P24F3

Reductant Injection Valve Control Circuit Open

P24F3 is a generic OBD-II powertrain diagnostic trouble code: Reductant Injection Valve Control Circuit Open. It is logged by the engine control unit when the powertrain monitor detects that a specific fault threshold has been exceeded — typically resulting in the malfunction-indicator lamp (MIL / check-engine light) being illuminated.

Code
P24F3
Group
Powertrain
System
Powertrain
Severity
Warning (MIL on, possible limp mode)
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What P24F3 means

P24F3 is stored when the ECM/PCM detects an open circuit condition on the control circuit of the DEF (reductant) dosing injector valve. The dosing injector is the solenoid valve that meters liquid DEF into the exhaust stream upstream of the SCR catalyst. An open circuit means the module cannot electrically energise the injector, so no DEF will be delivered regardless of the dosing demand.

The module detects the open by monitoring current flow or by reading back a voltage level on the control line that does not change when the injector is commanded open or closed. Common causes include a broken wire in the harness between the ECM and the injector, a failed injector coil, or a disconnected or corroded connector at the injector body.

Because DEF dosing is completely interrupted by this fault, NOx reduction efficiency drops to near zero. Regulatory strategies on most vehicles will initiate a derate (torque or speed restriction) after a limited number of drive cycles if the fault is not repaired. Prompt diagnosis and repair are essential to avoid an imposed power restriction.

Common causes

Most-frequently reported root causes when P24F3 is logged.

  • 1
    Broken or disconnected wire in the dosing injector control circuit harness.
  • 2
    Failed injector solenoid coil (open winding).
  • 3
    Corroded or loose injector electrical connector.
  • 4
    Blown fuse in the injector supply circuit.
  • 5
    ECM/PCM output driver for the injector circuit has failed open.
  • 6
    Chafed harness routed near exhaust components where heat causes wire breakage.

Symptoms drivers notice

MIL and SCR/AdBlue warning lamp illuminated.
Zero DEF dosing, leading to high tailpipe NOx emissions.
Torque derate or vehicle speed limiter activation after repeated fault cycles.
Possible other SCR efficiency or NOx sensor codes set in conjunction.
No audible injector click during SCR system test with a scan tool.

How to diagnose P24F3

A typical diagnostic flow when this code is present.

  1. 1
    Record all DTCs and freeze-frame data before performing any repairs.
  2. 2
    Inspect the DEF dosing injector connector and visible harness for corrosion, damage, or disconnection.
  3. 3
    Measure the resistance of the injector coil at the injector connector; an open reading confirms injector failure.
  4. 4
    With the injector disconnected, check continuity of the control circuit wire back to the ECM pin.
  5. 5
    Inspect the fuse for the injector supply circuit.
  6. 6
    If wiring and fuse are intact but the coil reads open, replace the dosing injector.
  7. 7
    After repair, clear codes and perform an SCR system functional test to confirm dosing resumes.

Vehicles where we've handled P24F3

Platforms in our catalogue with confirmed P24F3 coverage.

BMW 320D
2016

Related powertrain codes

Frequently asked questions

Can a frozen DEF line cause P24F3?

No. A frozen DEF line would set pressure or flow-related codes. P24F3 is specifically an electrical open-circuit fault on the injector control wiring.

How long before a derate kicks in with P24F3?

This depends on the manufacturer calibration. Many systems allow 2-3 warm drive cycles before activating a derate. Check OEM-specific thresholds for the vehicle in question.

Is the dosing injector the same as the DEF pump?

No. The pump pressurises and circulates DEF from the tank; the dosing injector is a separate solenoid valve that sprays DEF into the exhaust pipe. P24F3 refers to the injector, not the pump.

Can I clean and reuse a DEF injector with an open coil?

No. An open coil is an internal electrical failure that cannot be repaired by cleaning. The injector must be replaced.

Disabling P24F3 in software

RaceTune can permanently disable P24F3 — 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.

ECUs with a P24F3 disable in our catalogue

Confirmed coverage from our recipe database — we support many more families. Upload your file and our identifier will match it automatically.

  • Bosch EDC17C50 verified 1 software version

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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