What it means
The particulate matter sensor heater control circuit is not performing as expected. This code does not describe a lambda sensor or its closed-loop operation.
At a glance
- Usually lights the check-engine light
- Affects emissions; the car can fail an emissions test
How it works
The PM sensor heater warms the sensor and helps clear soot from its measuring area. The control module monitors heater circuit operation, and this code sets when the heater response or performance falls outside the expected range even though the fault is not necessarily a simple open or short.
Common causes
Most likely first.
- Aged or damaged heater element
- Open or high-resistance heater wiring
- Poor connection at the sensor connector
- Fault in the heater control circuit
Symptoms
- Check-engine light on
- Particulate matter sensor or aftertreatment warning
- Emissions inspection failure
How to diagnose it
- Review freeze-frame data and related aftertreatment codes to see when the heater performance fault occurred.
- Inspect the PM sensor heater connector and exhaust-side wiring for corrosion, loose terminals, heat damage, or chafing.
- Check the heater command and response in live data, if supported, and note whether the reading follows the commanded operation.
- Measure the heater circuit and element condition against the manufacturer's specification, checking for excess resistance or a damaged element.
- If wiring and heater readings are acceptable, follow the manufacturer's procedure to assess the heater control circuit.
Common fixes
- Repair a loose or corroded heater connector.
- Repair high-resistance or heat-damaged heater wiring.
- Replace the PM sensor if its heater element is outside the manufacturer's specification.
- Repair the heater control circuit if testing identifies a control fault.
Can I keep driving?
You can usually drive cautiously if there are no drivability problems, but arrange repair before an emissions inspection. Continued operation may leave the PM sensor unable to measure or regenerate reliably.
A code shows where the control module detected a fault, not always which part failed. Check the causes in order and confirm with a test before replacing parts. Have several codes? Check them together
This is a generic code: it means the same on every make. The car’s maker may add more detail in its own service information.