P20EE
NOx Catalyst Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1)
The SCR catalyst on bank 1 is no longer reducing NOx to the level the ECU expects, even with proper reductant dosing and quality. Often the result of catalyst poisoning by sulphur or hydrocarbons, thermal aging, or a leak between the upstream and downstream NOx sensors.
- Check engine light: Yes
- Emissions related: Yes
- Repair difficulty: hard
Symptoms
- Check engine light on
- Failed emissions inspection
- Possibly slightly increased fuel consumption
- Sulfur (rotten egg) smell from exhaust under load
Common causes
Ordered by how often each turns out to be the cause.
- SCR catalyst aged or poisonedCommon
- NOx sensor driftPossible
- Exhaust leak between upstream and downstream NOx sensorsLess likely
Parts involved
- SCR Catalyst
- NOX Sensor Upstream
- NOX Sensor Downstream
P20EE is a generic OBD-II code defined by SAE J2012. Exact wording and diagnostic procedure vary by manufacturer and model. Code definitions are drawn from the public-domain OBDex dataset; the workshop notes are our own.