What Is P20BA Code on 6.7 Powerstroke and How to Fix It?

Getting the P20BA error code on a 6.7 Powerstroke is a pretty common issue. You might be one of them who doesn’t know what it means and how serious it could be for your car engine. If you want to know what is P20BA code on 6.7 Powerstroke and how to fix it, you’re in the right place.

The P20BA error code appears when the voltage signal within the control circuit unit of a particular reductant heater goes outside the expected range. In simpler words, the reductant heater isn’t performing, and it is required to keep the engine healthy.

To help you handle the code, here we will discuss the P20BA code meaning, causes, and symptoms. You’ll also know some easy ways of getting rid of the code. So, without further ado, let’s dive right in.

Contents show

What Is P20BA Error Code on 6.7 Powerstroke?

In various diesel OBD-II vehicles, the DTC or Diagnostic Trouble Codes are used to indicate something’s wrong with the engine. P20BA is one such DTC that implies Reductant Heater ‘A’ Control Circuit Performance.

The onboard reductant heaters of a diesel engine are marked by the letters A, B, and C. And the P20BA code means that the PCM or powertrain control module of your car has detected improper or unusual voltage within the control circuit of the reductant heater identified by the letter ‘A.’

If you want to fix the problem, you need to spot the A circuit first. Check the repair manual specific to your vehicle to easily determine which A circuit you need to work with.

What Are the Possible Symptoms of Getting the P20BA Error Code on Your 6.7 Powerstroke?

Since the P20BA code only appears when there’s something wrong in the engine, you’ll surely notice several symptoms while driving. Below are the symptoms of a P20BA error code –

Check engine light or malfunction indicator lamp turned on
Excessive black smoke coming out from the Exhaust Panel
DPF regeneration might not occur. This can put your vehicle into RPM or Reduced Power Mode
Diminished engine performance
Reduced fuel efficiency
Sluggish Driving Experience
Reduced engine power
Other Selective Catalytic Reduction or SCR-related codes

What Causes the P20BA Error Code?

Your vehicle gets the P20BA code for not only one but several reasons. Unfortunately, there’s no way of preventing the causing factors. Below are a few reasons why the code P20BA might be set –

Faulty reductant tank heater A
Bad or damaged reductant temperature sensor
Wiring problems like open or shorted circuits inside the reductant heater harness
Shorted or failed Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Supply Line
SCR controller/Glow plug control module failure
Faulty Powertrain Control Module/programming error (in rare cases)

What’s the Severity of the P20BA Error Code?

A P20BA is considered severe, and it’s one of the worst things happening to the 6.7 Powerstroke. As it’s related to the reductant heater, first, you need to know what’s the function of this heater.

The reductant heater is used to prevent crystallizing or freezing of the diesel exhaust fluid in low temperatures. It’s located inside the DEF or Diesel Exhaust Fluid filter reservoir. In some vehicles, the heater is placed in the reductant injector supply hoses.

Inside the 6.7 Powerstroke, the process of injecting a diesel exhaust fluid into the exhaust is precisely controlled by the selective catalytic reduction or SCR system. If you don’t fix the P20BA issue, it might disable the entire SCR system.

It can also result in catalyst damage, and you might end up with an entirely damaged engine shortly. So, it’s important to address the P20BA code and solve the issue in time.

How to Fix the P20BA Error Code Issue on 6.7 Powerstroke?

There are two ways to solve the P20BA code issue. You can replace the DEF tank or remove the installed DEF emission system.

Let’s get something clear right off the bat. In some states, it’s illegal to remove or delete the pre-installed DEF emission system. So, we don’t recommend deleting it if your state laws are against it.

Here are the two ways of fixing the P20BA error code:

# Diesel Exhaust Fluid Tank Replacement

Since there’s no way of replacing the defective heater separately, you need to replace the DEF tank to solve the issue. And here’s how you can do it –

Step 1

First things first, you need to collect all the necessary tools to complete the job with ease. You’ll need a 5.5-15mm socket, flashlight, extensions, and ratchet. Wear safety goggles and hand gloves before you start.

Step 2

Head towards the driveshaft on the driver’s side. You’ll see two 13mm bolts in the front of your car’s skid plate. Use the proper tool to remove the bolts.

Step 3

On the back strap of the vehicle, there will be two more bolts. You can find them in the rear part of your vehicle. Remove the bolts and proceed to the next step.

Step 4

After that, you need to remove the 5 fasteners you’ll find on the rail side. You have to remove the other bolts supporting the skid plates.

Step 5

Open your truck’s fuel door and take off the three 5.5mm screws. Then, take off the DEF pillar neck cap as well.

Step 6

Pull down the pillar neck and detach the DEF tank from all the injector hoses, 13mm supporting bolts, and other connectors.

Step 7

Finally, purchase a new DEF tank and reverse the previous steps to install it.

# Delete Your DEF Emission System

You need to check out what your state laws say about manipulating a vehicle’s emission control system. If it’s legal in your state, you can modify or delete the DEF emission control system to take care of the error code.

However, it’s not recommended to do this task by yourself. You must take help from a professional to delete the emission control system.

Final Words

So, there you have it all. Now you know what is P20BA code on 6.7 Powerstroke and how to fix it. Luckily, you don’t have to spend much to solve this issue. Replacing the DEF tank only costs $150 when you take help from an expert.

Just make sure you use the right tools and follow the state law rules. This way, you’ll be able to get rid of the code in no time.

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