P2220 code meaning
NOx Sensor Heater Control Circuit High (Bank 2)
Powertrain system Generic code P22xx codes Check engine light
What P2220 means
P2220 is the high-side counterpart of P2219: on the bank 2 NOx sensor, the heater control line carries battery voltage when the heater should be off or regulated, so the element may overheat or the output stage cannot switch. A pinched lead touching a feed wire or a failed driver inside the sensor are the usual causes. The bank 2 code is not documented by any manufacturer. GM's 3.0L LZ0 describes the bank 1 version P2207 as a short to battery at the heater control pin, judged on 80 of 160 samples with over 11 V on the powertrain relay and confirmed as Type B after two trips. P2218 is the open circuit and P2224 a high signal on the heater sense side. Until repaired, SCR control for bank 2 runs without NOx feedback.
P2220 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyMedium
- Typical labor0.5 to 2.5 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P2220
- Malfunction indicator lamp on after two trips
- Bank 2 NOx reading missing or invalid
Common causes of P2220
- Most likelyHeater control lead shorted to a supply wire
- PossibleFailed heater driver inside the bank 2 sensor module
- Less likelyHeat-damaged connector with pins bridged
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Nox sensorNox sensor heaterNox sensor wiring
What each part of P2220 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). |
| 20 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P2220 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 P2220
What does P2220 mean?
P2220 means "NOx Sensor Heater Control Circuit High (Bank 2)". P2220 is the high-side counterpart of P2219: on the bank 2 NOx sensor, the heater control line carries battery voltage when the heater should be off or regulated, so the element may overheat or the output stage cannot switch. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P2220?
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 P2220 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P2220 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 P2220 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 2.5 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P2220 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.