P0136 OBD2 Code: Causes, Symptoms, Diagonose & Fixes

The error code P0136 OBD2 is going to be common. It will appear as a check engine light. It is going to be something that you can easily fix at home if you know how and have the right tools.

Definition of P0136 OBD2 – (Bank 1, Sensor 2) Circuit Malfunction in Oxygen Sensor

What Does P0136 Mean? 

There is an oxygen sensor in your vehicle. In fact, there are several in your vehicle. These sensors will allow the vehicle to measure how much oxygen is in the exhaust. You will have both rich and lean readings. Rich means that there are higher levels of oxygen. Low means just the opposite. 

These readings are going to be read by the Engine Control Module or ECM. It will use the levels to regulate the pulse of the fuel injector. If you have this code on your vehicle, there is an issue with the oxygen sensor located behind the catalytic converter. It is the sensor located in bank one. 

When this is not working, the sensor’s workload is divided to the other available sensors. This means that the other sensors will work harder. The check engine light comes on when it realizes there is an issue with the voltage of the sensor. However, there are a few more symptoms you may find. 

Symptoms & Causes of P0136

There are not many symptoms of this error code. You will find that a check engine light will appear on the dash. You may also notice that you are not getting good gas mileage. Lastly, you will have more emissions coming from the tailpipe. 

If the vehicle has a check engine light on and the gas mileage is not what it used to be, it could mean that the sensor is bad. Let us look at what could cause these symptoms. 

You will find that the error code could appear for many reasons. There are many factors that could cause the code to appear. Remember that each car is different. Each car will not have the same issue, even with the same error code. 

The catalytic converter could have failed. This would cause the error code to appear on the dash. You will also find that a leak in your exhaust, broken/faulty sensor, corrosion, shorts, and leaks all can cause this light to come on. 

Diagnosing Error Code P0136

This code is not hard to diagnose. You will need a scanner like ( Ancel VD500 Review). You can purchase one on your own. This scanner will connect to the vehicle, and you can now purchase ones that send all the information to your phone. You will get the error code. Once you find the error code, you can determine the problem. As stated, there are several reasons why the error code for the o2 sensors would come on.

Common Mistakes When Diagnosing 

Many people will instantly replace their oxygen sensors before they check for other problems. Ensure that you are checking the exhaust for leaks. You also want to make sure all wires are good. Also, ensure that there are not any loose connections. Remember, it does not have to cost a lot to fix this. It could be a simple fix that you can do in your garage. 

The Process of Repairing 

The process is not hard to do. It is about a two out of five. It can be done simply from your garage if you have the right tools. Let us look at the process step-by-step. 

1. You will need to purchase a new o2 sensor. Make sure it is the correct sensor. You will make sure to check the scanner again to ensure you have the right sensor. 
2. If your oxygen sensor or o2 sensor is going from either high to low or low to high volts, it will indicate that your sensor is not working properly. 
3. Ensure you are checking wires. Ensure that corrosion is not present on the sensor. It would be best if you repaired or replaced any broken wiring. 
4. Ensure to check for a leak in the vacuum. This could include any holes in the exhaust as well. Oxygen escaping the engine is going to cause problems. Make sure to fix any holes that are found. 
5. If you find that you do not have exhaust leaks or intake leaks, you should fix the o2 sensor at this time. It is in bank two. It is sensor two. 

How to Fix Error Code P0136 

We talked about the process you should use to help diagnose the problem. This will help you ensure that you are fixing the right thing.  Again, you should check everything else it could be before replacing the sensor. If you do not fix the problem, you will still have the check engine light on your dash. 

Repair Costs

An underlying issue is always the cause of the error code P0136. There are different prices available for repairs; however, it will ultimately depend on how you go about fixing it. If you are doing it at home, the list below will show the price of parts. If the car is taken in, it will be much more expensive. 

• Sensor: $2-300
• Exhaust Leaks: $1-200
• Vacuum: $1-200

Avoiding Error Code P0136 OBD 2 

The best thing to do is ensure that you are checking everything before replacing the sensor. If you replace the sensor, it will reappear. Your check engine light will not be off for long. You need to ensure that you are fixing the right area. This will allow the error code to go away. 

How Serious is Error Code P0136? 

You can still drive your vehicle with this error code. However, it would be best if you did not drive it long-term. If you drive for longer without fixing the problem, it could cause catalytic converter or engine damage. Taking the time to fix this error is essential.