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.

My Garage →
Keep driving?
Short distances only
DIY difficulty
advanced
Estimated cost
$400-$5,000
Mobile mechanic network · I-5 corridor pilot

Down with a Power Stroke fault on the road?

Get connected with a verified mobile diesel mechanic near you. Verified diesel & reefer techs, launching on the freight corridor.

Find a mobile mechanic →
Built for Diesel — Not a Car Reader
ANCEL HD7000 Heavy-Duty Diesel Scanner

A $30 car code reader can't do diesel. The HD7000 reads full-system codes and does parked DPF regen, idle/speed-limit, and service resets from the cab — on everything from a 6.7 Cummins/Power Stroke/Duramax pickup to Class-8 trucks (Detroit, Paccar, CAT, Volvo, Mack, International).

Check Price on Amazon

Affiliate link -- we earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Lower-Cost Diesel Option
FOXWELL HD301 Diesel Truck Scanner

Full-system 6/9/16-pin diesel scan tool for Cummins, Paccar, CAT, Detroit and more — plug-and-play, no subscription. A cheaper way to read heavy-duty codes a basic OBD2 scanner skips entirely.

Check Price on Amazon

Affiliate link -- we earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Common Symptoms

  • CEL
  • Derate warning/countdown
  • Poor emissions performance

Probable Causes (Ranked by Likelihood)

  • 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

Step-by-Step Diagnostic Procedure

  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.

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.

P20EE on Other Platforms

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

Explore More