AutoCodes – Volkswagen – P0136 Volkswagen

P0136 Volkswagen Code - HO2S12 Sensor Range/Performance Condition

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 Volkswagen indicates HO2S12 Sensor Range/Performance Condition.
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 22,048

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 Volkswagen 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 Volkswagen - HO2S12 Sensor Range/Performance Condition - AutoCodes.com — P0136 Volkswagen Code - HO2S12 Sensor Range/Performance Condition

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0136 Volkswagen?

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 Volkswagen?

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 Volkswagen 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 Volkswagen Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P0136 (Volkswagen)?

- Common symptoms include poor fuel economy, rough idling, engine misfires, and a possible decrease in overall engine performance.

2. What does the OBDII code P0136 (Volkswagen) indicate?

- The code P0136 indicates that the HO2S12 (Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 1 Sensor 2) has detected a range/performance issue.

3. What are the possible causes of OBDII code P0136 (Volkswagen)?

- Possible causes include a faulty oxygen sensor, wiring issues in the sensor circuit, exhaust system leaks, or a malfunctioning engine control module (ECM).

4. How can I diagnose the cause of OBDII code P0136 (Volkswagen)?

- Diagnosing the issue involves performing a visual inspection of the sensor and its wiring, checking for exhaust leaks, and using a scan tool to monitor sensor data and check for any other related trouble codes.

5. Can I drive my vehicle with OBDII code P0136 (Volkswagen) without causing further damage?

- It is not recommended to drive the vehicle with this code present as it can lead to decreased fuel efficiency and potential damage to other engine components over time.

6. How can I repair OBDII code P0136 (Volkswagen) at home?

- Repairing this code may involve replacing the HO2S12 sensor, repairing any damaged wiring, or fixing exhaust leaks. It's important to follow the manufacturer's repair procedures.

7. Should I replace the HO2S12 sensor myself if I have little automotive experience?

- It is recommended to have a trained professional or mechanic replace the sensor to ensure proper installation and avoid causing further damage to the vehicle.

8. Can a dirty air filter cause OBDII code P0136 (Volkswagen) to appear?

- While a dirty air filter can affect engine performance, it is unlikely to directly cause the P0136 code. It is still a good practice to regularly replace the air filter for optimal engine performance.

9. Will resetting the OBDII code P0136 (Volkswagen) make it go away permanently?

- Resetting the code may temporarily turn off the check engine light, but if the underlying issue is not addressed, the code is likely to reappear. It is important to diagnose and repair the root cause of the problem.

10. Is it safe to ignore OBDII code P0136 (Volkswagen) and continue driving the vehicle?

- Ignoring the code can lead to decreased fuel efficiency, potential engine damage, and even failure to pass emissions tests. It is recommended to address the issue promptly to prevent further complications.