AutoCodes – Pontiac – P0136 Pontiac

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

Quick Answer

Heated Oxygen Sensors (HO2S) are used for fuel control and post catalyst monitoring. Common causes include Faulty Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 1 Sensor 2, Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 1 Sensor 2 harness is open or shorted, Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 1 Sensor 2 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
P0136 Pontiac indicates Heated Oxygen Sensor Circuit Malfunction Bank 1 Sensor 2.
Common causes
Common causes include Faulty Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 1 Sensor 2, Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 1 Sensor 2 harness is open or shorted, Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 1 Sensor 2 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 1,157
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Dec 14, 2020
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Code P0136 Pontiac 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. Heating elements inside the HO2S minimize the time required for the sensors to reach operating temperature. The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) supplies the HO2S with a reference, or bias, voltage of about 450 mV. When the engine is first started the PCM operates in an open loop, ignoring the HO2S voltage signal. Once the HO2S reaches operating temperature and a closed loop is achieved, the HO2S generates a voltage within a range of 0-1,000 mV that fluctuates above and below bias voltage. High HO2S voltage indicates a rich exhaust stream; low HO2S voltage indicates a lean exhaust stream.
The HO2S bank 1 sensor 2 and HO2S bank 2 sensor 2 are used for catalyst monitoring. This diagnostic runs once per ignition cycle. This diagnostic consists of two tests, a passive test, and an intrusive test. During the passive test, if the HO2S bank 1 sensor 2 or HO2S bank 2 sensor 2 voltage transitions below 350 mV and above 709 mV, the DTC will pass for this ignition cycle. If the DTC does not pass during the passive test, the intrusive test will begin. During the intrusive test, the control module will force the air-to-fuel ratio rich and/or lean. The control module then waits for a predicted response from the HO2S. If the HO2S voltage transitions below 350 mV and/or above 709 mV, the DTC will pass for this ignition cycle. If the control module does not receive the expected response from the HO2S, DTC P0136 will set for HO2S bank 1 sensor 2 or DTC P0156 will set for HO2S bank 2 sensor 2.
OBDII Code P0136 Pontiac - Heated Oxygen Sensor Circuit Malfunction Bank 1 Sensor 2 - AutoCodes.com
P0136 Pontiac Code - Heated Oxygen Sensor Circuit Malfunction Bank 1 Sensor 2

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0136 Pontiac?

  • Faulty Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 1 Sensor 2
  • Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 1 Sensor 2 harness is open or shorted
  • Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 1 Sensor 2 circuit poor electrical connection
  • Faulty Powertrain Control Module (PCM)

How to Fix the DTC P0136 Pontiac?

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 Pontiac 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 Pontiac 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 Pontiac Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P0136 in a Pontiac?

- Common symptoms include poor fuel economy, rough idling, engine misfires, and the illumination of the Check Engine Light.

2. What does the error code P0136 "Heated Oxygen Sensor Circuit Malfunction Bank 1 Sensor 2" mean for a Pontiac?

- This code indicates a malfunction in the heated oxygen sensor circuit located after the catalytic converter in bank 1 of the engine.

3. What are the possible causes of OBDII code P0136 in a Pontiac?

- Possible causes include a faulty oxygen sensor, wiring issues in the sensor circuit, damaged connectors, or a failing engine control module.

4. How can I diagnose the cause of the P0136 error code in my Pontiac?

- Diagnosing the issue involves using an OBDII scanner to retrieve the code, inspecting the oxygen sensor and its wiring for damage, and testing the sensor's voltage output.

5. Can driving with the P0136 error code harm my Pontiac?

- Continuing to drive with this code may lead to decreased fuel efficiency and potential damage to the catalytic converter over time.

6. How can I repair the P0136 error code in my Pontiac?

- Repair options include replacing the bank 1 sensor 2 oxygen sensor, repairing or replacing damaged wiring, and clearing the error code with an OBDII scanner.

7. Is it safe to ignore the P0136 error code in my Pontiac?

- It is not recommended to ignore this code, as it can lead to further engine problems and potentially cause emissions issues.

8. Can a DIY enthusiast fix the P0136 error code in a Pontiac?

- Depending on the level of expertise, a DIY enthusiast may be able to replace the oxygen sensor or check for wiring issues, but professional help might be needed for accurate diagnosis and repair.

9. How much does it typically cost to repair the P0136 error code in a Pontiac?

- The cost of repair can vary based on the cause of the issue, but replacing an oxygen sensor can range from $100 to $300, while addressing wiring issues may require additional labor costs.

10. How often does the oxygen sensor in a Pontiac need to be replaced?

- Oxygen sensors generally have a lifespan of around 60,000 to 90,000 miles, but factors like driving conditions and maintenance habits can affect their longevity.

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