P205E code meaning
Reductant Tank Temperature Sensor A Circuit Intermittent/Erratic
Powertrain system Generic code P20xx codes Check engine light
What P205E means
P205E marks a DEF tank temperature that changes faster than any real tank could. GM describes two versions: the 2018 diesel table (1.6L Cruze, 2.8L Colorado) checks whether the signal's time evolution is plausible and fails after 8 out of 10 samples taken every 500 ms, provided no electrical fault of the sensor is present; the 2025 DEF controller flags readings that jump beyond 4 °C within ten values in three of nine checks, Type A. FCA used P205E on the 2013 Ram 2500/3500 with the 6.7L Cummins and released new PCM software (18-057-15 Rev. A) because the code set when the engine block heater was plugged in, and many later Ram updates list it too. A stored P205E without other codes therefore points to software or a loose contact. Steady faults are P205C and P205D.
P205E at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyMedium
- Typical labor0.3 to 2 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P205E
- MIL, often after cold starts
- Jumping tank temperature in live data
Common causes of P205E
- Most likelyEngine control software, fixed by reflash (FCA 6.7L)
- PossibleLoose or corroded contact at the tank connector
- Less likelyBlock heater use causing a fast temperature change
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Reductant tank temperature sensor
What each part of P205E means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 2 | Generic code (second SAE range): it means the same on every make. |
| 0 | Area: fuel and air metering and auxiliary emission controls. |
| 5E | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P205E and any other codes stored with it: several codes together often point to one cause.
- Check for loose connectors and damaged wiring around the parts the code names.
- Check open recalls for your car: some faults are fixed for free by the dealer. Enter your VIN.
- Clear the code only after the repair. If it comes back, the fault is still there.
Buying a used car? Scan it for stored codes before you pay. A recently cleared memory can hide a problem.
Questions about P205E
What does P205E mean?
P205E means "Reductant Tank Temperature Sensor A Circuit Intermittent/Erratic". P205E marks a DEF tank temperature that changes faster than any real tank could. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P205E?
Usually yes, for a short time, if the check engine light is steady and the car drives normally. If the light flashes or the car runs badly, stop and have it checked.
Will P205E fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P205E is emissions-related, so most inspection programs fail a car while it is stored or while the check engine light is on.
How hard is P205E to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.3 to 2 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P205E clear itself after the repair?
After the repair the car has to complete a drive cycle (a mix of city and highway driving) before the test runs again. Until then the readiness monitor shows "not ready", which can fail an inspection.