OBD-II code · Powertrain (generic, extended)
P2205 NOx Sensor Heater Control Circuit (Bank 1)
The heater inside the bank 1 NOx sensor cannot be controlled — open, short, or failed driver. Without proper heater operation the sensor never reaches its operating temperature and reports invalid data.
Is it safe to drive with P2205?
Usually safe to drive in the short term. Get it diagnosed when convenient, sooner if the car drives differently.
Common causes
- Most likelyHeater element open
- PossibleHeater short to supply or ground
Symptoms
- Check engine light or NOx warning on
- AdBlue/DEF level or quality warning
- Possible no-start countdown after ignore period
- Failed emissions inspection (NOx)
Repair at a glance
- Difficulty
- Medium
- DIY friendly
- Often, with basic tools
- Typical labour
- 0.5–2.5 h
- Emissions test
- Likely to fail
- After the fix
- A drive cycle is needed before the light stays off
- Parts involved
- Nox Sensor, Nox Sensor Heater
Code data: OBDex open dataset (CC0). Labour times are typical ranges, not a quote.