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P2201: NOx sensor circuit range or performance problem (bank 1)

The nitrogen oxides sensor gives readings that do not match what is expected. It may be an aged sensor, an exhaust leak or an AdBlue fault.

Code P2201 at a glance
CodeP2201
SystemEngine and transmission
GroupP22xx, NOx sensors, oxygen sensors and emissions
TypeGeneric: it means the same on every make
Can you keep driving?With care

What P2201 means

The NOx sensor measures nitrogen oxides in the exhaust. Here the circuit works, but its readings make no sense for how the engine is running, or the sensor responds too slowly. The ECU stops trusting it and turns on the warning light.

Most common causes

  • Aged NOx sensor or one fouled with soot
  • Exhaust leak near the sensor
  • Moisture or corrosion in the connector
  • A real AdBlue system problem (poor quality fluid or a dirty AdBlue injector)
  • Exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) fault changing NOx levels
  • ECU software that needs updating

Symptoms

  • Engine warning light on
  • Possible AdBlue warning
  • Power limitation on some cars
  • Engine usually runs as normal

Can you drive with P2201?

With care You can drive, but on AdBlue diesels it can end in reduced power or the engine being blocked from restarting after a set distance. Get it checked soon.

How to check it

If your reader shows live NOx sensor data, watch it after a cold start: it should take a little while to become active and then change as you accelerate. A fixed or absurd value points to the sensor. Check AdBlue level and quality as well.

How to read and clear P2201 with Final OBD

Plug an OBD2 scanner in under the steering wheel, switch the ignition on and open Final OBD. Under Faults you’ll see P2201 with this same explanation and whether it’s confirmed, pending or permanent.

With Free you read this code with its short description for nothing, and clear it if the engine stores it over standard OBD. With Pro you get the full explanation, how the car was running when it was logged (revs, temperature, load) and clearing in every control unit.

Clearing the code only turns the light off: if the cause is still there, it comes back. Clear it once it’s fixed, and not right before the ITV. It’s all in how to read and clear fault codes and in the ITV and OBD.

Similar codes

P2201 is a generic code, so it means the same on any make, for example on Abarth, Cupra, Jeep, Nissan, Seat, Škoda. See what Final OBD does on your car in makes and models.

What does code P2201 mean?

The NOx sensor measures nitrogen oxides in the exhaust. Here the circuit works, but its readings make no sense for how the engine is running, or the sensor responds too slowly. The ECU stops trusting it and turns on the warning light.

Can you drive with P2201?

You can drive, but on AdBlue diesels it can end in reduced power or the engine being blocked from restarting after a set distance. Get it checked soon.

How do you clear P2201?

With an OBD2 scanner and an app like Final OBD, which clears it for free if it’s stored by the engine control unit. But clearing it only turns the light off: if the cause isn’t fixed, P2201 comes back.