AutoCodes – Nissan – P0139 2003 Nissan Altima Sedan

P0139 2003 Nissan Altima Sedan Code - HO2S12 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 2003 Nissan Altima Sedan indicates HO2S12 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 4,395
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 P0139 2003 Nissan Altima Sedan 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 2003 Nissan Altima Sedan - HO2S12 Slow Response - AutoCodes.com
P0139 2003 Nissan Altima Sedan Code - HO2S12 Slow Response

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0139 2003 Nissan Altima Sedan?

  • 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 2003 Nissan Altima Sedan?

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 P0139 2003 Nissan Altima Sedan 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 P0139 2003 Nissan Altima Sedan Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P0139 (HO2S12 Slow Response) in a 2003 Nissan Altima Sedan?

- Common symptoms include poor fuel economy, rough idling, hesitation during acceleration, and the illumination of the Check Engine Light.

2. What does the HO2S12 Slow Response code indicate in a 2003 Nissan Altima Sedan?

- This code indicates that the downstream oxygen sensor (HO2S12) is not responding quickly enough to changes in the exhaust gas oxygen levels.

3. What are the possible causes of OBDII code P0139 in a 2003 Nissan Altima Sedan?

- The possible causes include a faulty oxygen sensor, wiring issues, exhaust leaks, engine misfires, or a malfunctioning catalytic converter.

4. How can I diagnose the HO2S12 Slow Response code in my 2003 Nissan Altima Sedan?

- A diagnostic scan tool can help identify the specific cause of the code by monitoring the oxygen sensor's response time and checking for any related trouble codes.

5. Can I continue driving my 2003 Nissan Altima Sedan with OBDII code P0139 (HO2S12 Slow Response)?

- 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 avoid potential damage to the engine or catalytic converter.

6. Is it possible to repair OBDII code P0139 in a 2003 Nissan Altima Sedan myself?

- Depending on your mechanical skills and tools available, you may be able to replace the oxygen sensor or fix wiring issues yourself. However, more complex issues may require professional assistance.

7. How much does it typically cost to repair OBDII code P0139 in a 2003 Nissan Altima Sedan?

- The cost of repairing this code can vary depending on the underlying cause. Replacing an oxygen sensor can range from $100 to $300, while addressing issues with the catalytic converter or wiring may be more expensive.

8. Can a dirty or contaminated oxygen sensor trigger the HO2S12 Slow Response code in a 2003 Nissan Altima Sedan?

- Yes, a dirty or contaminated oxygen sensor can lead to slow response times and trigger this code. Cleaning the sensor may resolve the issue, but replacement is often recommended for long-term reliability.

9. Will resetting the Check Engine Light make OBDII code P0139 disappear in a 2003 Nissan Altima Sedan?

- Resetting the Check Engine Light may temporarily turn it off, but the underlying issue causing the code will likely persist. It is important to diagnose and repair the problem to prevent future occurrences.

10. How long does it typically take to repair OBDII code P0139 (HO2S12 Slow Response) in a 2003 Nissan Altima Sedan?

- The repair time can vary based on the cause of the code and the availability of parts. Simple fixes like replacing the oxygen sensor may take an hour or two, while more complex issues could require a day or more at a repair shop.

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