P0155 – Heated oxygen sensor (HO2S) 1, bank 2, heater control circuit malfunction
| Code | Fault Location | Probable Cause |
|---|---|---|
| P0155 | Heated oxygen sensor (HO2S) 1, bank 2, heater control circuit malfunction (Buy Part On Amazon) | Wiring, H028, ECM |
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Table of Contents
- What Does Code P0155 Mean?
- What are the common causes of code P0155 ?
- What are the symptoms of code P0155 ?
- How do you troubleshoot code P0155 ?
- Codes Related to P0155
- Get Help with P0155
What Does Code P0155 Mean?
The upstream oxygen sensor (O2S) is located ahead of the catalytic converter. It is used to determine the concentration of oxygen in the exhaust gas. This information is used by the PCM to control the engine air/fuel mixture. The sensor compares amount of oxygen in the exhaust to the surrounding air (there is an opening in the sensor that is exposed to the atmosphere). It generates a corresponding voltage which is transmitted to the PCM. The PCM then controls injector pulse based on this value.
Modern vehicles use a heated oxygen sensor (HO2S). These sensors contain a heating element that brings the sensor to operating temperature faster. This allows the PCM to use the signals input sooner, for more precise fuel control and reduced emissions. The heater circuit is energized through a relay that closes when the engine is cranked. The PCM monitors the heater circuit and will turn on the check engine light if it finds a problem.
Code P0155 stands for Oxygen O2 Sensor Heater Circuit Malfunction (Bank 2, Sensor 1). This indicates the PCM has detected a problem with the bank 2 oxygen sensor. Bank 1 refers to the side of the engine that has the #1 cylinder. Bank 2 is the opposite side of the engine. If you’ve got a four-cylinder, there will only be one bank, and you would not get this code.
A typical heated oxygen sensor
(Courtesy: easterncatalytic.com)
What are the common causes of code P0155 ?
To sum things up, the common causes for code P0155 are as follows:
- Problem on the ground side of the O2 sensor heater circuit
- Problem on the power side of the O2 sensor heater circuit
- O2 sensor heater element has high resistance
- O2 sensor heater element has an open circuit
What are the symptoms of code P0155 ?
In theory, a failed O2 heater will result in poor fuel economy. But you’ll probably never notice the difference during operation. The only thing you will notice is an illuminated check engine light on your dashboard. If your registration is due, you will also fail the emissions test.
How do you troubleshoot code P0155 ?
This code can only be caused by problems in O2 sensor heater circuit, or by the sensor itself.
Typically, heated O2 sensors have four wires – two of which go to the heater circuit and two that are power and ground for the sensor. In this case study, we are only concerned with the heater circuit.
Typical O2 sensor heater circuit and connectors
(Courtesy: alldata.com)
You’ll want to obtain the wiring diagram from your vehicle to be certain you are testing the correct wires.
- Test the heater circuit wiring
First, you want to disconnect the O2 sensor connector and test the heater circuit for power and ground. You can do this using a digital multimeter.
By consulting the wiring diagram for you vehicle, determine which pin on the connector is power and which is ground. Set your multimeter to the volts setting. Touching the black multimeter lead to ground and the other to the power feed on the connector, you should see a reading that’s close to battery voltage. If not, you have a problem with the O2 sensor power supply. You’ll need to consult the power side of the wiring diagram to find where the circuit fault lies.
To test the ground side of the circuit, connect the red multimeter lead to the battery positive terminal and the black lead to ground. Once again, you should see a reading of about 12 volts. If not, you’ll need to consult the ground side of the wiring diagram to find where the circuit fault lies.
- Test the sensor heating element
If you’ve got good power and ground, the next thing to do is check the sensor heating element for either high resistance or an open circuit. You’ll do this using your digital multimeter.
Set your meter to the ohms setting. Then, connect your meter leads to both of the heater circuit pins on the sensor side of the connector. Consult the service information to see if the resistance value on your meter is within specification. If not, the heating element inside the sensor has high resistance and the sensor should be replaced.
If you get a reading that says OL on your meter while performing this test, the heating element has an open circuit. Once again, in this case, the sensor should be replaced.
Testing O2 heater element resistance
(Courtesy: 2carpros.com)
Codes Related to P0155
Code P0135 is the most closely related code to P0155. It stands for 02 Sensor Heater Circuit Malfunction (Bank 1 Sensor 1). So, it is essentially the same code, but for the opposite bank of the engine. All of the same diagnostic steps apply.
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If you’re getting both P0155 and P0135 what is the most likely cause of the problem?
Ryan,
It’s the oxygen sensors.
If they have been on the vehicle for more than 100,000 miles, they are in need of replacement.
Also, use only factory GM O2 sensors. Some techs are reporting issues with aftermarket sensors with these codes.
I hope this helps.
I have an 03 avalon. It went tru heavy rain after thu lights came on. The code was P0155. How safe is it to still drive the car. And how expensive is it to fix. Other than that the car runs great. Thank you.