AutoCodes – Nissan – P0139 2002 Nissan Altima Sedan

P0139 2002 Nissan Altima Sedan Code - HO2S12 Slow Response

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
P0139 2002 Nissan Altima Sedan indicates HO2S12 Slow Response.
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 4,484
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Jun 14, 2020
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Code P0139 2002 Nissan Altima Sedan 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 P0139 2002 Nissan Altima Sedan - HO2S12 Slow Response - AutoCodes.com
P0139 2002 Nissan Altima Sedan Code - HO2S12 Slow Response

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0139 2002 Nissan Altima Sedan?

  • 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 P0139 2002 Nissan Altima Sedan?

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 P0139 2002 Nissan Altima Sedan 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 P0139 2002 Nissan Altima Sedan Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P0139 in a 2002 Nissan Altima Sedan?

- Common symptoms include poor fuel economy, rough idling, hesitation during acceleration, and the illumination of the Check Engine Light.

2. What does the OBDII code P0139 "HO2S12 Slow Response" indicate in a 2002 Nissan Altima Sedan?

- This code indicates that the downstream oxygen sensor (HO2S12) in bank 1 is not responding quickly enough to changes in the oxygen level in the exhaust gas.

3. What are the possible causes of the P0139 code in a 2002 Nissan Altima Sedan?

- Common causes include a faulty oxygen sensor, wiring or connector issues, exhaust leaks, engine misfires, or a malfunctioning catalytic converter.

4. How can I diagnose the P0139 code in my 2002 Nissan Altima Sedan?

- Diagnostic steps include checking the oxygen sensor's wiring and connections, inspecting for exhaust leaks, testing the sensor's response rate, and verifying the functionality of related components.

5. Can I drive my 2002 Nissan Altima Sedan with the P0139 code?

- It is generally safe to drive the vehicle with this code, but it is recommended to address the issue promptly to prevent potential damage to the catalytic converter and ensure optimal engine performance.

6. How can I repair the P0139 code in my 2002 Nissan Altima Sedan?

- Repair options may include replacing the downstream oxygen sensor, repairing damaged wiring or connectors, fixing exhaust leaks, addressing engine misfires, or replacing a faulty catalytic converter if necessary.

7. Will resetting the Check Engine Light resolve the P0139 code in my 2002 Nissan Altima Sedan?

- Resetting the Check Engine Light may temporarily turn it off, but if the underlying issue causing the P0139 code is not addressed, the light is likely to come back on as the vehicle's onboard diagnostic system detects the problem.

8. How much does it cost to fix the P0139 code in a 2002 Nissan Altima Sedan?

- The cost of fixing the P0139 code can vary depending on the specific cause of the issue. It may range from a simple sensor replacement costing around $100 to more extensive repairs involving the catalytic converter, which can be several hundred dollars.

9. Can a DIY enthusiast repair the P0139 code in a 2002 Nissan Altima Sedan?

- Depending on the root cause of the issue, some DIY enthusiasts with the necessary tools and skills may be able to replace the oxygen sensor or address wiring problems. However, more complex issues may require professional diagnosis and repair.

10. How long does it take to repair the P0139 code in a 2002 Nissan Altima Sedan?

- The repair time can vary based on the specific problem and the expertise of the individual performing the repair. Simple fixes like sensor replacement may take an hour or two, while more involved repairs could take longer and may require multiple steps.

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