Code
P24B3
Generic
P — Powertrain
Particulate Matter Sensor Heater Control Circuit/Open
AI status
Completed
Completed
100%
Causes
- Open or high-resistance heater element inside the PM sensor
- Broken, chafed or disconnected wiring between ECM and sensor
- Corroded or loose connector terminals
- Blown fuse or failed relay supplying the heater
- Poor or missing ground
- Faulty ECM/heater driver output
Symptoms
- Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illuminated
- DPF/soot accumulation warnings or reduced regeneration performance
- Possible reduced engine performance or limp strategy depending on vehicle
- Failed emissions/inspection test
- Occasional or persistent DPF-related fault codes
What to check
- Retrieve P24B3 and any linked codes and review freeze-frame / live data
- Perform a visual inspection of the PM sensor, wiring harness, and connector for damage, corrosion or heat exposure
- Check relevant fuses and relays for the sensor heater circuit
- Measure heater element resistance with the sensor disconnected (ignition OFF)
- Backprobe the sensor connector with ignition ON and command heater ON using a scan tool to verify supply and control signals
- Check continuity from ECM connector pin to sensor connector pin and for shorts to ground or battery
Signal parameters
- Heater supply voltage: approximately battery voltage (~11–14 V) when heater supply is present
- Heater resistance (typical): low ohm range — commonly around 0.5–20 Ω (refer to vehicle-specific spec)
- Control signal: ECM may use switched supply or PWM duty control (0–100% duty cycle) to regulate heater current
- Current draw when heater energized: up to several amps depending on design (measure with clamp meter if required)
Diagnostic algorithm
- Confirm the active/stored status of P24B3 with a scan tool and note freeze-frame/livedata. Check for related DPF or sensor codes.
- Perform a careful visual inspection of the PM sensor, connector, and wiring for heat damage, chafing, or corrosion. Repair obvious damage.
- With ignition OFF, disconnect the PM sensor connector and measure resistance across the heater terminals. Infinite/open = internal heater fault (replace sensor). Very high resistance compared to spec = replace sensor.
- Check applicable fuse(s) and relay(s) for the heater supply. Replace if blown/faulty and retest.
- With ignition ON (engine OFF) use a scan tool to command the heater ON. Backprobe the connector: verify battery/supply voltage at the supply terminal and verify the control/ground terminal shows ECM command (switching or pulled to ground depending on design).
- If supply is present but no control signal, check continuity between ECM and sensor connector for the control circuit. If control wiring open/shorted, repair wiring and re-test.
- If control signal is present and wiring good but heater shows open or abnormal resistance, replace the PM sensor.
- If wiring and sensor check good but there is no proper control signal or expected current draw, suspect ECM driver fault and consult manufacturer guidance before replacing ECM.
- After repairs, clear codes, perform a forced regeneration or drive cycle as required, and confirm code does not return.
Likely causes
- Internal heater element failure in the PM sensor (most common)
- Wiring harness damage near exhaust/DPF area caused by heat or vibration
- Corroded connector at the PM sensor
- Blown inline fuse or failed heater relay
- ECM output transistor failure (less common)
Fault status
Status
Particulate matter sensor heater circuit open or not reaching expected current; heater element or wiring likely open/disconnected.
Repair difficulty: Medium
Diagnostic time: 1.0-2.0 hours
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