P013E O2 Sensor Delayed Response – Rich to Lean (Bank 1 Sensor 2)

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P013E O2 Sensor Delayed Response – Rich to Lean (Bank 1 Sensor 2)

OBD-II Trouble Code Technical Description

O2 Sensor Delayed Response – Rich to Lean (Bank 1 Sensor 2)

What does that mean?

This diagnostic trouble code (DTC) is a generic powertrain code, which means that it applies to OBD-II equipped vehicles (GMC, Chevrolet, Ford, Dodge, Chrysler, VW, Toyota, Honda, etc.). Although generic, the specific repair steps may vary depending on make/model.

When an OBD-II equipped vehicle has a stored P013E code, it means that the powertrain control module (PCM) has detected a delayed response time from the downstream (or post catalytic converter) oxygen (O2) sensor or circuit for engine bank one. Bank 1 specifies the bank of the engine which contains the number one cylinder.

Automotive O2 / oxygen sensors are constructed using a zirconium dioxide sensing element which is protected by a specially designed, vented, steel housing. Platinum electrodes are used to attach the sensing element to wire leads in the O2 sensor wiring harness which is connected to the PCM through the controller area network (CAN). The PCM is supplied with an electrical signal according to the percentage of oxygen particles in the engine exhaust compared to the oxygen content of ambient air.

Exhaust gases are pushed into the exhaust manifold(s) and down pipe(s) where they flow over/through the upstream O2 sensor. Exhaust flows through the O2 sensor vent holes (in the steel housing) and across the sensing element and ambient air is drawn through the wire lead cavities where it is trapped in a small chamber in the center of the sensor. The trapped ambient air (in the chamber) is heated by the exhaust, forcing the oxygen ions to produce (energy) voltage.

Deviations between the concentration of oxygen molecules in ambient air (drawn into the center cavity of the O2 sensor) and the concentration of oxygen ions in the spent exhaust gases, cause the heated oxygen ions inside the O2 sensor to jump between platinum layers very rapidly and repetitiously. Fluctuations in voltage occur as the rushing oxygen ions jump between the layers of the platinum electrodes. These variations in voltage are identified by the PCM as changes in exhaust oxygen concentration which indicate that the engine is either running lean (too little fuel) or rich (too much fuel). When more oxygen is present in the exhaust (lean condition), the voltage signal from the O2 sensor is low and is higher when less oxygen is present in the exhaust (rich condition). This data is used by the PCM primarily to calculate fuel delivery and ignition timing strategy but also to monitor catalytic converter efficiency.

If the O2 sensor in question fails to cycle as rapidly and/or regularly as expected, over a set period of time and under certain predetermined circumstances, a P013E code will be stored and a malfunction indicator lamp may be illuminated.

Other oxygen sensor delayed response trouble codes include:

  • P013E O2 Sensor Delayed Response – Rich to Lean (Bank 1 Sensor 2)
  • P013F O2 Sensor Delayed Response – Lean to Rich (Bank 1 Sensor 2)
  • P014A O2 Sensor Delayed Response – Rich to Lean (Bank 2 Sensor 2)
  • P014B O2 Sensor Delayed Response – Lean to Rich (Bank 2 Sensor 2)
  • P015A O2 Sensor Delayed Response – Rich to Lean (Bank 1 Sensor 1)
  • P015B O2 Sensor Delayed Response – Lean to Rich (Bank 1 Sensor 1)
  • P015C O2 Sensor Delayed Response – Rich to Lean (Bank 2 Sensor 1)
  • P015D O2 Sensor Delayed Response – Lean to Rich (Bank 2 Sensor 1)
  • Code Severity & Symptoms

    Since a P013E code means that an O2 sensor has remained slow or unresponsive for an extended period of time, it should be categorized as severe.

    Symptoms of this code may include:

  • Lowered fuel efficiency
  • A general lack engine performance
  • Other related diagnostic trouble codes may also be stored
  • Service engine soon lamp illumination
  • Causes

    Potential causes for this code to set are:

  • Defective O2 sensor(s)
  • Burnt, broken, or disconnected wiring and/or connectors
  • Defective catalytic converter
  • Engine exhaust leaks
  • Diagnostic and Repair Procedures

    Some of the main tools that I would require to diagnose a code P013E are a diagnostic scanner, a digital volt/ohmmeter (DVOM), and a reliable vehicle information source (All Data DIY).

    Before trying to diagnose a code P013E, all engine misfire codes, throttle position sensor codes, manifold air pressure codes, and mass air flow sensor codes must be diagnosed and repaired. An engine that is not running efficiently will cause all sorts of codes to be stored (and rightly so).

    Professional technicians typically start with a visual inspection of system wiring harnesses and connectors. We focus on harnesses that are routed near hot exhaust pipes and manifolds, as well as those that are routed near sharp edges like the ones found on exhaust shields.

    Search technical service bulletins (TSB) in your vehicle information source. If you find one that matches the symptoms and code/s presented by the vehicle in question, it will very likely aid you in your diagnosis. TSB listings are compiled from thousands of successful repairs.

    Next, I like to connect the scanner to the vehicle diagnostic port and retrieve all stored trouble codes and freeze frame data. This information may be helpful if the P013E proves to be intermittent so write it down for later. Now, clear the codes and see if the P013E is reset.

    If the code is reset, start the engine, allow it to reach normal operating temperature, and then let it idle (with the transmission in neutral or park). Use the scanner data stream to observe O2 sensor input data.

    Narrow the data stream display to include only pertinent data and you will see a faster and more accurate data response. If the engine is running efficiently, upstream O2 sensor data should fluctuate regularly between 1-millivolt (.100-volts) and 9-millivolts (.900-olts). If voltage fluctuations are slower than expected, a P013E will be stored.

    You can connect the DVOM test leads to the sensor ground and signal wires in order to monitor live data from the O2 sensor. You may also use it to check resistance of the O2 sensor in question, as well as voltage and ground signals. To prevent control module damage, disconnect related controllers prior to testing system circuit resistance with the DVOM.

    Additional diagnostic notes:

  • Once the PCM has entered closed loop operation, downstream O2 sensors should not cycle as regularly as upstream sensors
  • Low grade replacement (or remanufactured) catalytic converters are susceptible to repeated failure and should be avoided
  • Need help?

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    "Delete Error Code Permanently, Disable DTC Error Code Function for p013e in the ECU"

    In extreme cases, we even have the option to permanently remove the specific DTC p013e and disable the function of the specific error code in the ECU. All other fault code functions will then continue to work to protect the engine. This is different from clearing an error code with a diagnostic device. We have the option to permanently remove the function of the specific error code, so that it never comes back. Also emergency running that occurs on the specific error code can be solved in most cases.

    Of course we prefer to first try to solve the cause of the error code, but sometimes the only solution is to permanently disable the DTC function of p013e.

    Make an appointment for permanent removal of p013e