OBD-II reference

All 9.533 generic OBD-II codes, explained in detail.

Causes, inspection steps and sources — a comprehensive DIY archive. Created and maintained with love for the detail. Good luck and have fun!

Powertrain generic / SAE

P205F

Reductant System Performance (Bank 2)

The DEF system as a whole on bank 2 is not delivering the required NOx reduction — NOx-out remains too high relative to commanded dosing across a drive cycle. Causes range from poor DEF quality, restricted dosing line, weak pump, to a degraded SCR catalyst.

SystemPowertrain
Typegeneric / SAE
GroupP2
Range / number– / 5F

Possible causes

  • Poor DEF quality — diluted or contaminated high
  • SCR catalyst thermally aged medium
  • Crystallisation restricts dosing line medium

Symptoms

  • Check engine light or NOx warning on
  • AdBlue/DEF level or quality warning
  • Possible no-start countdown after ignore period
  • Failed emissions inspection (NOx)

Inspection / repair

  • Difficulty: hard
  • DIY: shop recommended
  • Estimated cost: 200–4000 €
  • Estimated time: 1.5–8 h
  • Component: scr catalyst
  • Component: reductant metering unit
  • Component: reductant quality sensor
  • Component: reductant pump
  • MIL / check engine light
  • emissions-relevant
  • drive cycle required
  • limp mode possible

Sources

References

How to read OBD-II codes

The first letter names the vehicle system, the second digit distinguishes generic from manufacturer-specific, the remaining digits group fault area and number.

PPowertrain: engine, transmission, emissions
BBody: chassis trim, comfort, interior
CChassis: suspension, brakes, steering
UNetwork: CAN, control modules, communication