P2223 code meaning
NOx Sensor Heater Sense Circuit Low (Bank 2)
Powertrain system Generic code P22xx codes Check engine light
What P2223 means
P2223 indicates that the heater sense line of the bank 2 NOx sensor sits at or near ground potential, so the electronics reads an impossibly low value for heater resistance. A sense conductor rubbed through to the exhaust bracket or a shorted measuring input inside the sensor module are the usual explanations. No manufacturer publishes the bank 2 code. For bank 1, GM's 3.0L LZ0 tables carry the equivalent P2210 as a grounded HTemp pin, judged on 80 failed of 160 samples with the powertrain relay above 11 V, Type B, so the MIL waits for a second trip. With no usable feedback the sensor cannot hold its working temperature. P2224 is the opposite polarity, P2219 a low fault on the control side.
P2223 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 P2223
- Malfunction indicator lamp on after two trips
- No valid NOx value from bank 2
Common causes of P2223
- Most likelySense lead of the bank 2 sensor shorted to ground
- PossibleShorted measuring input in the sensor module
- Less likelyWater ingress in the 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 heaterNox sensor wiring
What each part of P2223 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). |
| 23 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P2223 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 P2223
What does P2223 mean?
P2223 means "NOx Sensor Heater Sense Circuit Low (Bank 2)". P2223 indicates that the heater sense line of the bank 2 NOx sensor sits at or near ground potential, so the electronics reads an impossibly low value for heater resistance. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P2223?
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 P2223 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P2223 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 P2223 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 2.5 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P2223 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.