AutoCodes – Saturn – P0133 Saturn

P0133 Saturn Code - HO2S 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 Front Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 1, Front Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 1 harness is open or shorted, Front Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 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 Saturn indicates HO2S Slow Response Bank 1 Sensor 1.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Front Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 1, Front Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 1 harness is open or shorted, Front Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 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.

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Code Popularity 20,773

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

Repair Importance Level

Moderate (Service soon) (2 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Intermediate (2 / 3)

What is this?

Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on May 27, 2022

Description
Step-by-Step Diagnostic Guide
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Tech Notes
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code P0133 Saturn 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 Saturn - HO2S Slow Response Bank 1 Sensor 1 - AutoCodes.com — P0133 Saturn Code - HO2S Slow Response Bank 1 Sensor 1

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0133 Saturn?

Faulty Front Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 1
Front Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 1 harness is open or shorted
Front Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 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 Saturn?

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.

What does this mean?

Code Tech Notes

Replacing the Front Heated Oxygen Sensors (HO2S) usually takes care of the problem

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P0133 Saturn 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.

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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 Saturn Code

1. What are common symptoms of OBDII code P0133 in a Saturn, indicating a slow response from Bank 1 Sensor 1?

- Common symptoms include poor fuel economy, rough idling, and an illuminated check engine light.

2. What can cause the HO2S slow response Bank 1 Sensor 1 code (P0133) in a Saturn?

- Possible causes include a faulty oxygen sensor, vacuum leaks, exhaust leaks, or issues with the engine's fuel system.

3. How can I diagnose the cause of the P0133 code in my Saturn?

- Diagnosis typically involves checking the oxygen sensor's voltage output, inspecting for leaks in the exhaust system, and verifying the operation of related sensors.

4. Is it safe to continue driving my Saturn with the P0133 trouble code present?

- It is generally not recommended to continue driving with the P0133 code as it can lead to decreased fuel efficiency and potential damage to the catalytic converter.

5. How can I repair the HO2S slow response Bank 1 Sensor 1 code in my Saturn?

- Repair options may include replacing the oxygen sensor, repairing any leaks in the exhaust system, or addressing issues with the fuel delivery system.

6. Can a dirty or contaminated oxygen sensor cause the P0133 trouble code in a Saturn?

- Yes, a dirty or contaminated oxygen sensor can lead to slow response times and trigger the P0133 trouble code.

7. Will resetting the check engine light make the P0133 code go away temporarily in a Saturn?

- Resetting the check engine light may temporarily clear the code, but if the underlying issue is not addressed, the code is likely to return.

8. How do I know if the Bank 1 Sensor 1 oxygen sensor in my Saturn needs replacement?

- If the sensor is not responding quickly enough, showing erratic voltage readings, or if it fails diagnostic tests, it may need replacement.

9. Are there any specific maintenance tips to prevent the P0133 code in a Saturn?

- Regularly inspecting the oxygen sensor, addressing any exhaust or vacuum leaks promptly, and using high-quality fuel can help prevent the P0133 trouble code.

10. Can a mechanic easily fix the P0133 code in a Saturn, or is it a complex repair?

- A mechanic experienced with diagnosing and repairing OBDII codes should be able to efficiently address the P0133 trouble code in a Saturn with the right tools and expertise.