POWERSTROKE-P20EE serious Power Stroke ›

SCR NOx Catalyst Efficiency Below Threshold Bank 1

The POWERSTROKE-P20EE (Power Stroke) diesel fault code means: SCR NOx Catalyst Efficiency Below Threshold Bank 1. This is a serious severity code.

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Keep driving?
Short distances only
DIY difficulty
advanced
Estimated cost
$400-$5,000
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What Are the Symptoms of POWERSTROKE-P20EE?

  • CEL
  • Derate warning/countdown
  • Poor emissions performance

What Causes POWERSTROKE-P20EE? (Most Likely First)

  • Aged / poisoned SCR catalyst Very Likely
  • Failed NOx sensor giving false efficiency data Likely
  • Cracked DEF injector crystallizing urea Likely
  • Engine over-fueling causing excess NOx Possible

Can I Still Drive with POWERSTROKE-P20EE?

Short distances only. POWERSTROKE-P20EE is rated serious severity. Keep trips short and get it diagnosed soon rather than waiting for symptoms to worsen.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is P20EE on a 6.7L Power Stroke (Scorpion)?

P20EE on a 6.7L Power Stroke (Scorpion) (2011-present) indicates: SCR NOx Catalyst Efficiency Below Threshold Bank 1. This is a known diagnostic trouble code on this engine family and typically points to the causes listed above.

Can I drive with P20EE on my Power Stroke?

Only drive short distances to get to a repair facility. Continued operation may cause further damage.

How much does it cost to fix P20EE?

Repair cost is typically $400-$5,000 depending on the underlying cause and whether you DIY or use a shop. Diagnostic time alone runs $100-$180 at most independent diesel shops.

Mechanics Guide Step-by-step diagnosis

How Do You Diagnose POWERSTROKE-P20EE?

  1. Run full aftertreatment test via IDS or ForScan.

  2. Test both NOx sensors; they're the most common cause of false P20EE.

  3. Inspect DEF injector spray pattern.

  4. If SCR cat is truly spent, replacement is $2,000-$5,000 typically.

Sources 1

This page is built from documented references. Verify against your own service info before repair work.

  • SAE J2012Diagnostic Trouble Code Definitions (defines P20EE as a generic OBD-II code)

P20EE on Other Platforms

The same code ID appears across other engines, vehicles, and equipment. Diagnostic flow varies by platform — see the matching breakdown:

Which Vehicles Commonly Get POWERSTROKE-P20EE?

  • 2011-present Ford F-250 Super Duty 6.7L Power Stroke
  • 2011-present Ford F-350 Super Duty 6.7L Power Stroke
  • 2011-present Ford F-450/F-550 Super Duty 6.7L Power Stroke
  • 2015-2019 Ford F-650/F-750 6.7L Power Stroke

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