AutoCodesMercury – P0136 Mercury

P0136 Mercury Code - Heated Oxygen Sensor Circuit Malfunction Bank 1 Sensor 2

Quick Answer

The Heated Oxygen Sensor 2 (HO2S2) (Downstream), after the three-way catalyst (manifold), monitors the oxygen level in the exhaust gas on each bank. Common causes include Exhaust gas leaks, Faulty Heated Oxygen Sensor 2 (HO2S2) (Downstream) Bank 1, Heated Oxygen Sensor 2 Bank 1 harness is open or shorted. 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 Mercury indicates Heated Oxygen Sensor Circuit Malfunction Bank 1 Sensor 2.
Common causes
Common causes include Exhaust gas leaks, Faulty Heated Oxygen Sensor 2 (HO2S2) (Downstream) Bank 1, Heated Oxygen Sensor 2 Bank 1 harness is open or shorted.
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 1,197
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Jul 24, 2020
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Code P0136 Mercury Description

The Heated Oxygen Sensor 2 (HO2S2) (Downstream), after the 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 maintain near the ideal stoichiometric ratio. The HO2S2 output voltage changes suddenly in the vicinity of the stoichiometric ratio. The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) adjusts the fuel injection time so that the air-fuel ratio is nearly stoichiometric. The HO2S2 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 PCM interprets Lean when the HO2S2 voltage is below 0.45 V. If the oxygen in the exhaust gas decreases, the air-fuel ratio becomes Rich. The PCM interprets Rich when the HO2S2 voltage is above 0.45 V. The P0136 code will set when the PCM detects that the HO2S2 signal voltage is out of range for an extended period.
OBDII Code P0136 Mercury - Heated Oxygen Sensor Circuit Malfunction Bank 1 Sensor 2 - AutoCodes.com
P0136 Mercury Code - Heated Oxygen Sensor Circuit Malfunction Bank 1 Sensor 2

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0136 Mercury?

  • Exhaust gas leaks
  • Faulty Heated Oxygen Sensor 2 (HO2S2) (Downstream) Bank 1
  • Heated Oxygen Sensor 2 Bank 1 harness is open or shorted
  • Heated Oxygen Sensor 2 Bank 1 circuit poor electrical connection
  • Inappropriate fuel pressure
  • Faulty fuel injectors

How to Fix the DTC P0136 Mercury?

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 P0136 Mercury 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 P0136 Mercury Code

What does the OBDII code P0136 mean for a Mercury?

P0136 indicates a malfunction in the circuit of the heated oxygen sensor (O2 sensor) located in Bank 1, Sensor 2, which monitors the efficiency of the catalytic converter.

What are the common symptoms of code P0136 in a Mercury?

Common symptoms include an illuminated check engine light, decreased fuel efficiency, rough idling, or failed emissions tests, though some vehicles may show no noticeable symptoms.

What causes the P0136 code to appear in a Mercury?

Possible causes include a faulty O2 sensor, damaged wiring or connectors in the sensor circuit, exhaust leaks, or issues with the vehicle's engine control module (ECM).

How do I diagnose the P0136 code on a Mercury?

Start by inspecting the O2 sensor’s wiring and connectors for damage. Use a scan tool to monitor sensor voltage and test the sensor itself for proper operation. Check for exhaust leaks near the sensor.

Can I drive my Mercury with the P0136 code?

Driving with P0136 is generally safe in the short term, but it can lead to reduced fuel efficiency and potential catalytic converter damage if left unresolved.

How can I fix the P0136 code on my Mercury?

Common fixes include replacing the faulty O2 sensor, repairing damaged wiring or connectors, fixing exhaust leaks, or reprogramming/updating the ECM if needed.

How much does it cost to repair the P0136 code on a Mercury?

Repair costs vary, but replacing an O2 sensor typically costs $150–$400, including parts and labor. Wiring repairs or exhaust fixes may add to the total cost.

Can an exhaust leak trigger the P0136 code on a Mercury?

Yes, an exhaust leak near the O2 sensor can cause incorrect readings and trigger the P0136 code.

Do I need special tools to fix the P0136 code on a Mercury?

Basic tools like a socket set and an O2 sensor socket may be needed. A scan tool or multimeter can help diagnose the issue accurately.

How do I prevent the P0136 code from reoccurring in my Mercury?

Regular maintenance, such as inspecting wiring, fixing exhaust leaks promptly, and replacing sensors as recommended, can help prevent the P0136 code.

Discuss the causes and fixes for P0136 Mercury OBDII Code

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