AutoCodesPontiac – P1133 Pontiac

P1133 Pontiac Code - HO2S Insufficient Switching 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 High - diagnose this code as soon as possible. Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

What it means
P1133 Pontiac indicates HO2S Insufficient Switching 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
High - diagnose this code as soon as possible.
Can I drive?
Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.
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Code Popularity 27,655
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on May 28, 2022
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Code P1133 Pontiac 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 heated oxygen sensor rich-to-lean counts or the lean-to-rich counts are less than a calibrated value greater than 100s.
OBDII Code P1133 Pontiac - HO2S Insufficient Switching Bank 1 Sensor 1 - AutoCodes.com
P1133 Pontiac Code - HO2S Insufficient Switching Bank 1 Sensor 1

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P1133 Pontiac?

  • 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 P1133 Pontiac?

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 P1133 Pontiac 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 P1133 Pontiac Code

What does OBDII code P1133 mean for a Pontiac?

Code P1133 indicates that the oxygen sensor (HO2S) in Bank 1 Sensor 1 is not switching or cycling between a rich and lean condition as expected.

What are the common symptoms of a P1133 code in a Pontiac?

Common symptoms include the check engine light turning on, reduced fuel efficiency, rough idling, and possibly poor engine performance.

What causes the P1133 code to appear?

The code is usually caused by a faulty oxygen sensor, wiring issues like damaged or corroded connections, exhaust leaks near the sensor, or an issue with the air-fuel mixture.

Can a dirty or failing oxygen sensor trigger a P1133 code?

Yes, a dirty or failing oxygen sensor can cause insufficient switching, leading to the P1133 code.

How do I diagnose the P1133 code on my Pontiac?

Start by inspecting the oxygen sensor and its wiring for damage or corrosion, then check for exhaust leaks, and ensure the fuel injectors and air-fuel mixture are working properly.

Can I drive my Pontiac with the P1133 code?

Driving with the P1133 code is possible, but it may lead to decreased fuel efficiency, engine running issues, and potentially damage to the catalytic converter over time.

Do I need to replace the oxygen sensor to fix the P1133 code?

Replacing the oxygen sensor is often the solution, but first, confirm that the issue is not caused by wiring problems, exhaust leaks, or air-fuel mixture issues.

How much does it cost to fix the P1133 code on a Pontiac?

The cost varies depending on the repair, but replacing the oxygen sensor typically costs $150–$300, including parts and labor.

Can a bad catalytic converter cause a P1133 code?

A failing catalytic converter is not a primary cause of P1133, but related issues like exhaust restrictions can affect the oxygen sensor’s performance.

How can I prevent the P1133 code from reoccurring?

Regular maintenance, including checking oxygen sensors, repairing exhaust leaks, and ensuring proper fuel system function, can help prevent the code from reappearing.

Discuss the causes and fixes for P1133 Pontiac OBDII Code

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