AutoCodesMitsubishi – P0139 Mitsubishi

P0139 Mitsubishi Code - Cylinder 1-4 Heated Oxygen Rear Sensor Circuit 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 Mitsubishi indicates Cylinder 1-4 Heated Oxygen Rear Sensor Circuit 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 12,951
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 Mitsubishi 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 Mitsubishi - Cylinder 1-4 Heated Oxygen Rear Sensor Circuit Slow Response - AutoCodes.com
P0139 Mitsubishi Code - Cylinder 1-4 Heated Oxygen Rear Sensor Circuit Slow Response

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0139 Mitsubishi?

  • 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 Mitsubishi?

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 Mitsubishi 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 Mitsubishi 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 Mitsubishi Code

1. What does the OBDII code P0139 mean for a Mitsubishi vehicle?

The code P0139 indicates a slow response from the heated oxygen sensor located downstream of the catalytic converter for cylinders 1-4.

2. What are the common symptoms of P0139 in a Mitsubishi?

Symptoms may include reduced fuel efficiency, engine hesitation, rough idling, and an illuminated check engine light.

3. What causes the P0139 code to appear in a Mitsubishi?

Common causes include a failing rear oxygen sensor, exhaust leaks, damaged wiring or connectors, or a degraded catalytic converter.

4. Can a dirty or clogged catalytic converter trigger the P0139 code?

Yes, a clogged catalytic converter can affect exhaust flow and oxygen sensor readings, potentially triggering a slow response error.

5. How can I diagnose the P0139 code on my Mitsubishi?

Use an OBDII scanner to confirm the code, inspect the rear oxygen sensor and its wiring, and check for exhaust leaks or catalytic converter issues.

6. Is it safe to drive a Mitsubishi with the P0139 code?

While it may be possible to drive, prolonged use can lead to poor fuel economy and potentially damage other components, so repairs should be made promptly.

7. How do I fix the P0139 code on my Mitsubishi?

Repair steps may include replacing the rear oxygen sensor, fixing any exhaust leaks, repairing damaged wires or connectors, or replacing the catalytic converter if needed.

8. How much does it cost to repair code P0139 on a Mitsubishi?

Costs vary depending on the issue, but replacing an oxygen sensor typically costs $150-$300, while catalytic converter repairs can be significantly more expensive.

9. Can a P0139 code be triggered by bad fuel quality?

Poor fuel quality can lead to incomplete combustion, which may affect oxygen sensor readings and potentially trigger this code.

10. How can I prevent the P0139 code from appearing on my Mitsubishi?

Perform regular maintenance, use high-quality fuel, promptly address exhaust leaks, and replace oxygen sensors as recommended by the manufacturer.

Discuss the causes and fixes for P0139 Mitsubishi OBDII Code

  • Does this code relate to others. I got this code immediately after replacing the downstream o2 censor and the catalysted converter. I was shooting the p0420 and p0138 codes before I did those repairs. And the very next morning got the p0139 on my way to the emissions testing site.

  • What model and year is your vehicle? The P0139 code is for the dowstream O2 sensor as well. Double check the sensor connection and make sure there are no exhaust leaks.

  • I have an 08 lancer (no turbo). It was taken to a shop for the previous repairs. Should it be something they’re responsible for? I only know how to drive cars.

  • It's possible. There is only one rear Oxygen Sensor and both codes are for the same sensor.

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