P2205 code meaning
NOx Sensor Heater Control Circuit/Open (Bank 1 Sensor 1)
Powertrain system Generic code P22xx codes Check engine light
What P2205 means
The ceramic element of a NOx sensor only measures once its built-in heater has brought it to several hundred degrees. P2205 reports a break on the heater control side of the upstream sensor on bank 1. GM's 6.6L Duramax (LML) sets it after the sensor has reported an open heater for over 10 s with at least 11 V; on the 3.0L LZ0 it is an open load on the heater control pin. Both are Type A, so the MIL comes on after one trip. Volvo and Mack treat P2205 on the inlet sensor as a probable sensor failure, and GM bulletin 24-NA-094 lists it for an LZ0 software update on 2024 pickups. P2206 and P2207 are shorts low and high, P220E heater power out of range, P22A3 the downstream sensor.
P2205 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyMedium, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.5 to 2.5 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P2205
- Malfunction indicator lamp on after one trip
- Upstream NOx sensor never becomes ready
- SCR warning on the display
Common causes of P2205
- Most likelyHeater element in the NOx probe burnt through
- PossibleBroken conductor in the lead between probe and sensor module
- Less likelySoftware anomaly (GM 3.0L LZ0 2024, bulletin 24-NA-094)
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Nox sensorNox sensor heater
What each part of P2205 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 2 | Generic code (second SAE range): it means the same on every make. |
| 2 | Area: fuel and air metering (injector circuit). |
| 05 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P2205 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 P2205
What does P2205 mean?
P2205 means "NOx Sensor Heater Control Circuit/Open (Bank 1 Sensor 1)". The ceramic element of a NOx sensor only measures once its built-in heater has brought it to several hundred degrees. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P2205?
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 P2205 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P2205 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 P2205 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 2.5 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will P2205 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.