P20EE Fault Code: Peugeot, Citroen, Opel Adblue Issues & Solutions

If you drive a Peugeot, Citroen or Opel/Vauxhall, the sudden appearance of the P20EE fault code on your screen can be annoying. This code is directly related to the cars emission system, specifically the Adblue (SCR) system. When the car cannot clean the exhaust gases properly, the engine ECU throws this error.

What exactly causes the P20EE problem?

1. AdBlue fluid crystallizes over time. These crystals block the tip of the injector just like limescale. When the injector is blocked, fluid cannot be sprayed into the exhaust.
2. AdBlue tank and pump failure. In the PSA group the tank and pump are manufactured as a single unit. When the pump pressure drops or breaks, the entire tank may need replacing.
3. NOx sensors in the exhaust line can get covered in soot and fail, sending wrong signals to the ECU.
4. Soot and chain issue specific to 1.5 BlueHDi engines. In these engines its not just adblue, because the 7mm camshaft chain is weak, the combustion chamber dynamics are disrupted. The car produces excessive soot and this clogs the EGR, DPF and the entire emission system, triggering the P20EE code.

What are the symptoms of P20EE?

• The engine check light and UREA (adblue) warning light turn on.
• The car goes into limp mode and loses power.
• A countdown warning appears on the screen, like "1100 km / 700 miles until engine start prevented".
• You might experience sudden hesitation or lack of throttle response while driving.

How to fix P20EE and what are the costs? There are a few different solutions here depending on the fault.

1. Software update: If the problem is just sensor sensitivity, the issue is solved by flashing a new software to the car at the main dealer (TSB).
2. Injector cleaning or replacement: The crystallized area is cleaned or the part is replaced.
3. Adblue tank replacement: This is the most expensive one. Original tank replacement reaches very high prices at main dealers. Even if original parts are fitted at independent garages for cars out of warranty, it still costs a lot.
4. Internal engine carbon clean and rebuild: If the problem is mechanical in 1.5 engines, a carbon clean is done and the old 7mm chain and camshafts are replaced with the new post-2023 8mm revised parts.
5. Software delete (Independent garage solution): Many people have the adblue system completely mapped out from the ECU by independent garages to avoid high repair costs. Hardware repair is around 1200-1300 Euros while deleting it via software is around 300 Euros. The error goes away but since the car no longer meets emission standards, it might cause problems during the MOT or emissions test.

Stellantis goodwill warranty and service bulletins

The manufacturer (Stellantis) knows this is a chronic issue. If your car has a full dealer service history and doesnt exceed the age and mileage limits (usually under 5 years or 150k km / 100k miles), the goodwill warranty comes into play. In this case, they might provide the tank for free and only charge you for the labor. Also, there are manufacturer recall bulletins for the camshaft chain on 1.5 BlueHDi engines.

Can the car be driven like this, is there any danger?

While the error is on the screen you can only drive the car a short distance to get it to a garage. But it is definitely not suitable for long term use, it has serious dangers.

1. When the mileage countdown on the screen reaches zero, the car locks itself. The engine wont start again and you will be left stranded.
2. If the problem is the chain and soot issue in the 1.5 engine, forcing the car like this will cause that weak chain to snap. If the chain snaps the engine completely seizes and the cost multiplies. Also if the DPF clogs it can ruin the turbo as well.