AutoCodes – Generic – P0159

P0159 Code - O2 Sensor Circuit Slow Response Bank 2 Sensor 2

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 2, Rear Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 2 harness is open or shorted, Rear Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 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: P0159 indicates O2 Sensor Circuit Slow Response Bank 2 Sensor 2.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Rear Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 2, Rear Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 2 harness is open or shorted, Rear Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 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 42,473

How popular is this code, among other codes? Medium

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 Jun 14, 2020

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Tech Notes
Cost to Diagnose
Comments
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Code P0159 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 P0159 - O2 Sensor Circuit Slow Response Bank 2 Sensor 2 - AutoCodes.com — P0159 Code - O2 Sensor Circuit Slow Response Bank 2 Sensor 2

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0159?

Faulty Rear Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 2
Rear Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 2 harness is open or shorted
Rear Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 2 circuit poor electrical connection
Inappropriate fuel pressure
Faulty fuel injectors
Intake air leaks may be faulty
Exhaust gas leaks

How to Fix the DTC P0159?

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 O2 Sensor 2 usually takes care of the problem

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P0159 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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Information for Specific Makes

P0159 Acura — O2 Sensor Circuit Slow Response Bank 2 Sensor 2
P0159 Audi — HO2S22 Sensor Circuit Slow Response
P0159 BMW — O2 Sensor Circuit Slow Response Bank 2 Sensor 2
P0159 Buick — HO2S22 slow response sensor
P0159 Cadillac — HO2S22 slow response sensor
P0159 Chevrolet — HO2S22 slow response sensor
P0159 Chrysler — O2 Sensor 2/2 Slow Response
P0159 Dodge — O2 Sensor 2/2 Slow Response
P0159 Ford — O2 Sensor Circuit Slow Response Bank 2 Sensor 2
P0159 GMC — HO2S22 slow response sensor
P0159 Honda — O2 Sensor Circuit Slow Response Bank 2 Sensor 2
P0159 Hyundai — HO2S Circuit Slow Response Bank 2 Sensor 2
P0159 Infiniti — HO2S22 Slow Response
P0159 Jeep — O2 Sensor 2/2 Slow Response
P0159 KIA — HO2S21 Circuit Slow Response
P0159 Lexus — HO2S22 Circuit Slow Response
P0159 Mazda — HO2S LR Circuit Problem
P0159 Mercedes-Benz — O2 Sensor Circuit Slow Response Bank 2 Sensor 2
P0159 MINI — O2 Sensor Circuit Slow Response Bank 2 Sensor 2
P0159 Mitsubishi — Cylinder 2-3 Heated Oxygen Rrear Sensor Circuit Slow Response
P0159 Nissan — HO2S22 Slow Response
P0159 Pontiac — HO2S22 slow response sensor
P0159 Saturn — HO2S22 slow response sensor
P0159 Scion — HO2S22 Circuit Slow Response
P0159 Subaru — HO2S22 Circuit Slow Response
P0159 Toyota — HO2S22 Circuit Slow Response
P0159 Volkswagen — HO2S22 Sensor Circuit Slow Response

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.