P220E

Code

Generic P — Powertrain

NOx Sensor Heater Control Circuit Range/Performance Bank 1 Sensor 1

Brand: Generic

Type: P — Powertrain

Views: UK: 36 EN: 100 RU: 47

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Page language: EN

Causes

Open or shorted heater wiring (power or ground) to Bank 1 Sensor 1
Poor connector contact or corrosion at the sensor or PCM connector
Blown fuse or faulty relay supplying the heater circuit
Failed NOx sensor heater element (internal open or high resistance)
PCM driver fault or intermittent control output
Intermittent short to battery voltage or chassis ground

Symptoms

Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illuminated
Stored P220E code (may be accompanied by other NOx or heater codes)
Possible failed emissions test (elevated NOx emissions)
Extended time to reach NOx sensor operating temperature; reduced emissions control performance
In some vehicles reduced engine/aftertreatment performance messages

What to check

Read and record freeze-frame and all related DTCs with a capable scan tool
Inspect sensor connector and wiring for damage, corrosion, pin push-out, or water intrusion
Verify heater fuse(s) and related relays are present and good
Command heater ON with scan tool (if available) and watch live data and PID for heater status/current draw
Measure voltage at heater supply circuit with key ON and heater commanded ON (backprobe harness)
Measure resistance of the sensor heater element with sensor disconnected (cold) and compare to expected range

Signal parameters

Heater supply voltage: ~12 V (key ON/heater commanded); may be switched or fused feed
PCM control: usually switched ground or PWM; measured as variable voltage when commanded
Typical heater resistance (cold): low ohms — commonly in the range of roughly 1–10 Ω depending on sensor design (consult vehicle-specific spec)
Typical heater current when energized: up to a few amps (0.5–3 A) depending on sensor and supply; high current draw may blow fuses
Expected behavior: when heater is commanded ON, supply/driver should provide voltage/current and resistance should be stable and within spec; abrupt open, very high resistance, or no current indicates failure

Diagnostic algorithm

Retrieve all DTCs and freeze frame data with a scan tool; note any related codes (other NOx or heater codes).
Visually inspect Bank 1 Sensor 1 connector and wiring for corrosion, damage, pin deformation, or signs of overheating. Repair any obvious wiring/connectivity defects before further testing.
Check relevant fuses and relays for the heater circuit; replace if blown and retest. If fuse blows again, suspect a short.
With key ON (engine OFF) and heater commanded ON via scan tool if available, backprobe the heater supply and control terminals at the sensor connector and observe voltages. Expect supply voltage near battery voltage and a switching/control voltage from PCM.
Disconnect sensor and measure heater element resistance (engine/ignition OFF). Compare to vehicle specification. An open or very high resistance indicates a failed heater element.
Perform continuity and resistance checks from the sensor connector to the PCM connector to verify no open circuits. Check for shorts to battery voltage and to chassis ground.
If supply and harness check good but heater does not draw expected current when commanded, suspect PCM driver fault. Confirm by monitoring control circuit with oscilloscope for PWM pattern or switching behavior (vehicle-specific).
If available and permitted, swap with a known-good NOx sensor (same position or identical part) to confirm sensor vs wiring/PCM. Do not swap with sensors from different banks without checking compatibility.
After repairs or replacement, clear codes, perform a drive cycle or specified test to allow the PCM to verify heater operation, then re-scan to ensure code does not return.

Likely causes

Corroded or loose sensor connector or terminal
Open/short in heater supply or ground conductor (most common)
Failed sensor heater element

Fault status

⚠️ Status

P220E — NOx Sensor Heater Control Circuit Range/Performance Bank 1 Sensor 1: PCM has detected that the heater circuit for the upstream NOx sensor on bank 1 is not operating within expected electrical range or performance parameters.

🟡 Repair difficulty: Medium

⏱️ Diagnostic time: 0.5-2 hours