P24E6: NH3 Sensor Heater Circuit/Open
The heater inside the ammonia (NH3) slip sensor warms the sensing cell to operating temperature so it can read tailpipe ammonia. The ECM detects an open in the heater control circuit — no current flows when the heater should be active, so the sensor never reaches its working point and SCR closed-loop control is suspended.
What P24E6 means
P24E6 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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Common causes
- 01Burnt-out heater winding inside the sensorMost likely
- 02Broken wire or unplugged connectorPossible
- 03Failed heater driver stage in the dosing moduleLess likely
Can I drive with P24E6?
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 P24E6
- 1
Confirm the code and save freeze-frame data
Read the codes with an OBD-II scan tool and note every code, not just P24E6. Save the freeze-frame data (speed, load, temperature when the fault set) before clearing anything; it tells you when the fault happens.
- 2
Fix other faults first
If other codes are stored, start with power-supply, sensor-circuit and communication codes. They can cause this code as a side effect.
- 3
Test the circuit
Inspect the wiring and connector at the nh3 sensor heater and heater driver 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: Burnt-out heater winding inside the sensor; broken wire or unplugged connector; failed heater driver stage in the dosing module. 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.
P24E6 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
- NH3 sensor heater
- Heater driver
- Sensor wiring
P24E6 FAQ
What does P24E6 mean?
P24E6 means “NH3 Sensor Heater Circuit/Open”. The heater inside the ammonia (NH3) slip sensor warms the sensing cell to operating temperature so it can read tailpipe ammonia. The ECM detects an open in the heater control circuit — no current flows when the heater should be active, so the sensor never reaches its working point and SCR closed-loop control is suspended.
Is P24E6 serious? Can I keep driving?
We rate P24E6 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 P24E6?
The most common causes, from most to least likely: Burnt-out heater winding inside the sensor; Broken wire or unplugged connector; Failed heater driver stage in the dosing module. Test before replacing parts, because several causes can set the same code.
How much does it cost to fix P24E6?
Typical labor is about $75–$250 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 P24E6 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 P24E6 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.