Error codes are common in vehicles and a little prudence on understanding them can make it easier for you to address and resolve the errors timely without hurting the efficiency of your car. Among all other errors, U059E and U059F are the error codes which mean that the data communicated by NOx sensor A and NOx sensor B of the car is not valid. Alternatively, you can also call them Bank 1 and Bank 2 NOx sensors. This error is most likely to be affected by the controller area network bus communications circuit.
A Controller Area Network (CAN) is a vehicle bus designed as a standard to interconnect automotive devices without a host computer The devices have programmed information about what messages are needed to be exchanged on the serial data circuits therefore operating information and commands are properly exchanged among the devices. Some devices are constantly receiving information from other devices through serial data communication network. The Invalid Data Received Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) will be set when a receiving device detects a discrepancy in the information it receives from the NOX Sensor 'A' causing its integrity to be questioned.
Like every problem, there is a solution to this error too; but first let’s understand:
What is a NOx sensor and what it does?
NOx sensor is an electronic part installed in the engines of all vehicles manufactured by all the vehicle manufacturers in adherence to the environmental regulations imposed by the government to control exhaust gas emissions from the vehicle. NOx sensor is particularly designed to measure and control the nitrogen oxide and oxygen content in the exhaust engine. To ensure the vehicle is law compliant, running smoothly with fuel efficiency, and engine is working perfectly fine. However, you can drive a few miles with a faulty NOx sensor but driving a car with faulty NOx is really not advisable for, first it is no more law compliant and second, it will quickly impact the acceleration and cause lost mileage.
NOx sensors are a part of all vehicles including Audi, VW Caddy Golf Passat Touran Sharan, Skoda, Seat Alhambra MPV, BMW, Ford, Land Rover, GMC, Volvo, Opel, Renault, Citroen, Peugeot 3008, Alfa-Romeo, Mercedes-Benz, GM, Chrysler, Chevrolet, Opel Vauxhall Insignia Astra MK6 J MK7 K Zafira C MK3, Mini, Dodge Ram truck, Cummins, Duramax, Mazda, Nissan, Lexus, Toyota, Fiat, Isuzu and many other.
How do NOx sensors work?
As already mentioned, there are two NOx sensors A & B in an effective SCR system located at Bank 1 and Bank 2
The upstream or bank 1 Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) Sensor is located before the SCR Catalyst and is permanently connected to a corresponding NOx Sensor Module mounted on the right frame rail while the downstream or bank 2 NOx Sensor is located at the outlet of the SCR Catalyst and is permanently connected to a corresponding NOx Sensor Module also mounted on the right frame rail. The NOx Sensor Modules are smart devices and communicate with the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). The NOx Sensor Modules perform their own internal diagnostics and report malfunctions back to the PCM. The NOx Sensors are used to monitor the efficiency of the SCR Catalyst. The PCM will illuminate the (MIL) Malfunction Indicator Lamp immediately after the monitor runs and fails.
Why do NOx sensor fail?
However, there could be many other common reasons for the failure of NOx sensors such as soot buildup on the sensor’s probe, also NOx sensor can be failed on the course of a normal usage due to its lifetime completion. Since, it contributes to the efficiency of your engine therefore it is necessary to replace the faulty NOx sensor immediately to bring the car to its optimum functional level.
How to fix the error codes?
NOx sensors are directly linked to the ECU, and when these U059E and U059F codes are stored on PCM, it means the problem is with emission control units also known as nitrogen oxide sensors.
These faults indicates that NOx sensors have failed for good and there is no communication with car and replacement sensors are required – one or two sensors, all depend how many faults are being showed.
For an easy fix, first look for the loose wires or blown fuses. If everything seems fine then inspect the plug for the moisture as it is common for it to get affected by water so before you go into replacing the sensor, dry the plug properly if found wet.
Then, replace the NOx sensor with a new one and diagnostic trouble codes will disappear after some driving or you can manually clear them with OBD-2 reader. And in this case, you will have to buy whole new brand NOx sensor unit because the main part has got damaged which is not repairable in any other cheaper way.
Replacing the NOx sensor unit immediately is important to not further clog up the DPF with soot affecting the efficiency of your car resulting in non-compliance of regulations. Once you make this replacement, these DTC error codes will resolve.
How to get new NOx sensor?
From thousands of NOx sensors available in market, it could be really difficult to select the one for your vehicle brand and type. You’ll need to identify the correct part number and sensor and search it at any local store or an online store. But at xenons4u, you can also send an email with the picture of the part or the specifications and they’ll arrange the required part as a new, refurbished or aftermarket component for your vehicle.
Currently available NOx sensor units at xenons4u are:
