What is the P2201 fault number? What is the NOx Sensor Circuit / Performance Bank 1 failure description? How to fix P2201 fault codes? What are the causes and symptoms of the P2201 error code?
What is the P2201 Fault code? What does it all mean?
Fault code: P2201 “NOx Sensor Circuit / Performance (Bank 1)” . Triggered by the powertrain control module, (PCM), when it detects a problem in the NOx (nitrous oxide sensor). The NOx sensor measures the amount nitric oxide or nitrous oxide that is expelled from exhaust. It’s one of the sensors that ensures the engine produces as little as possible emissions and runs efficiently.
An evaporative emission controller (EVAP) is installed in diesel vehicles. It reduces hydrocarbons. The PCM must receive information from the NOx sensors to ensure that the EVAP systems work properly. If the PCM senses that the sensor is not functioning properly, or receives an abnormal signal from the sensor’s sensor, fault code 2201 is issued.
The description of the code uses the term “Bank 1” to refer to engines with multiple cylinder bank (eg V6,V8). Bank 1 refers to the engine bank that contains the engine’s cylinder 1.
P2201 fault codes can be found on vehicles made by: Dodge, Ram and Ford.
What causes the P2201 Fault code?
These are the most common reasons that P2201 fault codes are triggered:
- – A defective or contaminated NOx Sensor due to excess carbon
- – Broken wires to NOx sensor, loose connections, open or short circuit problems
- – A PCM is not working properly or has to be reprogrammed
What are the symptoms of the P2201 Fault code?
You may experience the following symptoms if your vehicle has the code P2201:
- – Illumination for check engine lights
- – An increase in hydrocarbon emissions
- Excessive smoke coming from the exhaust
- – Increased fuel consumption
- – Fluctuations at idle speed
How do I fix the P2201 fault code?
There are several repairs that can resolve the P2201 fault code.
- – Repair of or replacement of damaged wires, loose connectors to the NOx sensors
- Troubleshooting an open or short circuit within the wiring harness to the NOx detector
- – Replacing a faulty NOx sensor
- – Clean the NOx sensor
- – Reprogramming, replacing, or testing the PCM as necessary
How serious is the P2201 Fault code?
Fault code 2201 is not a cause of driveability problems. But, this code can cause engine damage and release harmful gases into the environment. This fault code should not go unresolved and should not be ignored.
