P20BA reductant heater code?
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P20BA reductant heater code?
My 2013 F250 6.7 threw the P20BA code last week. I was able to get it cleared by a friend with a OBD but it came on again today. According to my research there are quite a few issues with the reductant heater performance. Enough for Ford to issue an extended warranty apparently. I called my local dealer and of course Out Of Warranty (127k miles) and they are wanting $300 just to diagnose the issue. Really?
My concern is...why would the PCM detect an issue with the functionality of the DEF tank “heater” when it’s over 100 degrees outside here in Texas??? Most of the posts I read suggest the code should only throw when it’s extremely cold, since the reductant heater is designed to warm the DEF tank to prevent the crystallization of the fluid during freezing temps? What am I missing? The truck acts fine right now with no loss of power but I dang sure don’t like the CEL being on. Any suggestions? I hate to be out $300 let alone $900+ IF they say the heater and sender assembly needs replacing....especially if that’s not even the problem. I’m also afraid I may be playing with fire by waiting to address it and don’t want it to go into limp mode.
My concern is...why would the PCM detect an issue with the functionality of the DEF tank “heater” when it’s over 100 degrees outside here in Texas??? Most of the posts I read suggest the code should only throw when it’s extremely cold, since the reductant heater is designed to warm the DEF tank to prevent the crystallization of the fluid during freezing temps? What am I missing? The truck acts fine right now with no loss of power but I dang sure don’t like the CEL being on. Any suggestions? I hate to be out $300 let alone $900+ IF they say the heater and sender assembly needs replacing....especially if that’s not even the problem. I’m also afraid I may be playing with fire by waiting to address it and don’t want it to go into limp mode.
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,902
Likes: 26
From: BA, OK
It's most likely the tank heater. It appears to be an easy job to replace if you are somewhat mechanically inclined. Link to OEM unit below, might be able to find an aftermarket unit cheaper.
https://parts.autonationfordwhitebea...ter-bc3z5j225l
https://parts.autonationfordwhitebea...ter-bc3z5j225l
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 6,748
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From: Tallassee, ALabama
Buy the heater assembly and replace it yourself. There are many threads where others have replaced it. Do a search.
There is a new Ford model on eBay for $200. You can buy aftermarket for approx $150 or less.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Ford-6-7-Re...gAAOSw3VpdXoob
Here is the Ford workshop procedures
There is a new Ford model on eBay for $200. You can buy aftermarket for approx $150 or less.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Ford-6-7-Re...gAAOSw3VpdXoob
Here is the Ford workshop procedures
Laughing Gas
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 871
Likes: 74
From: Houston TEXAS
Sorry. It's just funny to me how that's not a concept I can fully understand or appreciate being from the Texas Gulf coast. LOL!
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 1,643
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From: Central Ky.
That is awsome! I'm in Kentucky, we don't usually get too much snow. But I hate it with a passion!!! Be glad you don't have to deal with cold and snow!!! One single flake is too much for me!
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My main concern was with all my research and the gear head experts on the diesel forums saying that the code only occurred during cold weather. I mean....that makes sense too, provided the functionality and what the DEF heater is intended to do ��*♂️
I’m just not convinced it’s the real issue and wish there was a more reasonable rate than having to drop $300 on a diagnostic at the dealership just to validate. I guess I won’t have any choice though.
I’m just not convinced it’s the real issue and wish there was a more reasonable rate than having to drop $300 on a diagnostic at the dealership just to validate. I guess I won’t have any choice though.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 871
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From: Houston TEXAS
No other shops/dealers available? That $300 diagnostic fee sounds high to me too.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2007
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From: BA, OK
My main concern was with all my research and the gear head experts on the diesel forums saying that the code only occurred during cold weather. I mean....that makes sense too, provided the functionality and what the DEF heater is intended to do ��*♂️
I’m just not convinced it’s the real issue and wish there was a more reasonable rate than having to drop $300 on a diagnostic at the dealership just to validate. I guess I won’t have any choice though.
I’m just not convinced it’s the real issue and wish there was a more reasonable rate than having to drop $300 on a diagnostic at the dealership just to validate. I guess I won’t have any choice though.
You can resistance check the heater yourself. It should be 1 - 2.5 ohms, nothing higher.
Watch the video below between 2:20 and 6:50 on how a tech will diagnose the tank heater.
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New User
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I just talked to a local shop that will diagnose it for $100. Gonna head their way. Not sure I’m prepared for this nut kick 😩
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 6,600
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I drove with this DTC for several months. If I remember correctly mine failed in October a few years ago and in AL, it's still warm then. The slight lack of power isn't an issue for daily driving but it's noticeable if towing. Thankfully I could reset it and the issue wouldn't return as long as I didn't shut down. I've seen comments where newer models error again on the same start though. $841 repair. It is certainly cheaper if you can do this yourself.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 332
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From: NH
My 2015 just threw this code today ( first real cold day in NH ). What did Ford extend the warranty on this? My truck has 82k miles. If this ends up being an expensive fix, time to delete it. 
Edit: I just found this. If I am reading it correctly, they extended the warranty 11 years or 120,000 miles. So my truck should be covered.
https://static.oemdtc.com/Recall/18M01/R18M01.pdf
Edit: I just found this. If I am reading it correctly, they extended the warranty 11 years or 120,000 miles. So my truck should be covered.
https://static.oemdtc.com/Recall/18M01/R18M01.pdf
