Code
P23AC
Generic
P — Powertrain
NOx Sensor Circuit Bank 1 Sensor 3
Views:
UK: 9
EN: 37
RU: 16
AI status
Completed
Completed
100%
Causes
- Damaged or corroded wiring or connector (open, short to ground or battery, high resistance)
- Failed NOx sensor (internal fault or contamination)
- No or intermittent power/ground to sensor (heater circuit issue if equipped)
- Exhaust leaks near the sensor causing incorrect readings
- Poor sensor mounting or connector seating
- Control module (PCM/ECU) fault or internal driver failure
Symptoms
- Check Engine Light / MIL illuminated
- Reduced emission control performance and possible failed emissions test
- Regeneration or SCR dosing faults or warnings
- Possible limp-home or reduced engine performance on some vehicles
- Diagnostic trouble codes related to NOx or aftertreatment
What to check
- Retrieve all related codes and freeze frame data with a scan tool
- Visually inspect sensor, wiring harness, and connector for damage, heat, corrosion, soot or oil contamination
- Wiggle test wiring and connectors while monitoring live data / DTCs for intermittent faults
- Backprobe connector to check for reference voltage, ground continuity and heater supply
- Measure heater resistance (if sensor has heater) and compare to manufacturer spec
- Compare sensor output to another bank or a known-good sensor where possible
Signal parameters
- Sensor heater resistance: typically low (single-digit to a few tens of ohms) — consult OEM spec for exact value
- Heater supply voltage: usually battery voltage when commanded ON (check with scan tool/voltmeter)
- Sensor signal: varies by sensor type and OEM (some use low-voltage current or voltage output, others use 0–5 V). Expected behavior: signal changes with engine load and NOx levels; stable and within OEM range
- Common expected behavior: open circuit (infinite resistance) indicates heater/signal break; short to ground or battery will show near 0 V or battery voltage respectively on signal/heater circuits
- Reference voltages and exact ranges vary by vehicle — always confirm with vehicle-specific documentation
Diagnostic algorithm
- Read and record DTC(s), freeze frame and live data. Note driving conditions when the code set.
- Perform a full visual inspection of sensor, wiring, connector and surrounding exhaust/aftertreatment for damage, contamination or leaks.
- With the ignition OFF, disconnect the sensor and inspect pins for corrosion or damage. Clean or repair connector as needed.
- Backprobe the sensor connector with the ignition ON (engine off) and verify: heater supply (when commanded), sensor reference voltage (if present), and ground continuity to chassis/PCM.
- Measure heater resistance across heater pins with the sensor disconnected. Compare to OEM spec; infinite or very high resistance = open heater.
- With a qualified scan tool, monitor sensor signal while performing conditions that change NOx (idle, light load, moderate load). Verify signal responds and is within expected vehicle-specific ranges.
- Perform a wiggle test on wiring/connector while monitoring live data for intermittent changes that reproduce the fault.
- Repair or replace damaged wiring/connector. If wiring is good but sensor fails bench/voltage tests or does not respond correctly, replace the NOx sensor.
- After repairs, erase codes and perform a drive cycle and/or test procedure to confirm the fault does not return and that live data is correct.
- If fault persists after sensor and wiring replacement, consult wiring diagrams and consider PCM/ECU diagnosis or replacement.
Likely causes
- Broken/frayed wiring or pin corrosion at the sensor connector
- Failed NOx sensor (heater or signal element)
- Open or shorted heater supply or ground
- Intermittent connector contact from vibration or heat damage
- Exhaust leak upstream of the sensor
Fault status
Status
NOx Sensor Circuit Bank 1 Sensor 3 — electrical fault detected (open/short/erratic signal or heater failure)
Repair difficulty: Medium
Diagnostic time: 1.0-3.0 hours
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