Fault code P0134 is called “O2 Sensor Circuit No Activity Detected (Bank 1, Sensor 1)” but in different programs it may be called differently. This fault designation applies to all vehicles equipped with OBD-II.
Technical description and explained code P0134
This Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) is a general powertrain code. Error P0134 is considered a general code because it applies to all makes and models of vehicles. Although the specific repair steps may vary slightly depending on the model.
The powertrain control module (PCM) provides a reference voltage of about 450 mV in the oxygen sensor signal circuit. During cold weather the ECU detects a high internal resistance of the sensor.
As the sensor warms up, the resistance decreases and the sensor begins to produce a voltage based on the oxygen content of the exhaust. When the ECU detects that the time it takes for the sensor to warm up is greater than one minute. Or that the voltage is inactive (not reading beyond 391-491 mV). The sensor is defined as inactive or open and sets the code P0134.
The front oxygen sensor O₂ (bank 1, sensor 1) is located in the exhaust manifold. Its function is to determine the amount of oxygen in the exhaust gases, which is compared with the outside air.
Symptoms of vehicle malfunctions
The main signal that an error P0134 has occurred is the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) is also known as the CheckEngine Light.
It can also be warning signs such as:
- The Check Engine light on the control panel will illuminate (the code will be written to the memory as a fault).
- The car does not run well, there is not enough engine power.
- There is black smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe.
- Increased fuel consumption.
- RPMs do not hold up well, jerking when driving.
Factors that can cause this error code
The error code P0134 can mean that one or more of the following problems have occurred:
- The sensor oxygen (O₂) is defective.
- Heater circuit in the sensor O₂ is defective.
- Connection or connector to the sensor is broken or frayed.
- Heater circuit fuse blown.
- Holes in exhaust system (muffler).
- ECU failure.
How to fix or reset OBD-2 code P0134
Some suggested steps for troubleshooting and fix the error code P0134:
- A severely worn and rusted muffler should be replaced.
- Check wiring and connectors for problems.
- Fuse blown due to too high amperage. The sensor needs to be replaced, and the blown fuse needs to be replaced.
- Replace the ECU, this should only be done as a last resort. After all other possibilities have been considered.
The most common solution is to replace the oxygen sensor. But this should be done after ruling out all possible options.
Diagnose and repair of problems
The most common cause of error P0134 is an oxygen sensor failure. It is necessary to conduct a thorough analysis and consider all possible causes of the error before replacing the sensor. The first thing to do is to check the oxygen sensor electrical wires and connector.
Every time after the repair work is done, you should clear the ECU memory of the error codes. After that, you should test the car to make sure that the P0134 error reappears. This will help determine if the problem has been resolved.
If the diagnostics show that everything is fine with the oxygen sensor, as well as the electrical wires and connections. It is necessary to check the exhaust pipe and the heater fuse of the sensor.
On which vehicles does this problem occur most frequently
Fault code P0134 can occur on different vehicles but there are statistics on which brands this occurs most often. Here is a list of some of them:
- Acura (MDX)
- Audi (A6)
- BMW
- Chery (Amulet, Fora, Tiggo)
- Chevrolet (Aveo, Captiva, Cavalier, Cruze, Lacetti, Lanos)
- Chrysler (Voyager)
- Citroen (Berlingo)
- Daewoo (Nexia)
- Dodge (Caravan, Durango, Neon, Stratus)
- Ford
- Geely
- Honda (Accord, CR-V, Civic, Stream)
- Hover
- Hyundai (Accent, Elantra, Getz, Santa Fe, Solaris, Tucson)
- Kia (Ceed, Cerato, Rio, Sportage)
- Lifan
- Mazda (3, 323, 6, CX-7, Demio)
- Mercedes-Benz (W204)
- Mitsubishi (Galant, Lancer, Outlander, Pajero)
- Nissan (Almera, Maxima, Note, Pathfinder, Primera, Qashqai, Teana, Tiida)
- Opel (Antara, Astra, Corsa)
- Peugeot (206, 307, Partner)
- Saab (9-5)
- Skoda (Fabia, Octavia)
- Subaru (Forester, Outback)
- Suzuki (Grand Vitara, Liana, Swift)
- Toyota (Avensis, Corolla)
- Volkswagen (Golf, Passat)
- Volvo (XC90)
- GAZelle (Business, UMZ 4216)
- LADA (Granta, Kalina, Niva, Priora, Vesta)
- UAZ (Patriot)
- VAZ (2104, 2107, 2110, 2112, 2114, 2115)
- ZAZ (Chance)
Fault code P0134 can sometimes be found with other errors. The most common are the following: P0030, P0053, P0112, P0130, P0131, P0132, P0135, P0137, P0138, P0154, P0155, P0171, P0172, P0301, P1135, P1496, P2243.
