P0150 02 Sensor Circuit Malfunction (Bank 2 Sensor 1)
OBD-II Trouble Code Technical Description
O2 Sensor Circuit Malfunction (Bank 2 Sensor 1)
What does that mean?
This diagnostic trouble code (DTC) is a generic powertrain code, which means that it applies to OBD-II equipped vehicles. Although generic, the specific repair steps may vary depending on make/model.
The O2 sensor produces a voltage based on oxygen content in the exhaust. The voltage varies between .1 and .9 Volts, .1 indicating lean and .9 indicating rich. Sensor #1 is the first sensor downstream fromt he engine.
The ECM constantly monitors this voltage while in closed loop to determine how much fuel to inject. If the ECM determines that the O2 sensor voltage was too low (less than .4 Volts) for too long (for more than 20 seconds (time varies with model)), this code is set. The code P0150 refers to Bank 2.
Potential Symptoms
Depending if the problem is intermittent or not, there may be no symptoms other than MIL (malfunction indicator lamp) illumination. If the problem is constant, then symptoms may include one or more of the following:
Causes
Usually the cause of P0150 is a bad oxygen sensor, however this isn’t always the case. If your o2 sensors haven’t been replaced and they are old, it’s a good bet that the sensor is the problem. But, It could be caused by any of the following:
Possible Solutions
Using a scan tool, determine if the Bank 2, sensor 1 is switching properly. It should switch rapidly between rich and lean, evenly.
1. If it does, the problem is likely intermittent and you should examine the wiring for any visible damage. Then perform a wiggle test by manipulating the connector and wiring while watching the o2 sensor voltage. If it drops out, fix the appropriate part of the wiring harness where problem resides.
2. If it doesn’t switch properly, try to determine if the sensor is accurately reading the exhaust or not. Do this by removing the fuel pressure regulator vacuum supply briefly. The o2 sensor reading should go rich, reacting to the extra fuel added. Reinstall regulator supply. Then induce a lean condition by removing a vacuum supply line from the intake manifold. The o2 sensor reading should go lean, reacting to the enleaned exhaust. If the sensor operates properly, then the sensor may be okay and the problem may be holes in the exhaust or an unmetered vacuum leak in the engine (NOTE: Unmetered vacuum leaks at the engine are almost always accompanied by lean codes. Refer to the appropriate articles for diagnosing an unmetered vacuum leak). If the exhaust does have holes in it, it’s possible that the o2 sensor may be misreading the exhaust because of the extra oxygen entering the pipe via those holes
3. If none of this is the case and the o2 sensor just isn’t switching or acts sluggish, unplug the sensor and make sure there is 5 Volt reference voltage to the sensor. Then check for 12V supply to the o2 sensor’s heater circuit. Also check for continuity to ground on the ground circuit. If any of these are missing, or aren’t their proper voltage, repair open or short in the appropriate wire. The o2 sensor will not operate properly without proper voltage. If the proper voltages are present, replace the o2 sensor.
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"Delete Error Code Permanently, Disable DTC Error Code Function for p0150 in the ECU"
In extreme cases, we even have the option to permanently remove the specific DTC p0150 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 p0150.
