P213A

Gas Recirculation Throttle Control Circuit B/Open

P213A is a generic OBD-II powertrain diagnostic trouble code: Gas Recirculation Throttle Control Circuit B/Open. It is logged by the engine control unit when the throttle monitor detects that a specific fault threshold has been exceeded — typically resulting in the malfunction-indicator lamp (MIL / check-engine light) being illuminated.

Code
P213A
Group
Powertrain
System
Throttle
Severity
Warning (MIL on)
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What P213A means

P213A is set when the PCM or diesel aftertreatment control module detects that the voltage on the reductant (DEF/AdBlue) pump control circuit is lower than expected. The reductant pump is responsible for transferring diesel exhaust fluid from the tank to the dosing module for injection into the exhaust upstream of the SCR catalyst.

A low circuit voltage typically indicates a short to ground on the control wire, an internal short within the pump motor windings, or a failed pump driver circuit in the control module. The system monitors the feedback voltage on the pump control line to confirm the pump is operating correctly; when that voltage falls outside the low-threshold limit, P213A is stored.

Reductant system faults can trigger SCR-related warning lights and, depending on the regulatory compliance strategy of the vehicle, may initiate a torque reduction or speed limit countdown if not repaired within a prescribed mileage window. Early diagnosis and repair prevents regulatory derate penalties.

Common causes

Most-frequently reported root causes when P213A is logged.

  • 1
    Short to ground on the reductant pump control circuit wiring.
  • 2
    Failed reductant pump motor with internally shorted windings.
  • 3
    Pump driver circuit failure within the aftertreatment or PCM module.
  • 4
    Connector pin corrosion or damage causing a partial short on the control wire.
  • 5
    Damaged wiring harness routed near heat sources causing insulation breakdown.
  • 6
    Frozen or obstructed reductant pump causing motor overcurrent and voltage collapse.
  • 7
    Contaminated reductant fluid causing pump seizure.

Symptoms drivers notice

MIL and SCR or DEF system warning light illuminated.
DEF system inactive or reduced dosing.
Possible torque derate or speed limiter countdown warning displayed.
DEF tank level may read incorrectly if sensor shares wiring harness with pump.
No reductant flow detected by downstream NOx sensor.

How to diagnose P213A

A typical diagnostic flow when this code is present.

  1. 1
    Connect a scan tool and record all aftertreatment and emissions-related DTCs.
  2. 2
    Check live data for reductant pump commanded state and actual feedback voltage.
  3. 3
    Inspect the reductant pump connector and wiring harness for signs of chafing, melting, or corrosion.
  4. 4
    Measure voltage and resistance on the pump control circuit per the wiring diagram.
  5. 5
    Check for a short to ground on the control wire with the pump connector unplugged.
  6. 6
    Test pump motor resistance and compare to specification.
  7. 7
    Replace pump or repair wiring as indicated, then clear codes and verify SCR system operation.

Related powertrain codes

Frequently asked questions

Can I ignore P213A if the DEF warning light is not on yet?

No. The reductant system must function to maintain emissions compliance. Ignoring the fault may lead to a progressive derate that limits vehicle speed or torque.

Could frozen DEF cause P213A?

Yes. If the DEF tank or pump freezes and the pump cannot move fluid, the motor may draw excessive current causing a voltage drop on the control circuit that triggers the low circuit code.

Is P213A always a pump failure?

Not always. A wiring short to ground or a failed pump driver in the control module can produce the same low circuit voltage. Circuit diagnosis should precede pump replacement.

How urgent is the repair?

Fairly urgent. Many vehicles have a regulatory countdown that begins storing mileage once an SCR fault is detected. Exceeding the allowed mileage without repair results in a speed or power derate.

Disabling P213A in software

RaceTune can permanently disable P213A — and any other OBD-II diagnostic trouble code — on every ECU family we support. The monitor is disabled inside the ECU itself, so the fault stops being logged: the warning light stays off and the engine never enters limp mode for this code. The change is tied to your exact software version.

Permanent
The monitor is disabled in the ECU itself — not just cleared. It cannot return.
Tailored to your file
Each patch is matched to your specific software version — never a one-size-fits-all file.
Reversible
The original file is always preserved. Reflash the stock to return the ECU to factory state.

Software modifications affect emissions compliance and are not road-legal in many jurisdictions. RaceTune service files are intended for motorsport, off-road, and export use.

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