Dang it….Check engine code P20BD

[KatieZ]

“Redundant Heater B Control Circuit / Open”
Something to do with heating the DEF in cold weather.
From what I gather online it’s either a $300 repair or $3000!!!
We live in a warm climate and won’t be driving this in cold weather, does anyone know if we can continue to drive the van for a bit before getting it fixed or are we likely to cause even more damage to some other component / system?

[Boxster1971]

Originally Posted by KatieZ

“Redundant Heater B Control Circuit / Open”
Something to do with heating the DEF in cold weather.
From what I gather online it’s either a $300 repair or $3000!!!
We live in a warm climate and won’t be driving this in cold weather, does anyone know if we can continue to drive the van for a bit before getting it fixed or are we likely to cause even more damage to some other component / system?

I had my DEF heater fail in 2018. It happened in the summer and kept driving it until I had it repaired in later September, before winter here in Maryland. The cost was $1,900.

[SeeMore]

If your check engine light is on with a fault code related to the DEF heater, you should to get it fixed as soon as possible. Otherwise, when you ignore the check engine light, your Mercedes may go into limp mode, or possibly, you may start to get a warning message on the dashboard stating " x starts remaining," after which point you will no longer be able to start the engine and require a tow. It all depends on the specific software release you are running. I doubt you will "cause more damage" as the software is designed to interrupt your continued use.

[KatieZ]

Wow….need to find a good shop (Not a $$$$$ dealer) and get this looked at

[Rocinante]

Try a Freightliner shop that handles Sprinters. Not all do, but if you find one that does, they are less expensive than a MB dealer.

[dabhunter]

LAST YEAR, I had the Def heater CEL on my 2015 GMC 2500 110,000 miles.
We live in Virginia, its warm and didn't feel we needed the heater and I considered
just living with it.

I went ahead and took to the local GMC dealer for the service, they explained the heater is part of the DEF tank and the service could be about $1500.

Good news ....GMC explained that the repair was covered under a class action settlement.
The settlement covered the repair for 10 years and 125K miles..... PLUS
they filled the new DEF tank.

That day, The gods were shining on mus.

Good luck with your CEL service

[Boxster1971]

Originally Posted by KatieZ

Wow….need to find a good shop (Not a $$$$$ dealer) and get this looked at

You said you have a 2015 Interstate, probably a 2014 Sprinter. How many miles do you have on your van? Have you had the AEM preformed on your van?

The DEF system is covered by an extended emissions warranty. You should check with a dealer.

When mine failed I was outside the warranty so I had to pay for it. But after getting the AEM done I got a check for $3,590 and a new 4 year/48,000 mile warranty.

[ITSNO60]

The DEF heater and most other parts of the DEF tank require a new tank to be installed on the Sprinter. Unfortunately I don't think the heater is covered by the extended warranty https://bluetecupdate.mbvans.com/con...Disclosure.pdf but I could be wrong, I remember reading where some folks were able to fight MB and got them to do it. Also, the AEM requires the system to be in working order with no DTCs when you take it in for the work but some have argued their way out of that one as well. Let us know what they say.

[KatieZ]

We are getting our van into an MB dealer this Wednesday! Just in the nick of time. They said it would take 2 to 3 days to complete the AEM and we are also getting the rear wheel sensor recall taken care of. Hope they will perform the work with this code!
I did not however make them aware of our code that is stored

[ITSNO60]

Mine goes in tomorrow morning. Now we can compare notes

[ITSNO60]

Got mine back yesterday. Transmission is shifting differently but I was prepared for that as I read that it will need some time to adapt as the TCM & ECM were both disconnected and the ECM replaced. Going on a 200 mile test drive tomorrow to get pizza.

[KatieZ]

Hope you saw my latest post……$1300 to remove the step!