AutoCodesNissan – P0139 Nissan

P0139 Nissan 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 Nissan 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 41,519
How popular is this code, among other codes? Medium
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Apr 12, 2019
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Code P0139 Nissan 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 Nissan - HO2S12 Slow Response - AutoCodes.com
P0139 Nissan Code - HO2S12 Slow Response

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0139 Nissan?

  • 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 Nissan?

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 Nissan 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 Nissan code?

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Information for Specific Nissan Models

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 Nissan Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P0139 for a Nissan vehicle?

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

2. What does the OBDII code P0139 for a Nissan indicate?

- This code indicates a slow response from the downstream oxygen sensor (HO2S12) in the exhaust system.

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

- Possible causes include a faulty oxygen sensor, wiring issues, exhaust system leaks, or an engine misfire.

4. How can I diagnose the root cause of OBDII code P0139 in my Nissan?

- A diagnostic scan tool can help pinpoint the issue by monitoring sensor data and checking for any related trouble codes.

5. Can a dirty or contaminated oxygen sensor cause code P0139 in a Nissan?

- Yes, a dirty or contaminated oxygen sensor can lead to a slow response and trigger OBDII code P0139.

6. What is the recommended repair for OBDII code P0139 on a Nissan?

- The typical repair involves replacing the downstream oxygen sensor (HO2S12) and addressing any underlying issues causing the slow response.

7. Is it safe to continue driving my Nissan with OBDII code P0139 illuminated?

- While the vehicle may still be driveable, it is recommended to address the issue promptly to prevent potential damage to the catalytic converter.

8. Can a DIY enthusiast fix OBDII code P0139 on a Nissan?

- Depending on their skill level, a DIY enthusiast may be able to replace the downstream oxygen sensor themselves to resolve the issue.

9. Will resetting the Check Engine light resolve OBDII code P0139 in a Nissan?

- Resetting the light will clear the immediate indication, but the underlying issue causing the code will need to be addressed to prevent its return.

10. How often should the oxygen sensors be inspected in a Nissan to prevent OBDII code P0139?

- It is recommended to inspect and replace oxygen sensors according to the manufacturer's maintenance schedule to prevent issues like code P0139.

Discuss the causes and fixes for P0139 Nissan OBDII Code

  • The post cat O2 sensor (B1S2) should not switch. It is used to monitor catalyst efficiency. However the ECM will look at how fast the sensor will reach a certain voltage to determine if it is working. P0139 will set if the O2 does not rich this certain voltage in a certain amount of time. Let's say the O2 heater is not working. It would take the O2 too long to reach this predetermined condition and set P0139. You're welcome, Rick Biegler CMAT L1 

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