Fault code P0153 is called “O2 Sensor Circuit Slow Response (Bank 2, 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 P0153
Stored code P0153 means that the transmission control module (PCM) has detected a slow response time from oxygen sensor 1 O₂ or circuit. Bank 2 indicates an engine group that does not contain cylinder number one.
The O₂ sensors are designed with a zirconium dioxide sensing element that is protected by a ventilated steel housing. The sensing element is connected with platinum electrodes. The PCM is connected to the sensor wiring harness O₂ using the Controller Area Network (CAN). The PCM transmits data about the percentage of oxygen particles in the engine exhaust compared to the oxygen content in the ambient air.
Deviations between the amount of oxygen molecules in the ambient air and the concentration of oxygen ions in the exhaust gases cause voltage changes. These changes cause the ions inside the sensor to rapidly transfer between platinum layers.
The PCM detects voltage changes as changes in the concentration of oxygen in the exhaust gases. These changes indicate that the engine is running lean (too little fuel) or rich (too much fuel).
The voltage signal from the O₂ sensor is low when there is more oxygen in the exhaust (lean condition) and high when there is less oxygen in the exhaust (rich condition). This data is used by the PCM primarily to monitor the efficiency of the catalytic converter.
If the O₂ No. 1 sensor circuit does not work properly for a given period of time and under certain programmed circumstances. Then error P0153 will be stored in the memory, and the malfunction indicator lamp may illuminate.
Symptoms of vehicle malfunctions
The main signal that an error P0153 has occurred is the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) is also known as the CheckEngine Light.
It can also be warning signs such as:
- Check engine control lamp on the control panel will light up (the code will be recorded in the ECM memory as a fault).
- Reduced engine power.
- Increased fuel consumption.
- Attempts of engine stalling during deceleration.
- Engine jerking during acceleration, after deceleration.
- Other related diagnostic trouble codes may be present.
Error P0153 is not considered serious, the car will be able to start and continue driving. But ignoring it for a long time may lead to catalytic converter failure and other consequences.
Factors that can cause this error code
The error code P0153 can mean that one or more of the following problems have occurred:
- The oxygen sensor O₂ may be defective.
- There may be damage to the oxygen sensor O₂ circuit.
- High resistance or break in the oxygen sensor signal circuit O₂.
- Clogged catalytic converter.
- Engine exhaust leakage.
How to fix or reset OBD-2 code P0153
Some suggested steps for troubleshooting and fix the error code P0153:
- Read all stored data and error codes with an OBD-II scan tool.
- Clear the trouble codes from the computer memory and test-drive the vehicle to find out if error P0153 appears again.
- Observe the oxygen sensor data in real time using the scan tool. To find out if the voltage drops below 0.2 volts when the car slows down.
- Check the oxygen sensor for contamination due to coolant or engine oil leakage. Replace the oxygen sensor O₂ if necessary.
- Inspect the electrical wires related to the oxygen sensor for moisture or mechanical damage. Repair any faults found.
Diagnose and repair of problems
It is necessary to read out all saved data and error codes with an OBD-II scanner. Clear the error codes from the computer memory and test-drive the vehicle. To find out if code P0153 appears again.
Check the oxygen sensor voltage in real time using a scan tool. To find out if the sensor is working properly. Inspect the oxygen sensor electrical wires and connector for corrosion and damage.
With the sensor removed from the vehicle, inspect it for discoloration or buildup of deposits that can render the sensor inoperable. For example, fouling caused by excessive oil combustion may cause an internal short circuit. If the sensor is defective, replace it.
After repairs are completed, make sure that all wiring associated with the oxygen sensor is properly routed and secured away from hot exhaust system components.
If error P0153 does not return after completing several driving cycles. Then the repair can be considered successful. But if the code does return, it is likely that an intermittent fault is present.
On which vehicles does this problem occur most frequently
Fault code P0153 can occur on different vehicles but there are statistics on which brands this occurs most often. Here is a list of some of them:
- BMW (E46)
- Chevrolet (Impala)
- Chrysler
- Dodge (RAM)
- Ford (F-150, Focus, Ranger)
- Hyundai (Sonata, Tucson)
- Infiniti (FX35)
- Jeep (Wrangler)
- Kia (Magentis)
- Lexus (GX470)
- Lincoln (LS)
- Mazda
- Mitsubishi (Montero)
- Nissan
- Suzuki (Grand Vitara)
- Toyota (Avensis)
Fault code P0153 can sometimes be found with other errors. The most common are the following: P0130, P0133, P0141, P0150, P0160, P0161, P0171, P0174, P1151, P1152, P2197, P2198.
