Code
P2213
Generic
P — Powertrain
NOx Sensor Circuit Bank 2
AI status
Completed
Completed
100%
Causes
- Open or shorted wiring/connectors to the NOx sensor (bank 2)
- Failed NOx sensor (internal electronics or sensing element)
- NOx sensor heater failure or open circuit
- Corroded/loose connector or poor ground
- Blown fuse or loss of reference/power to sensor circuit
- Exhaust contamination (oil, coolant, soot) causing sensor failure
Symptoms
- Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illuminated
- Possible failed emissions test or increased NOx emissions
- Engine management may enter limp or emissions-protection mode on some vehicles
- Reduced effectiveness of NOx control strategies (exhaust aftertreatment warnings)
- Possible diagnostic trouble codes for related sensors or heater circuits
What to check
- Connect a scan tool and record freeze-frame and live data for bank 2 NOx sensor and heater status
- Compare bank 2 NOx readings to bank 1 while engine is at operating temperature
- Inspect sensor connector and wiring for heat damage, chafing, corrosion or disconnection
- Check related fuses and power/ground circuits at the ECU and sensor
- Measure heater resistance at the sensor connector with engine off
- Back-probe signal wire and monitor voltage while engine running (observe response to load/idle changes)
Signal parameters
- NOx sensor signal: typically 0–5.0 V digital/analog range depending on sensor type (verify manufacturer spec)
- Heater circuit resistance: typically a low resistance value (single to low double-digit ohms) — consult OEM spec
- Supply voltage for sensor heater: typically battery voltage when enabled (~12 V)
- Expected signal behavior: sensor voltage/reading should change with load and exhaust composition; heater should draw current until up to operating temp
- Response time: sensor should show a change in output within seconds of a fuel/air change (varies by sensor type)
Diagnostic algorithm
- Read and record DTCs, freeze frame and live data with a scan tool. Note related codes (heater, power, ground).
- Visually inspect the NOx sensor (bank 2) connector and wiring harness for heat damage, corrosion, pin push-out, or chafing. Repair any damage.
- Verify power and ground at the sensor connector with key on. Check related fuses and wiring to the ECU.
- With engine off, measure heater circuit resistance at the sensor connector and compare to OEM spec. If open/high resistance, suspect heater or wiring.
- With engine running and safe to do so, back-probe signal wire and record voltage/NOx reading. Wiggle harness to check for intermittent faults.
- Compare bank 2 sensor data to bank 1 under similar conditions. If bank 2 is incorrect while bank 1 is normal, focus on sensor and wiring for bank 2.
- If wiring and power/ground are good but sensor signal is out of range or does not respond, replace the NOx sensor (bank 2).
- After repair, clear codes and perform a drive cycle or manufacturer-recommended relearn/initialization. Re-scan to confirm the code does not return.
- If problem persists after replacing sensor and repairing wiring, consider ECU-related diagnostics or consult manufacturer-specific procedures.
Likely causes
- Damaged harness at exhaust flex or mounting point
- Failed NOx sensor (most common)
- Connector corrosion or pin damage at sensor or ECU
- Heater circuit open or excessive resistance
- Blown sensor fuse or failed power/ground circuit
Fault status
Status
P2213 — NOx Sensor Circuit Bank 2: ECM detected an abnormal/no response or fault in the NOx sensor circuit for bank 2 (open/short/invalid signal or heater fault).
Repair difficulty: Medium
Diagnostic time: 1.0-3.0 hours
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