AutoCodes – Nissan – P0139 2012 Nissan Altima Sedan

P0139 2012 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 2012 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 5,160
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Apr 12, 2019
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Code P0139 2012 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 2012 Nissan Altima Sedan - HO2S12 Slow Response - AutoCodes.com
P0139 2012 Nissan Altima Sedan Code - HO2S12 Slow Response

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0139 2012 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 2012 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 2012 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.

Need more information about the P0139 2012 Nissan Altima Sedan 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 2012 Nissan Altima Sedan Code

1. What does OBDII code P0139 on my 2012 Nissan Altima Sedan mean?

Code P0139 stands for "HO2S12 Slow Response," indicating a delayed response from the downstream oxygen sensor (HO2S12) in bank 1 sensor 2.

2. What are the common symptoms of a HO2S12 Slow Response error code?

Common symptoms include poor fuel economy, rough idle, engine misfires, and the illumination of the Check Engine Light on the dashboard.

3. What are the possible causes of a P0139 code on a 2012 Nissan Altima Sedan?

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

4. How can I diagnose the source of a HO2S12 Slow Response code on my Nissan Altima?

Diagnosis typically involves inspecting the oxygen sensor, checking for wiring damage or corrosion, inspecting the exhaust system for leaks, and verifying the engine's fuel system components.

5. Can a P0139 code be triggered by a loose gas cap on a 2012 Nissan Altima Sedan?

While a loose gas cap can trigger other codes related to the evaporative emission system, it is unlikely to cause a HO2S12 Slow Response error code.

6. What are the potential repair options for resolving a P0139 code on a 2012 Nissan Altima Sedan?

Repair options may include replacing the downstream oxygen sensor, repairing damaged wiring, fixing exhaust leaks, addressing engine misfires, and ensuring proper air-fuel mixture.

7. Is it safe to continue driving my 2012 Nissan Altima Sedan with a P0139 code?

It is generally not recommended to ignore a P0139 code, as it can lead to reduced fuel efficiency and potential damage to the vehicle's catalytic converter over time.

8. How much does it typically cost to fix a P0139 code on a 2012 Nissan Altima Sedan?

The cost of repairs can vary depending on the specific cause of the code, but it may involve parts and labor expenses ranging from $100 to $300 or more.

9. Can I reset the Check Engine Light after fixing a P0139 code on my Nissan Altima Sedan?

Once the underlying issue triggering the code has been resolved, the Check Engine Light can be reset using an OBDII scanner or by disconnecting the car's battery for a few minutes.

10. Will a P0139 code on a 2012 Nissan Altima Sedan affect the vehicle's emissions or performance?

Yes, a P0139 code can impact emissions levels and engine performance, potentially leading to decreased fuel efficiency and increased harmful emissions if left unresolved.

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