AutoCodes – Toyota – P0136 2003 Toyota Highlander

P0136 2003 Toyota Highlander Code - Oxygen Sensor Circuit Malfunction Bank 1 Sensor 2

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
P0136 2003 Toyota Highlander indicates Oxygen Sensor Circuit Malfunction Bank 1 Sensor 2.
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 16,606
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 P0136 2003 Toyota Highlander 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 P0136 2003 Toyota Highlander - Oxygen Sensor Circuit Malfunction Bank 1 Sensor 2 - AutoCodes.com
P0136 2003 Toyota Highlander Code - Oxygen Sensor Circuit Malfunction Bank 1 Sensor 2

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0136 2003 Toyota Highlander?

  • 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 P0136 2003 Toyota Highlander?

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 P0136 2003 Toyota Highlander 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 P0136 2003 Toyota Highlander code?

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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 P0136 2003 Toyota Highlander Code

1. What does the OBDII code P0136 for a 2003 Toyota Highlander indicate?

- This code signifies an Oxygen Sensor Circuit Malfunction for Bank 1 Sensor 2.

2. What are the common symptoms of a P0136 error in a 2003 Toyota Highlander?

- Common symptoms include poor fuel economy, rough idling, engine hesitation, and an illuminated check engine light.

3. What are the possible causes of a P0136 code in a 2003 Toyota Highlander?

- The code can be triggered by a faulty oxygen sensor, issues with the wiring or connectors, exhaust leaks, or a damaged catalytic converter.

4. How can I diagnose a P0136 error in my 2003 Toyota Highlander?

- A proper diagnosis involves using an OBDII scanner to retrieve the code, inspecting the oxygen sensor and its wiring, checking for exhaust leaks, and testing the catalytic converter.

5. Can I drive my 2003 Toyota Highlander with a P0136 code?

- It is not recommended to drive with a P0136 code as it can lead to decreased fuel efficiency and potentially cause further damage to the engine or catalytic converter.

6. How do I repair a P0136 code in my 2003 Toyota Highlander?

- Repair options include replacing the Bank 1 Sensor 2 oxygen sensor, repairing any damaged wiring or connectors, fixing exhaust leaks, or replacing a faulty catalytic converter.

7. Is it possible to reset the P0136 code in a 2003 Toyota Highlander without repairing the issue?

- While you can clear the code with an OBDII scanner, it is not advisable as the underlying problem causing the code will persist and may lead to more severe issues.

8. How much does it typically cost to fix a P0136 error in a 2003 Toyota Highlander?

- The cost of repair can vary depending on the exact cause of the issue, but it generally ranges from $200 to $500 for parts and labor.

9. Can a DIY enthusiast fix a P0136 error in a 2003 Toyota Highlander?

- If you have the necessary tools, knowledge, and experience, you may be able to replace the oxygen sensor yourself. However, diagnosing and repairing wiring or exhaust issues may require professional help.

10. How often does a P0136 code occur in a 2003 Toyota Highlander?

- While not extremely common, the P0136 code can occur due to various reasons related to the oxygen sensor and its circuit, especially in older vehicles like the 2003 Toyota Highlander.

Discuss the causes and fixes for P0136 2003 Toyota Highlander OBDII Code

  • Hi i have replaced the sensor but there no voltage reading

  • If the ECM still cant read any voltage from the sensor and you know the sensor is new, then the next step is to check the wire from the ECM to the sensor. Make sure the new sensor is OK, sometimes new sensors can get damage during shipping.

  • My Nissan Altima is also making a winding sound when I'm driving but when I let go of the gas pedal it goes away it has a cvt transmission i don't know if that could be the cause of it or if it's coming from the torque converter or if it needs a trans service again. It has 140k on it last time I did a trans service was about 93k in 2014.

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