OBD-II code · Powertrain (generic, extended)
P220E NOx Sensor Heater Control Circuit Range/Performance (Bank 1 Sensor 1)
The heater control loop for the NOx sensor at bank 1 sensor 1 reports off-spec behaviour — heater current draw or response time outside the calibrated range. NOx sensors only operate above ~600 °C, so heater control is critical.
Is it safe to drive with P220E?
Usually safe to drive in the short term. Get it diagnosed when convenient, sooner if the car drives differently.
Common causes
- Most likelyHeater element ageing
- Less likelySensor element aged beyond calibration window
- Less likelySensor mounting loose - signal damping
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
- Best left to a mechanic
- Typical labour
- 0.7–3 h
- Emissions test
- Likely to fail
- Parts involved
- Nox Sensor
Related codes
- P220FNOx Sensor Heater Control Circuit Range/Performance (Bank 1 Sensor 2)
- P220BNOx Sensor Supply Voltage Circuit (Bank 1 Sensor 2)
- P220CNOx Sensor Supply Voltage Circuit (Bank 2 Sensor 1)
- P220DNOx Sensor Supply Voltage Circuit (Bank 2 Sensor 2)
- P2210NOx Sensor Circuit Intermittent (Bank 2)
- P2211NOx Sensor Heater Sense Circuit Intermittent (Bank 2)
Code data: OBDex open dataset (CC0). Labour times are typical ranges, not a quote.