AutoCodes – GMC – P0031 2018 GMC Sierra

P0031 2018 GMC Sierra Code - HO2S Heater Control Circuit Low Voltage Bank 1 Sensor 1

Quick Answer

Heated Oxygen Sensors (HO2S) are used for fuel control and post catalyst monitoring. Common causes include Faulty Heated Oxygen Sensor (H2OS) Bank 1 Sensor 1, Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 1 Sensor 1 harness is open shorted to ground, Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 1 Sensor 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: P0031 2018 GMC Sierra indicates HO2S Heater Control Circuit Low Voltage Bank 1 Sensor 1.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Heated Oxygen Sensor (H2OS) Bank 1 Sensor 1, Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 1 Sensor 1 harness is open shorted to ground, Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 1 Sensor 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 335

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 Mar 25, 2024

Description
Step-by-Step Diagnostic Guide
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Tech Notes
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code P0031 2018 GMC Sierra Description

Heated Oxygen Sensors (HO2S) are used for fuel control and post catalyst monitoring. Each HO2S compares the oxygen content of the surrounding air with the oxygen content in the exhaust stream. The HO2S must reach an operating temperature to provide an accurate voltage signal. A heating element inside the HO2S minimizes the time required for the sensors to reach operating temperature. Voltage is provided to the heater by an ignition voltage circuit through a fuse. With the engine running, the ground is provided to the heater by the HO2S heater low control circuit through a low side driver within the Engine Control Module (ECM). The ECM uses Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) to control the HO2S heater operation to maintain a specific HO2S operating temperature range.
The Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) will be set when the ECM detects a short to ground in the heater output low side driver circuit of the heated oxygen sensor when the heater is commanded OFF for greater than 5 s.

OBDII Code P0031 2018 GMC Sierra - HO2S Heater Control Circuit Low Voltage Bank 1 Sensor 1 - AutoCodes.com — P0031 2018 GMC Sierra Code - HO2S Heater Control Circuit Low Voltage Bank 1 Sensor 1

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0031 2018 GMC Sierra?

Faulty Heated Oxygen Sensor (H2OS) Bank 1 Sensor 1
Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 1 Sensor 1 harness is open shorted to ground
Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 1 Sensor 1 circuit poor electrical connection
Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 1 Sensor 1 circuit fuse
Faulty Engine Control Module (ECM)

How to Fix the DTC P0031 2018 GMC Sierra?

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

The code means that there is a problem with the heater element circuit of the heated oxygen sensor. The control module monitors how long it takes the sensor to warm up and start sending an adequate signal. The code is set when the sensor is taking too long to warm up. Water getting inside the heated oxygen sensor connector can cause the heated oxygen sensor fuse to blow. Before replacing the sensor, check for the condition of the heated oxygen sensor fuse and connectors. If the fuse and connector are OK, replacing the O2 Sensor usually takes care of the problem.

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P0031 2018 GMC Sierra 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 P0031 2018 GMC Sierra Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P0031 in a 2018 GMC Sierra?

- Common symptoms include decreased fuel efficiency, rough idling, engine misfires, and the illumination of the check engine light.

2. What does the OBDII code P0031 "HO2S Heater Control Circuit Low Voltage Bank 1 Sensor 1" indicate in a 2018 GMC Sierra?

- This code indicates that there is low voltage detected in the heated oxygen sensor (HO2S) heater control circuit of the upstream oxygen sensor in Bank 1.

3. What are the possible causes of OBDII code P0031 in a 2018 GMC Sierra?

- Possible causes may include a faulty oxygen sensor, damaged wiring or connectors, a blown fuse, a malfunctioning PCM (powertrain control module), or an exhaust leak near the sensor.

4. How can I diagnose and repair OBDII code P0031 in a 2018 GMC Sierra?

- Diagnose by checking the wiring and connectors for damage, testing the oxygen sensor heater circuit, and inspecting the fuse related to the sensor. Repair may involve replacing the oxygen sensor, repairing the wiring, replacing the fuse, or reprogramming the PCM.

5. Can driving with OBDII code P0031 in a 2018 GMC Sierra cause further damage?

- While driving with this code may not immediately harm the vehicle, prolonged driving without addressing the underlying issue can lead to decreased fuel efficiency and potential damage to the catalytic converter.

6. How much does it typically cost to repair OBDII code P0031 in a 2018 GMC Sierra?

- The cost of repair can vary depending on the exact cause of the code and whether you choose to do the repair yourself or take it to a mechanic. Costs may range from around $100 for a DIY fix to several hundred dollars at a repair shop.

7. Is it safe to continue driving a 2018 GMC Sierra with OBDII code P0031?

- It is generally safe to drive the vehicle for a short period with this code, but it is recommended to address the issue promptly to prevent potential problems and ensure optimal engine performance.

8. How long does it take to repair OBDII code P0031 in a 2018 GMC Sierra?

- The repair time can vary depending on the exact cause of the code and your experience level. Simple fixes like replacing a fuse or connector may take less than an hour, while replacing the oxygen sensor or repairing wiring may take a few hours.

9. Can I reset OBDII code P0031 in a 2018 GMC Sierra without fixing the issue?

- While you can clear the code using an OBDII scanner, the check engine light may come back on if the underlying problem is not resolved. It is recommended to fix the issue causing the code before resetting it.

10. Will OBDII code P0031 in a 2018 GMC Sierra cause the vehicle to fail an emissions test?

- Yes, this code can cause the vehicle to fail an emissions test due to the impact on the oxygen sensor's ability to accurately measure the exhaust gases. It is important to address the issue before going for emissions testing.