AutoCodes – Honda – P0139 1996 Honda Civic

P0139 1996 Honda Civic Code - HO2S Bank 1 Sensor 2 Slow Response

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: P0139 1996 Honda Civic indicates HO2S Bank 1 Sensor 2 Slow Response.
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 4,374

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 31, 2024

Description
Step-by-Step Diagnostic Guide
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Tech Notes
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code P0139 1996 Honda Civic 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 P0139 1996 Honda Civic - HO2S Bank 1 Sensor 2 Slow Response - AutoCodes.com — P0139 1996 Honda Civic Code - HO2S Bank 1 Sensor 2 Slow Response

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0139 1996 Honda Civic?

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 P0139 1996 Honda Civic?

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

Replacing the Rear Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 1 usually takes care of the problem.

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P0139 1996 Honda Civic 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 P0139 1996 Honda Civic 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 P0139 1996 Honda Civic Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P0139 on a 1996 Honda Civic?

- Common symptoms include poor fuel economy, rough idling, and a noticeable decrease in engine performance.

2. What does the OBDII code P0139 for a 1996 Honda Civic indicate?

- The code P0139 indicates a slow response from the downstream oxygen sensor (HO2S) located on bank 1, sensor 2 of the exhaust system.

3. What are the possible causes of OBDII code P0139 on a 1996 Honda Civic?

- Possible causes include a faulty oxygen sensor, wiring issues, exhaust leaks, or problems with the engine's air-fuel mixture.

4. How can I diagnose the OBDII code P0139 on my 1996 Honda Civic?

- Diagnosis involves using an OBDII scanner to read the code, inspecting the wiring and connections to the sensor, and testing the sensor's voltage response.

5. How can I repair OBDII code P0139 on my 1996 Honda Civic?

- Repair options may include replacing the downstream oxygen sensor, repairing any damaged wiring, fixing exhaust leaks, or addressing issues with the engine's fuel system.

6. Can I drive my 1996 Honda Civic with OBDII code P0139?

- It is not recommended to drive with this code present, as it can lead to decreased fuel efficiency and potential engine damage if left unresolved.

7. How much does it cost to fix OBDII code P0139 on a 1996 Honda Civic?

- The cost of repair can vary depending on the underlying issue, but it typically ranges from $100 to $300 for parts and labor.

8. Can I reset the OBDII code P0139 on my 1996 Honda Civic using a scanner?

- Yes, you can reset the code using an OBDII scanner, but it is important to address the root cause of the issue to prevent the code from reappearing.

9. Will OBDII code P0139 cause my 1996 Honda Civic to fail emissions testing?

- Yes, this code can cause your vehicle to fail emissions testing due to improper oxygen sensor readings impacting the vehicle's emissions output.

10. How often should I check the oxygen sensors on my 1996 Honda Civic to prevent OBDII code P0139?

- It is recommended to check and replace oxygen sensors as part of regular maintenance, typically every 60,000 to 90,000 miles, to prevent issues like code P0139.