AutoCodesGeneric – P1286

P1286 Code - Air Fuel Ratio Sensor 1 Circuit High Voltage Detected Bank 2

Quick Answer

The A/F sensor is a planar dual-cell limit current sensor. Common causes include Faulty air fuel ratio (A/F) sensor 1 heater Bank 2, Air fuel ratio (A/F) harness is open or shorted, Air fuel ratio (A/F) 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
P1286 indicates Air Fuel Ratio Sensor 1 Circuit High Voltage Detected Bank 2.
Common causes
Common causes include Faulty air fuel ratio (A/F) sensor 1 heater Bank 2, Air fuel ratio (A/F) harness is open or shorted, Air fuel ratio (A/F) 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 42,279
How popular is this code, among other codes? Medium
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Aug 05, 2019
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Code P1286 Description

The A/F sensor is a planar dual-cell limit current sensor. The sensor element of the A/F sensor is the combination of a Nernst concentration cell (sensor cell) with an oxygen-pump cell, which transports ions. It has a heater in the element.
The sensor is capable of precise measurement λ= 1, but also in the lean and rich range. Together with its control electronics, the sensor outputs a clear, continuous signal throughout a wide λ range (0.7 < λ < air).
The exhaust gas components diffuse through the diffusion gap at the electrode of the oxygen pump and Nernst concentration cell, where they are brought to thermodynamic balance.
An electronic circuit controls the pump current through the oxygen-pump cell so that the composition of the exhaust gas in the diffusion gap remains constant at λ = 1. Therefore, the A/F sensor is able to indicate air/fuel ratio by this pumping of current. In addition, a heater is integrated in the sensor to ensure the required operating temperature of 700 - 800 C (1,292 - 1,472 F).
OBDII Code P1286 - Air Fuel Ratio Sensor 1 Circuit High Voltage Detected Bank 2 - AutoCodes.com
P1286 Code - Air Fuel Ratio Sensor 1 Circuit High Voltage Detected Bank 2

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P1286?

  • Faulty air fuel ratio (A/F) sensor 1 heater Bank 2
  • Air fuel ratio (A/F) harness is open or shorted
  • Air fuel ratio (A/F) circuit poor electrical connection

How to Fix the DTC P1286?

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 P1286 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.

Need more information about the P1286 code?

Need more information on how to fix the P1286 code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

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Information for Specific Makes

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 P1286 Code

1. What are common symptoms of OBDII code P1286?

- Common symptoms include poor fuel economy, rough idling, hesitation during acceleration, and the illumination of the check engine light.

2. What does OBDII code P1286 indicate?

- OBDII code P1286 indicates that the Air Fuel Ratio Sensor 1 Circuit on Bank 2 is detecting a high voltage, suggesting a potential issue with the sensor or its circuit.

3. What are possible causes of OBDII code P1286?

- Possible causes include a faulty air fuel ratio sensor, damaged wiring or connectors in the sensor circuit, a vacuum leak, or an issue with the engine control module (ECM).

4. How can I diagnose the cause of OBDII code P1286?

- Diagnosing the cause typically involves using a scan tool to retrieve the code, inspecting the air fuel ratio sensor and its connections, checking for vacuum leaks, and testing the sensor's voltage output.

5. Can I drive my vehicle with OBDII code P1286?

- It is not recommended to drive your vehicle with OBDII code P1286 present, as it can lead to decreased fuel efficiency and potential long-term damage to the engine.

6. How do I repair OBDII code P1286?

- Repairing OBDII code P1286 may involve replacing the air fuel ratio sensor, repairing damaged wiring or connectors, fixing any vacuum leaks, or resetting the ECM after addressing the root cause.

7. Is it safe to reset the check engine light after fixing OBDII code P1286?

- Yes, once the underlying issue causing OBDII code P1286 has been repaired, it is safe to reset the check engine light using a scan tool to clear the code and turn off the warning indicator.

8. How often does OBDII code P1286 occur in vehicles?

- OBDII code P1286 related to the Air Fuel Ratio Sensor 1 Circuit High Voltage Detected Bank 2 is a less common code compared to other sensor-related codes, but it can still occur in vehicles with sensor or circuit issues.

9. Can a DIY enthusiast repair OBDII code P1286 at home?

- DIY enthusiasts with automotive knowledge and experience working on sensors and electrical systems may be able to repair OBDII code P1286 at home by following diagnostic procedures and replacing components if necessary.

10. Will OBDII code P1286 cause permanent damage to my vehicle if left unaddressed?

- Ignoring OBDII code P1286 can lead to decreased fuel efficiency, engine performance issues, and potential damage to the catalytic converter over time, so it is important to address the code promptly.

Discuss the causes and fixes for P1286 OBDII Code

  • Been having p1286 code thrown on my 07 Nissan Titan checked wiring all good replaced both bank sensor 1 and continues to throw code dealership says clogged cat truck drives fine any help would be great

  • Check for exhaust leaks. If no leaks are found, the factory recommends clearing the Mixture Ratio Self-Learning Control Data every time a sensor is replaced. Instruction to clear the data here: http://nissanhelp.com/diy/t...

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