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DTC codes / P22xx · Fuel and air metering (injector circuits) / P220F

P220FNOx Sensor Heater Control Circuit Range/Performance (Bank 1 Sensor 2)

P220F means the engine computer has detected that the heater circuit inside the downstream nitrogen oxide (NOx) sensor, located after the catalytic converter on bank 1, is not performing within its expected range. The computer monitors the heater's electrical current and response time, and it sets this code when the heater draws too much or too little current or fails to reach operating temperature quickly enough.

SystemPowertrain
Code typeGeneric (all makes)
SeverityMedium
Fix difficultyIntermediate
AreaFuel and air metering (injector circuits)

Symptoms you may notice

  • Illumination of the check engine light, often with no other noticeable symptoms
  • Slightly reduced fuel economy because the sensor cannot reach operating temperature and the system stays in a default strategy
  • In some vehicles, a message in the driver information center about emissions system service
  • Possible hesitation or poor throttle response if the engine management system limits torque to protect the sensor
  • Increased tailpipe emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx), which may be noticed during an emissions inspection
  • In rare cases, a rough idle or misfire-like condition if the faulty heater circuit affects other shared sensor heater circuits

Common causes, most likely first

  1. Failed heater element inside the bank 1 sensor 2 NOx sensor
  2. Open or shorted wiring in the sensor heater circuit, including chafed or corroded connectors
  3. Blown fuse that supplies power to the NOx sensor heater circuit
  4. Poor ground connection for the NOx sensor heater circuit
  5. Faulty NOx sensor control module or engine control module (ECM) driver for the heater circuit
  6. Contamination or damage to the sensor tip that causes the heater to overheat or draw excessive current
  7. Aftermarket or incorrect sensor installed previously that does not meet the heater specification

How to diagnose and fix it

  1. Scan all modules for stored codes and freeze-frame data, then clear codes and road-test to see if P220F returns immediately or after a drive cycle.
  2. Visually inspect the bank 1 sensor 2 NOx sensor, its connector, and the wiring harness for damage, corrosion, or loose pins.
  3. Check the fuse that powers the NOx sensor heater circuit and replace it if blown, then recheck for a short to ground before installing a new fuse.
  4. Measure the resistance of the heater element inside the NOx sensor with a multimeter and compare it to the manufacturer's specification.
  5. Back-probe the heater circuit at the sensor connector and command the heater on with a scan tool to verify voltage and current flow.
  6. Check the ground circuit for the heater using a voltage drop test while the heater is commanded on.
  7. If all electrical checks pass, replace the bank 1 sensor 2 NOx sensor with a quality OEM or equivalent part, then clear codes and verify the repair with a drive cycle.

What the NOx sensor heater code hides

  • A P220F code is often set by a failing heater inside the sensor itself, but technicians frequently replace the sensor only to find a corroded connector or chafed wire that caused the original failure.
  • The downstream NOx sensor heater is controlled by a dedicated driver in the engine control module, and a shorted heater can damage that driver, so always check for a short to ground before installing a new sensor.
  • Some vehicles use a NOx sensor control module that communicates over a dedicated data bus, and a fault in that module can set P220F even when the sensor heater is good.
  • This code does not always mean the sensor is completely dead; the heater may still work intermittently, so a resistance check at room temperature can pass while the heater fails when hot.
  • A blown fuse for the NOx sensor heater is sometimes caused by water intrusion into the connector, so inspect for signs of moisture or green corrosion inside the plug.

Can I keep driving with P220F?

You can usually continue driving with P220F because the engine will default to a conservative strategy, but avoid long periods of heavy load or high-speed driving until the fault is repaired. Have the vehicle diagnosed soon, especially if you notice reduced power or if an emissions inspection is due.

Tools that help

Tools we recommend are in the Auto Veteran shop on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Guidance is general and written for all OBD-II vehicles. Exact tests and values vary by model, so confirm the fault before replacing parts.

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