirm catalyst performance.
- If catalyst confirmed degraded or contaminated, replace SCR catalyst assembly and associated gaskets/fasteners as required. Replace any defective sensors or DEF components discovered during diagnosis.
- After repairs, clear codes and verify repair with a complete verification drive cycle and re-check NOx conversion efficiency and absence of related DTCs. Update ECM software and perform any required adaptations/relearns.
Likely causes
- Contaminated or aged SCR catalyst (common in vehicles with high mileage or incorrect DEF use)
- DEF dosing system fault (clogged injector, failed pump, or incorrect dosing)
- Failed or drifting downstream NOx sensor giving high NOx readings
Fault status
Status
SCR NOx Catalyst Efficiency Below Threshold — Bank 1 Catalyst 1. ECM detected insufficient NOx conversion across the SCR.
Repair difficulty: Medium
Diagnostic time: 1-4 hours
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