AutoCodes – Generic – P1162

P1162 Code - Air/Fuel Ratio Sensor 1 Circuit Malfunction

Quick Answer

The Air/Fuel Ratio (A/F) sensor 1 is installed in the exhaust system and detects oxygen content in the exhaust gas. Common causes include Faulty Air/Fuel Ratio Sensor 1, Air/Fuel Ratio Sensor 1 harness is open or shorted, Air/Fuel Ratio 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: P1162 indicates Air/Fuel Ratio Sensor 1 Circuit Malfunction.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Air/Fuel Ratio Sensor 1, Air/Fuel Ratio Sensor 1 harness is open or shorted, Air/Fuel Ratio 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 10,522

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

Repair Importance Level

Urgent (Diagnose now) (3 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Intermediate (2 / 3)

What is this?

Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on May 03, 2019

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
Comments
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Code P1162 Description

The Air/Fuel Ratio (A/F) sensor 1 is installed in the exhaust system and detects oxygen content in the exhaust gas. The A/F sensor transmits output voltage to the Engine Control Module (ECM). A heater for the sensor element is embedded in the A/F sensor (sensor 1). It is activated and heats the sensor to stabilize and speed the detection of oxygen content by controlling current flowing through the heater. An increase in the current levels off as the applied voltage to the element electrode reaches a certain range because the amount of oxygen which is led through the diffusion layer is limited. The current amperage is proportional to oxygen content in the exhaust gas, so the air/fuel ratio is detected by the measurement of the current amperage. The ECM compares a set target air/fuel ratio with the detected air/fuel ratio and controls the fuel injection timing.
If the A/F sensor (sensor 1) voltage is low, the air/fuel ratio is lean, and the ECM uses A/F feedback control to issue a Rich command. If the A/F sensor (sensor 1) voltage is high, the air/fuel ratio is rich, and the ECM uses A/F feedback control to issue a Lean command.

OBDII Code P1162 - Air/Fuel Ratio Sensor 1 Circuit Malfunction - AutoCodes.com — P1162 Code - Air/Fuel Ratio Sensor 1 Circuit Malfunction

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P1162?

Faulty Air/Fuel Ratio Sensor 1
Air/Fuel Ratio Sensor 1 harness is open or shorted
Air/Fuel Ratio Sensor 1 circuit poor electrical connection

How to Fix the DTC P1162?

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 is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P1162 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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Information for Specific Makes

P1162 Acura — Air/Fuel Ratio Sensor 1 Circuit Malfunction
P1162 Audi — Intake Air Temperature Sensor Short To Ground
P1162 BMW — Fuel Trim Additve Per Ignition Bank 1 Low
P1162 Honda — Air/Fuel Ratio Sensor 1 Circuit Malfunction
P1162 Hyundai — High Pressure Pump & Fuel Line
P1162 Land Rover — LH Bank Lambda Control Adaption Per Ignition Too Large
P1162 MINI — Fuel Trim Additve Per Ignition Bank 1 Low
P1162 Volkswagen — Intake Air Temperature Sensor Short To Ground

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.