Home / DTC / P24B3 — Particulate Matter Sensor Heater Control Circuit/Open

P24B3 — Particulate Matter Sensor Heater Control Circuit/Open

Detailed page for trouble code P24B3.

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Code

P24B3

Generic P — Powertrain

Particulate Matter Sensor Heater Control Circuit/Open

Brand: Generic
AI status
Completed
ready
Completed 100%
Page language: EN

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

  1. Confirm the active/stored status of P24B3 with a scan tool and note freeze-frame/livedata. Check for related DPF or sensor codes.
  2. Perform a careful visual inspection of the PM sensor, connector, and wiring for heat damage, chafing, or corrosion. Repair obvious damage.
  3. 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.
  4. Check applicable fuse(s) and relay(s) for the heater supply. Replace if blown/faulty and retest.
  5. 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).
  6. 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.
  7. If control signal is present and wiring good but heater shows open or abnormal resistance, replace the PM sensor.
  8. 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.
  9. 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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