Notices
2017 - 2022 Super Duty The 2017-2022 Ford F250, F350, F450, F550 & F600 Super Duty Pickup and Chassis Cab
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: CARiD

p20c2 severity...

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Aug 21, 2021 | 11:48 AM
  #1  
sea_chris's Avatar
sea_chris
Thread Starter
|
Trailering
5 Year Member
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
p20c2 severity...

I have 2018 f-350 6.7 Powerstroke. The CEL just activated, code generated P20C2. I read up a bit about the issues that can trip this code and resulting severity. I scheduled a service to get it addressed but that is a month out.

My understanding is that the reductant heater is not activated until the reductant temperature sensor detects the DEF approaching a freezing temperature. So until the reductant temperature threashold is reached, the heater is not activated. The heater is not used until needed. Is this a valid understanding? Also, I believe there are three reductant heaters (tank,pressure,pump) on the 2018 f-350.

The CEL tripped at startup, after a brief shutdown (engine was at normal operating temperature at shutdown). When I scanned for the fault I got P20C2; no other DTCs present. The ambient temperature was about 70f; there is no risk of any DEF freeze out.

Also, the article I read specific to this code (P20C2) indicates if it trips during warm weather suspect a PCM programming error. .( https://www.obd-codes.com/p20c2 ). My vehicle is 100% stock.

I am just trying to get a better understanding of the issue and learn what other owners have experienced.

Best wishes to all.
 
Reply
Old Aug 21, 2021 | 12:31 PM
  #2  
Ltngdrvr's Avatar
Ltngdrvr
Lead Driver
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Top Answer: 5
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 8,477
Likes: 4,972
You may have already read this> https://www.obd-codes.com/p20c2

I think if it were me, I would clear the code and see if it comes back, because as you have already said, the heater shouldn't be on at the current ambient outside air temps.
 
Reply
Old Aug 21, 2021 | 12:45 PM
  #3  
morehouse7's Avatar
morehouse7
Fleet Mechanic
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 1,455
Likes: 607
Check your connector to the DEF heater, make sure it's seated all the way.
 
Reply
Old Aug 21, 2021 | 12:56 PM
  #4  
sea_chris's Avatar
sea_chris
Thread Starter
|
Trailering
5 Year Member
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
I thought about that as an option. Do you know if this fault will self correct after X number of no fault driving cycles?
 
Reply
Old Aug 21, 2021 | 08:34 PM
  #5  
sea_chris's Avatar
sea_chris
Thread Starter
|
Trailering
5 Year Member
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
I removed the plastic dirt cover (collector) on the bottom of the DEF tank. The connector (two wire) looked good, but I gave it a mild tug just to be sure. And....the CEL cleared during startup. So I don't know if this was the fix or if I had enough run cycles to clear the CEL.
 
Reply
Old Aug 21, 2021 | 09:28 PM
  #6  
Ltngdrvr's Avatar
Ltngdrvr
Lead Driver
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Top Answer: 5
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 8,477
Likes: 4,972
Wait and see...
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Karl Russell
6.7L Power Stroke Diesel
13
Sep 20, 2021 06:17 AM
Ed in Maine
6.7L Power Stroke Diesel
27
Jan 29, 2020 12:34 AM
jst4kicks
1999 - 2016 Super Duty
1
Nov 3, 2019 08:28 AM
drivecamo
1999 - 2016 Super Duty
5
Jul 9, 2018 04:30 AM
jesse1243
1997 - 2003 F150
3
Mar 4, 2015 03:20 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:27 PM.

story-0
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-2
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-4
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-7
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-9
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE