AutoCodes – GMC – P013C 2018 GMC Sierra

P013C 2018 GMC Sierra Code - HO2S Slow Response Rich to Lean Bank 2 Sensor 2

Quick Answer

The Heated Oxygen Sensors (HO2S) are used for fuel control and catalyst monitoring. Common causes include Faulty Heated Oxygen Bank 2 Sensor 2, Heated Oxygen Bank 2 Sensor 2 harness is open or shorted, Heated Oxygen Bank 2 Sensor 2 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: P013C 2018 GMC Sierra indicates HO2S Slow Response Rich to Lean Bank 2 Sensor 2.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Heated Oxygen Bank 2 Sensor 2, Heated Oxygen Bank 2 Sensor 2 harness is open or shorted, Heated Oxygen Bank 2 Sensor 2 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 425

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 May 28, 2022

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Tech Notes ▶
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code P013C 2018 GMC Sierra Description

The Heated Oxygen Sensors (HO2S) are used for fuel control and catalyst monitoring. Each HO2S compares the oxygen content of the surrounding air with the oxygen content of the exhaust stream. When the engine is started, the Engine Control Module (ECM) operates in an Open Loop mode, ignoring the HO2S signal voltage while calculating the air-to-fuel ratio. While the engine runs, the HO2S heats up and begins to generate a voltage within a range of 0 - 1, 000 mV. Once sufficient HO2S voltage fluctuation is observed by the ECM, Closed Loop is entered. The ECM uses the HO2S voltage to determine the air-to-fuel ratio. An HO2S voltage that increases toward 1, 000 mV indicates a rich fuel mixture. An HO2S voltage that decreases toward 0 mV indicates a lean fuel mixture.
The heating elements inside each HO2S heat the sensor to bring the sensor up to operating conditions faster. This allows the system to enter Closed Loop earlier and the ECM to calculate the air-to-fuel ratio sooner.
The Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) will be set when the ECM detects that the accumulated mass airflow monitored during rich-to-lean transitions between 450 - 150 mV is greater than calibrated value.

OBDII Code P013C 2018 GMC Sierra - HO2S Slow Response Rich to Lean Bank 2 Sensor 2 - AutoCodes.com — P013C 2018 GMC Sierra Code - HO2S Slow Response Rich to Lean Bank 2 Sensor 2

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P013C 2018 GMC Sierra?

Faulty Heated Oxygen Bank 2 Sensor 2
Heated Oxygen Bank 2 Sensor 2 harness is open or shorted
Heated Oxygen Bank 2 Sensor 2 circuit poor electrical connection
Low or high fuel system pressure
Fuel contamination
Faulty fuel injectors
Exhaust gas leaks
Engine vacuum leaks

How to Fix the DTC P013C 2018 GMC Sierra?

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 Sensors (HO2S) usually takes care of the problem.

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What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P013C 2018 GMC Sierra 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 P013C 2018 GMC Sierra Code

1. What does the OBDII code P013C mean on a 2018 GMC Sierra?

P013C indicates that the downstream oxygen sensor (Bank 2, Sensor 2) has a slow response when switching from a rich to a lean condition.

2. What are the common symptoms of code P013C on a GMC Sierra?

Symptoms include the check engine light turning on, decreased fuel efficiency, potential engine performance issues, and failed emissions tests.

3. What causes the P013C code to trigger on a 2018 GMC Sierra?

Common causes include a faulty oxygen sensor, exhaust leaks, damaged wiring or connectors, or issues with the engine running too rich or too lean.

4. How do I know if the Bank 2 Sensor 2 oxygen sensor needs to be replaced?

If the sensor is faulty, it may show slow voltage changes during diagnostic testing, or physical damage to the sensor may be visible.

5. Can a dirty air filter cause P013C on a 2018 GMC Sierra?

Yes, a dirty air filter can restrict airflow, leading to improper air-fuel ratios that may trigger this code.

6. Is it safe to drive with a P013C code on a GMC Sierra?

While the vehicle may still be drivable, ignoring the code can result in poor fuel economy, increased emissions, and potential damage to the catalytic converter over time.

7. How is P013C typically diagnosed on a GMC Sierra?

A mechanic will use a scan tool to monitor oxygen sensor readings, inspect the sensor and wiring, check for exhaust leaks, and test for proper air-fuel ratios.

8. What repairs can fix the P013C code on a 2018 GMC Sierra?

Repairs may include replacing the oxygen sensor, fixing exhaust leaks, repairing damaged wiring, or addressing issues with the air-fuel mixture.

9. Can bad fuel cause the P013C code on a GMC Sierra?

Yes, using poor-quality or contaminated fuel can disrupt the air-fuel ratio and contribute to triggering this code.

10. How much does it cost to fix the P013C code on a 2018 GMC Sierra?

The cost varies but typically ranges from $100 to $300 for parts and labor if the oxygen sensor needs replacement. Additional costs may apply if other issues are found.