P214C code meaning
SCR NOx Catalyst Outlet Temperature Too High
Powertrain system Generic code P21xx codes Check engine light
What P214C means
P214C looks at the downstream end of the SCR catalyst: the temperature measured behind it rose above the permitted maximum outside regeneration. California's OBD rule lists SCR intake and outlet temperature as separate data values a diesel must report, so both points are watched on their own. An outlet reading that climbs above the inlet value hints at heat produced inside or just ahead of the brick, for instance hydrocarbons burning on the SCR or soot glowing in a combined filter-SCR unit, but a faulty outlet sensor is just as likely. The material limit is the same as on the inlet side, which 40 CFR 1036.115 and Navistar's patent US20190232224 describe for vanadium catalysts. No manufacturer documents P214C publicly. P214A is the inlet counterpart, P214D the outlet fault during regeneration.
P214C at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyMedium
- Typical labor0.5 to 4 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P214C
- Check engine light on
- Reduced engine power
- Implausible outlet temperature compared with the inlet value in live data
Common causes of P214C
- Most likelySCR outlet temperature sensor faulty or reading too high
- PossibleHydrocarbons passing the oxidation catalyst and burning on the SCR
- PossibleFuel or oil entering the exhaust from the engine or turbocharger
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
SCR catalystExhaust gas temperature sensor
What each part of P214C means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 2 | Generic code (second SAE range): it means the same on every make. |
| 1 | Area: fuel and air metering. |
| 4C | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P214C 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 P214C
What does P214C mean?
P214C means "SCR NOx Catalyst Outlet Temperature Too High". P214C looks at the downstream end of the SCR catalyst: the temperature measured behind it rose above the permitted maximum outside regeneration. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P214C?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P214C the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P214C fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P214C 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 P214C to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 4 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P214C 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.