P20F6

  • Powertrain
  • Manufacturer-specific
  • Emissions
SeveritySeverity level 4 of 5: Get it looked at now.

Get it looked at now

Driving may cause further damage or leave you stranded. Arrange service promptly rather than waiting.

Standard definition

Reductant Injection Valve Stuck Open (Bank 1 Unit 1)

This code is in our catalogue but has not yet been through editorial review, so the guidance below is limited to what our structured data supports. We publish deeper diagnostic content only after a code has been reviewed — here is why.

In plain English

The DEF injection valve at bank 1 unit 1 does not close when commanded — DEF flows continuously into the SCR. Risk of crystallisation in the catalyst and over-dosing.

A trouble code records what a control module measured. It does not identify which part failed. Test before replacing anything.

Can I keep driving?
Safe to drive
Driving may cause further damage or leave you stranded. Arrange service promptly rather than waiting.
Urgency
Get it looked at now
Will it pass emissions
No
Check engine light
Solid
Symptoms you may notice
  • Check engine light or NOx warning on
  • AdBlue/DEF level or quality warning
  • Possible no-start countdown after ignore period
  • Failed emissions inspection (NOx)

Many vehicles show no symptom at all beyond the warning light. The absence of a symptom does not mean the fault is not real.

Likely causes
#CauseHow oftenComponent
1Valve seat eroded or contaminatedVery common
2Valve plunger seized openCommon
3Carbon or debris buildup preventing free movementOccasional

Ordering reflects how often each cause is responsible in general, not a probability for your vehicle. Confirm by testing.

Components involved
  • Reductant Injection Valve
Sources
Definition
Generic code set (SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6) via the OBDexopen database, dedicated to the public domain under CC0-1.0.
Diagnostic guidance
Written and reviewed in-house. See our editorial policy.
Review status
Awaiting review

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