P220F code meaning
NOx Sensor Heater Control Circuit Range/Performance (Bank 1 Sensor 2)
Powertrain system Generic code P22xx codes Check engine light
What P220F means
P220F is the heater check of the rear NOx sensor on bank 1, the one after the SCR catalyst. Ford's diesel summary (it titles the code as a heater sense circuit fault) flags a heater current under 0.4 A, a short to battery or to ground, or a heater duty cycle more than 20 percent away from the expected value. Volvo and Mack use P220F with failure type 93 for their outlet sensor and recommend replacing only that sensor when the code is confirmed. Because the rear sensor confirms catalyst efficiency, a cold sensor delays or blocks the SCR monitor. P220E is the upstream counterpart; P22A3-P22A5 are the plain heater circuit faults of sensor 2. The MIL comes on, while the engine runs normally.
P220F at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyMedium
- Typical labor0.7 to 3 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P220F
- Malfunction indicator lamp on
- SCR efficiency monitor not completing
Common causes of P220F
- Most likelyHeater of the downstream NOx probe weak or failed
- PossibleHeater wiring of the rear sensor shorted or with high resistance
- Less likelyWater or salt in the rear sensor connector
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 P220F 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). |
| 0F | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P220F 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 P220F
What does P220F mean?
P220F means "NOx Sensor Heater Control Circuit Range/Performance (Bank 1 Sensor 2)". P220F is the heater check of the rear NOx sensor on bank 1, the one after the SCR catalyst. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P220F?
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 P220F fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P220F 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 P220F to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.7 to 3 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P220F 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.