AutoCodes – Generic – P0133

P0133 Code - O2 Sensor Circuit Slow Response Bank 1 Sensor 1

Quick Answer

The Heated Oxygen Sensors (HO2S) are used for fuel control and catalyst monitoring. Common causes include Faulty Heated Oxygen Sensor (HO2S) Bank 1 Sensor 1, Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 1 Sensor 1 harness is open or shorted, Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 1 Sensor 1 circuit poor electrical connection. Severity is Moderate - service should be scheduled soon. The vehicle may still be drivable for short trips if it runs normally, but avoid hard driving and repair it soon.

What it means
P0133 indicates O2 Sensor Circuit Slow Response Bank 1 Sensor 1.
Common causes
Common causes include Faulty Heated Oxygen Sensor (HO2S) Bank 1 Sensor 1, Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 1 Sensor 1 harness is open or shorted, Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 1 Sensor 1 circuit poor electrical connection.
Severity
Moderate - service should be scheduled soon.
Can I drive?
The vehicle may still be drivable for short trips if it runs normally, but avoid hard driving and repair it soon.
AI answers can be wrong. Verify repairs with testing. Open full chat
Code Popularity 74,907
How popular is this code, among other codes? Medium
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on May 28, 2022
πŸ’¬ Need more help? Ask Coddy for instant answers β€” it's free!

Code P0133 Description

The Heated Oxygen Sensors (HO2S) are used for fuel control and catalyst monitoring. Each HO2S compares the oxygen content of the surrounding air with the oxygen content of the exhaust stream. When the engine is started, the Engine Control Module (ECM) operates in an Open Loop mode, ignoring the HO2S signal voltage while calculating the air-to-fuel ratio. While the engine runs, the HO2S heats up and begins to generate a voltage within a range of 0 - 1, 000 mV. Once sufficient HO2S voltage fluctuation is observed by the ECM, Closed Loop is entered. The ECM uses the HO2S voltage to determine the air-to-fuel ratio. An HO2S voltage that increases toward 1, 000 mV indicates a rich fuel mixture. An HO2S voltage that decreases toward 0 mV indicates a lean fuel mixture.
The heating elements inside each HO2S heat the sensor to bring the sensor up to operating conditions faster. This allows the system to enter Closed Loop earlier and the ECM to calculate the air-to-fuel ratio sooner.
The Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) will be set when the ECM detects that the HO2S 1 rich-to-lean or lean-to-rich average response time is greater than a calibrated value for greater than 60s.
OBDII Code P0133 - O2 Sensor Circuit Slow Response Bank 1 Sensor 1 - AutoCodes.com
P0133 Code - O2 Sensor Circuit Slow Response Bank 1 Sensor 1

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0133?

  • Faulty Heated Oxygen Sensor (HO2S) Bank 1 Sensor 1
  • Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 1 Sensor 1 harness is open or shorted
  • Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 1 Sensor 1 circuit poor electrical connection
  • Low or high fuel system pressure
  • Fuel contamination
  • Faulty fuel injectors
  • Exhaust gas leaks
  • Engine vacuum leaks

How to Fix the DTC P0133?

Review the 'Possible Causes' above and visually examine the corresponding wiring harness and connectors. Check for damaged components and inspect connector pins for signs of being broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded.

Code Tech Notes

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P0133 code, it typically requires 1.0 hour of labor. Rates vary by location, vehicle, and shop. Many shops charge between $80–$150 per hour; dealerships and metro areas may be higher, independents may be lower.

Need more information about the P0133 code?

Need more information on how to fix the P0133 code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the P0133 code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

Information for Specific Makes

About the author: William Orellana is a Master Mechanic and Mechanical Engineer with over 30 years of experience diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Learn more about his background.

Frequently Asked Questions about P0133 Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P0133?

- Common symptoms include decreased fuel efficiency, rough idling, hesitation or jerking during acceleration, and the illumination of the check engine light.

2. What does the OBDII code P0133 indicate?

- This code indicates that the O2 sensor located in Bank 1 Sensor 1 is not responding as quickly as expected, leading to potential issues with the air-fuel mixture.

3. What are the possible causes of O2 sensor circuit slow response (P0133)?

- Potential causes include a faulty O2 sensor, wiring or connector issues, exhaust leaks, vacuum leaks, engine misfires, or a malfunctioning PCM (powertrain control module).

4. How can I diagnose the O2 sensor circuit slow response issue?

- Diagnosing this issue typically involves using an OBDII scanner to read the code, checking the O2 sensor's live data, inspecting the sensor and its connections, and conducting tests to identify the root cause.

5. Can driving with OBDII code P0133 cause further damage to the vehicle?

- While driving with P0133 may not immediately harm the vehicle, prolonged driving with a faulty O2 sensor can lead to decreased fuel economy, engine performance issues, and potential damage to the catalytic converter.

6. How can I repair OBDII code P0133?

- Repair options may include replacing the O2 sensor, repairing or replacing damaged wiring or connectors, fixing any exhaust or vacuum leaks, addressing engine misfires, or reprogramming the PCM.

7. Is it safe to continue driving with the check engine light on due to code P0133?

- It is generally not recommended to ignore the check engine light, as it indicates a problem that needs attention. Continuing to drive with the light on may lead to reduced performance and fuel efficiency.

8. How much does it typically cost to repair OBDII code P0133?

- The cost of repairing P0133 can vary depending on the underlying issue, but it may range from $100 to $500 or more, including parts and labor.

9. Can I reset the check engine light after repairing OBDII code P0133?

- Once the underlying issue causing P0133 is fixed, the check engine light can be reset using an OBDII scanner to clear the trouble code and turn off the light.

10. How often does the O2 sensor need to be replaced to prevent OBDII code P0133 from recurring?

- O2 sensors typically have a lifespan of around 100,000 miles, but it's recommended to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for maintenance and replacement to prevent issues like P0133 from recurring.

Discuss the causes and fixes for P0133 OBDII Code

  • im an engineer in ford and mazda company ,i notice this problem in ford focus ,the solve of this problem by reprogramming the computer of the car if and only if this the fault in return to appear again when change the oxugen sensor .

AutoCodes App

Fix Your Car Smarter

Try the New AutoCodes App!

Get complete OBDII diagnostics, repair solutions, and cost estimates, plus AI chat support on demand.

AutoCodes App on Google Play