Description of fault code P0117,
OBD2 Error Codes

P2052 Reductant Injection Valve Circuit Bank 2 Bank 1

P2052 Reductant Injection Valve Circuit Bank 2 Bank 1

OBD-II DTC Datasheet

Reductant Injection Valve Circuit Bank 2 Bank 1 High

What does this mean?

This Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) is a generic transmission code and applies to many OBD-II vehicles (1996 and newer). This may include, but is not limited to, Ford, Mercedes Benz, Sprinter, Smart, Ram, etc. While generic, the exact repair steps may vary depending on the model year, make, model and transmission configuration.

A stored code P2052 means the powertrain control module (PCM) has detected an overvoltage in the control circuit for the reductant injection valve for the second engine bank and the first selective catalyst recovery (SCR) system. Bank 2 refers to an engine group that does NOT contain cylinder number one.

The catalyst system is responsible for reducing (mostly) all exhaust emissions, although some applications are also equipped with a NOx trap.

Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) systems take another step in reducing NOx emissions. However, today's larger, more powerful diesel engines cannot meet strict federal (US) emission standards with just an EGR system, a particulate filter / catalytic converter, and a NOx trap. For this reason, selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems have been invented.

SCR systems inject a reductant formulation or Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) into the exhaust gases upstream of the particulate filter, NOx trap and / or catalytic converter via a reductant injection valve (solenoid). The precisely calculated DEF injection raises the temperature of the filter element and allows it to work more efficiently. This extends the service life of the filter elements and helps reduce emissions of harmful exhaust gases into the atmosphere.

The entire SCR system is controlled and monitored by either the PCM or a stand-alone controller (which interacts with the PCM). In any case, the controller monitors the O2, NOx and exhaust gas temperature sensors (as well as other inputs) to determine the appropriate timing for the DEF (reductant) injection. Precision DEF injection is required to keep the exhaust gas temperature within acceptable parameters and to optimize the filtration of pollutants.

Reducing agent heaters are used to prevent diesel engine exhaust fluid from freezing at extreme temperatures. These heaters are usually located in the DEF reservoir and / or in the supply hose (s) of the reducing agent nozzle.

If the PCM detects an overvoltage on the control circuit for a reductant injection valve for engine block two, block one, a P2052 code will be stored and the malfunction indicator lamp may illuminate.

P2052 Reductant Injection Valve Circuit Bank 2 Bank 1

What is the severity of this DTC?

A stored P2052 code should be treated as serious and should be dealt with as soon as possible. The SCR system could be disabled because of this. Catalyst damage can occur if the conditions that contributed to the code persistence are not corrected in a timely manner.

What are some of the symptoms of the code?

Symptoms of a P2052 trouble code may include:

  • Reduced engine performance
  • Excessive black smoke from vehicle exhaust
  • Decreased fuel efficiency
  • Other codes related to SCR

What are some of the common causes for the code?

Reasons for this code may include:

  • Bad reductant injection valve
  • Open or short circuit in the reducing agent injection valve control circuit
  • Insufficient DEF in the tank
  • Bad SCR / PCM controller or programming error

What are some steps to troubleshoot the P2052?

To diagnose the P2052 code, you will need access to a diagnostic scanner, digital volt / ohmmeter (DVOM), and vehicle-specific diagnostic information source.

If you can find a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) corresponding to the year of manufacture, make and model of the vehicle; as well as engine displacement, stored code / codes and symptoms detected, it can provide useful diagnostic information.

You should begin your diagnosis by visually inspecting the harnesses and connectors of the reductant heater system. Burnt or damaged wiring and / or connectors must be repaired or replaced before proceeding.

Then connect the scanner to the vehicle diagnostic socket and retrieve all stored codes and corresponding freeze frame data. Make a note of this information before clearing codes and test driving the vehicle until the PCM enters ready mode or the code is reset.

The code is intermittent and can be much harder to diagnose (currently) if the PCM goes into ready mode. In this case, the conditions that contributed to the retention of the code may need to worsen before an accurate diagnosis can be made.

If the code resets, search your vehicle information source for diagnostic block diagrams, connector pinouts, connector face views, and component test procedures and specifications. You will need this information to complete the next step in your diagnosis.

Use the DVOM to check the power supply of the SCR control system. Check the fuses with a loaded circuit to avoid misdiagnosis. If the correct power (battery voltage) and ground circuits are found, use the scanner to activate the reductant injector valve (solenoid) and check the control circuit output voltage. If the voltage is insufficient, suspect the controller is defective or has a programming error.

If the voltage output circuit is within specifications, use the DVOM to test the reductant injection valve in question. If the valve does not meet manufacturer's specifications, it is suspected that it has failed.

  • The reductant injection valve is actually a solenoid-based injector that sprays reducing fluid into the exhaust pipe.

Related DTC discussions

  • 2002 s600 V12NA P204E P2043 P204A P204B P204F P2047 P2082 P2050 P2052 P2054 misfireHi guys, just took a ride in my car the other day and the engine caught fire. I went to check it on a scanner (not STAR) and gave me these codes: P204E Cylinder 8 misfire (P0308) (see Current STIP) P2043 Misfire (P0300) (see Current STIP) P204A Ignition misfire in cylinder 7 ... 

Need more help with the P2052 code?

If you still need help with DTC P2052, post a question in the comments below this article.

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