P20FA: Reductant Pump B Control Circuit/Open
The control line driving DEF pump B is open. On large engines or dual-tank systems a second pump (B) supplements pump A; with B offline the system loses redundancy.
What P20FA means
P20FA is a generic OBD-II powertrain code in the emissions group. In plain English: the computer found an electrical fault in that circuit: an open, short or bad connection, or a failed component.
- Check engine light
- Usually on
- Emissions-related
- Yes — can fail inspection
- Limp mode possible
- Not typical
- Drive cycle to clear
- Not required
Get it fixed
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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)
Common causes
- 01Pump motor winding openMost likely
- 02Pin pushed back out of connector bodyLess likely
- 03Cracked solder joint inside the module or sensorLess likely
Can I drive with P20FA?
Usually yes, for a short time.
The car will often drive normally, but get it diagnosed soon. Left alone it can raise fuel use and emissions and will fail an OBD inspection. If you notice rough running, warning lights flashing, overheating or a burning smell, stop driving.
Why we rate it moderate
- Turns on the check engine light
- Emissions-related: will usually fail an OBD inspection
Severity is our rule-based rating from the code’s flags in OBDex and the system it affects, not an inspection of your car. If the check engine light is flashing, or you notice overheating, low oil pressure, or brake or steering problems, stop driving and get help.
How to diagnose P20FA
- 1
Confirm the code and save freeze-frame data
Read the codes with an OBD-II scan tool and note every code, not just P20FA. Save the freeze-frame data (speed, load, temperature when the fault set) before clearing anything; it tells you when the fault happens.
- 2
Check for related codes first
Look for P208A. Related codes often share a cause; a circuit or sensor code usually needs fixing before a performance code like this one.
- 3
Test the circuit
Inspect the wiring and connector at the reductant pump and reductant pump relay for damage, corrosion or chafing. With a multimeter, check supply voltage, ground and signal against the specifications in the service manual for your vehicle.
- 4
Test the likely causes in order
Start with the most likely cause and work down: Pump motor winding open; pin pushed back out of connector body; cracked solder joint inside the module or sensor. Test before replacing parts.
- 5
Check for recalls and service bulletins
Look up recalls for your exact vehicle with its VIN, and ask a dealer about technical service bulletins (TSBs). Manufacturers sometimes issue software updates or extended warranties for known faults.
- 6
Clear the code and verify the repair
After the repair, clear the code and drive the car under the conditions in the freeze-frame data to confirm it does not return.
P20FA repair cost estimate
Estimate, not a quote. Labor times are typical ranges for this code from OBDex, and $125/hr is an assumed rate. Shop rates and labor times vary by vehicle and region. Diagnosis time may be billed separately.
- DIY difficulty
- Moderate
- Good DIY job?
- Usually a shop job
Needs a scan tool and some experience with testing.
Parts and systems involved
- Reductant pump
- Reductant pump relay
P20FA FAQ
What does P20FA mean?
P20FA means “Reductant Pump B Control Circuit/Open”. The control line driving DEF pump B is open. On large engines or dual-tank systems a second pump (B) supplements pump A; with B offline the system loses redundancy.
Is P20FA serious? Can I keep driving?
We rate P20FA as moderate severity. Usually yes, for a short time. The car will often drive normally, but get it diagnosed soon. Left alone it can raise fuel use and emissions and will fail an OBD inspection. If you notice rough running, warning lights flashing, overheating or a burning smell, stop driving.
What causes P20FA?
The most common causes, from most to least likely: Pump motor winding open; Pin pushed back out of connector body; Cracked solder joint inside the module or sensor. Test before replacing parts, because several causes can set the same code.
How much does it cost to fix P20FA?
Typical labor is about $125–$440 at an assumed $125/hour shop rate, plus parts. That is an estimate, not a quote: labor times and rates vary by vehicle and region, and diagnosis may be billed separately.
Can I fix P20FA myself?
DIY difficulty is moderate. Most owners leave this to a shop because it needs involved testing or specialist tools. Always confirm the cause before buying parts.
Will P20FA clear itself?
If the fault was intermittent, the warning may go off once the computer stops seeing it, but the code stays in memory. Fix the cause; clearing the code alone doesn’t repair anything.