AutoCodes – KIA – P0136 KIA

P0136 KIA Code - HO2S12 Circuit Fault

Quick Answer

The heated oxygen sensor 2 (HO2S), after three way catalyst (manifold), monitors the oxygen level in the exhaust gas on each bank. Common causes include Faulty Rear Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 1, Rear Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 1 harness is open or shorted, Rear 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: P0136 KIA indicates HO2S12 Circuit Fault.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Rear Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 1, Rear Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 1 harness is open or shorted, Rear 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 23,480

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 Jun 14, 2020

Description
Step-by-Step Diagnostic Guide
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Tech Notes
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code P0136 KIA Description

The heated oxygen sensor 2 (HO2S), after three way catalyst (manifold), monitors the oxygen level in the exhaust gas on each bank. For optimum catalyst operation, the air fuel mixture (air-fuel ratio) must be maintained near the ideal stoichiometric ratio. The HO2S output voltage changes suddenly in the vicinity of the stoichiometric ratio. The Engine Control Module (ECM) adjusts the fuel injection time so that the air-fuel ratio is nearly stoichiometric. The HO2S generates a voltage between 0.1 and 0.9 V in response to oxygen in the exhaust gas. If the oxygen in the exhaust gas increases, the air-fuel ratio becomes Lean. The ECM interprets Lean when the HO2S voltage is below 0.45 V. If the oxygen in the exhaust gas decreases, the air-fuel ratio becomes Rich. The ECM interprets Rich when the HO2S voltage is above 0.45 V.

OBDII Code P0136 KIA - HO2S12 Circuit Fault - AutoCodes.com — P0136 KIA Code - HO2S12 Circuit Fault

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0136 KIA?

Faulty Rear Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 1
Rear Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 1 harness is open or shorted
Rear Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 1 circuit poor electrical connection
Inappropriate fuel pressure
Faulty fuel injectors
Intake air leaks may be faulty
Exhaust gas leaks

How to Fix the DTC P0136 KIA?

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 Rear Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 1 usually takes care of the problem.

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P0136 KIA 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 P0136 KIA Code

1. What does OBDII code P0136 mean on a Kia?

P0136 indicates a fault in the oxygen sensor circuit for Bank 1 Sensor 2 (HO2S12), which monitors the catalytic converter's efficiency.

2. What are the common symptoms of P0136 in a Kia?

Symptoms may include the check engine light turning on, decreased fuel efficiency, poor engine performance, and failed emissions tests.

3. What causes code P0136 to appear on a Kia?

Common causes include a faulty downstream oxygen sensor, damaged wiring or connectors, exhaust leaks, or an issue with the engine control module (ECM).

4. Can I drive my Kia with a P0136 code?

While your Kia may still be drivable, ignoring the code can lead to reduced fuel efficiency and may cause long-term damage to the catalytic converter.

5. How do I fix the P0136 code on my Kia?

Repairs may include replacing the downstream oxygen sensor, repairing damaged wiring, fixing exhaust leaks, or reprogramming the ECM if needed.

6. How do I know if the oxygen sensor is the issue for P0136?

You can test the oxygen sensor using a multimeter or scan tool to check its voltage and response time. A professional diagnostic test is also recommended.

7. What tools are needed to diagnose P0136 on a Kia?

You'll need an OBDII scanner, a multimeter, and possibly a basic set of tools to inspect and test the sensor and wiring.

8. How much does it cost to fix a P0136 code on a Kia?

The cost can vary but typically ranges between $100 and $300 for parts and labor, depending on whether it's just the sensor or additional repairs.

9. Can a dirty air filter cause P0136 on a Kia?

A dirty air filter is unlikely to directly cause P0136, but poor engine performance from a clogged filter could contribute to other issues that might trigger the code.

10. Will clearing the P0136 code fix the problem on my Kia?

Clearing the code will temporarily turn off the check engine light, but the underlying issue must be fixed to prevent the code from returning.