SCR NOx Catalyst Efficiency
The MAXXFORCE-P20EE-13 (MaxxForce) diesel fault code means: SCR NOx Catalyst Efficiency. This is a serious severity code.
- Keep driving?
- Short distances only
- DIY difficulty
- advanced
- Estimated cost
- $600-$7,000
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Common Symptoms
- CEL
- Countdown to derate
- Poor MPG
Probable Causes (Ranked by Likelihood)
- DEF quality poor Likely
- Failed NOx sensors Likely
- SCR catalyst thermal damage Possible
Frequently Asked Questions
What is P20EE on a MaxxForce 13 (12.4L)?
P20EE on a MaxxForce 13 (12.4L) (2008-2014) indicates: SCR NOx Catalyst Efficiency. This is a known fault code on the MaxxForce engine family and typically points to the causes listed above.
Can I drive with P20EE on my MaxxForce?
Only drive short distances to reach a repair facility. Continued operation may cause further damage or progressive derate.
How much does it cost to fix MaxxForce P20EE?
Repair cost is typically $600-$7,000 depending on the underlying cause and shop rate. Many MaxxForce faults (especially EGR cooler, head bolt, and VGT repairs) are major expenses that drove fleet owners to repower with Cummins or retire these trucks early.
What actually makes the computer set this NOx or SCR code?
California's heavy-duty OBD regulation requires the system to flag a NOx-converting catalyst when its conversion capability drops enough to push NOx emissions more than 0.4 g/bhp-hr above the applicable standard (Title 13 CCR 1971.1, section (e)(6.2.1)) — so on a 0.2 g/bhp-hr engine the trip point is around 0.6. Catalysts in series may be monitored individually or as a group, which is why a code can point at the aftertreatment as a whole rather than at one brick. This threshold comes from the heavy-duty OBD regulation, which covers 2010 and later heavy-duty engines. If your engine is in a pickup at or under 14,000 lb GVWR it is certified under the separate medium-duty rule instead, so treat this as the design intent rather than your engine's exact limit.
Mechanics Guide Step-by-step diagnosis
Step-by-Step Diagnostic Procedure
Refractometer-test DEF.
Replace NOx sensors before SCR.
MaxxForce 13 was late to add SCR (2013+).
Sources 1
This page is built from documented references. Verify against your own service info before repair work.
- California Code of Regulations, Title 13 section 1971.1 (Heavy-Duty OBD)malfunction criteria, section (e)
Commonly Affected Vehicles
- International ProStar MaxxForce 13
- International LoneStar MaxxForce 13
- International TranStar 8600 MaxxForce 13
- International PayStar 5900 MaxxForce 13
- International 9900i MaxxForce 13
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