P1279 Code - Air Fuel Ratio Sensor 1 Bank 1 Circuit Slow Response
Quick Answer
The A/F sensor is a planar dual-cell limit current sensor. Common causes include Faulty Air fuel ratio (A/F) Sensor 1 Bank 1, Air fuel ratio (A/F) Sensor 1 Bank 1 Harness or connectors is open or shorted, Air fuel ratio (A/F) Sensor 1 Bank 1 circuit poor electrical connection. Severity is High - diagnose this code as soon as possible. Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.
- What it means
- P1279 indicates Air Fuel Ratio Sensor 1 Bank 1 Circuit Slow Response.
- Common causes
- Common causes include Faulty Air fuel ratio (A/F) Sensor 1 Bank 1, Air fuel ratio (A/F) Sensor 1 Bank 1 Harness or connectors is open or shorted, Air fuel ratio (A/F) Sensor 1 Bank 1 circuit poor electrical connection.
- Severity
- High - diagnose this code as soon as possible.
- Can I drive?
- Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.
Code P1279 Description
The sensor is capable of precise measurement λ= 1, but also in the lean and rich range. Together with its control electronics, the sensor outputs a clear, continuous signal throughout a wide λ range (0.7 < λ < air).
The exhaust gas components diffuse through the diffusion gap at the electrode of the oxygen pump and Nernst concentration cell, where they are brought to thermodynamic balance.
An electronic circuit controls the pump current through the oxygen-pump cell so that the composition of the exhaust gas in the diffusion gap remains constant at λ = 1. Therefore, the A/F sensor is able to indicate air/fuel ratio by this pumping of current. In addition, a heater is integrated in the sensor to ensure the required operating temperature of 700 - 800 C (1,292 - 1,472 F).
What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P1279?
- Faulty Air fuel ratio (A/F) Sensor 1 Bank 1
- Air fuel ratio (A/F) Sensor 1 Bank 1 Harness or connectors is open or shorted
- Air fuel ratio (A/F) Sensor 1 Bank 1 circuit poor electrical connection
- Fuel pressure
- Faulty Fuel injector
- Intake air leaks
- Exhaust Gas leaks
- Faulty PVC
- Faulty Air Flow Meter
How to Fix the DTC P1279?
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 is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?
Labor: 1.0
To diagnose the P1279 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
- P1279 Acura — VTEC System Malfunction Front Bank 2
- P1279 Audi — Fuel Metering Solenoid Open Circuit/Short To Ground
- P1279 Chrysler — Starter Control Circuit 2 Open
- P1279 Dodge — Starter Control Circuit 2 Open
- P1279 Honda — VTEC System Malfunction Front Bank 2
- P1279 Infiniti — Air Fuel Ratio Sensor 1 Bank 1 Circuit Slow Response
- P1279 Lexus — Port Injector Circuit Number 4
- P1279 Nissan — Air Fuel Ratio Sensor 1 Bank 1 Circuit Slow Response
- P1279 Toyota — Port Injector Circuit Number 4
- P1279 Volkswagen — Fuel Metering Solenoid Open Circuit/Short To Ground
Frequently Asked Questions about P1279 Code
1. What are common symptoms of OBDII code P1279 (Air Fuel Ratio Sensor 1 Bank 1 Circuit Slow Response)?
- Common symptoms include poor fuel efficiency, rough idling, hesitation during acceleration, and an illuminated check engine light.
2. What are the potential causes of OBDII code P1279?
- Causes may include a faulty air fuel ratio sensor, wiring issues in the sensor circuit, exhaust system leaks, or engine mechanical problems.
3. How can I diagnose the root cause of OBDII code P1279?
- Diagnosing this code usually involves inspecting the air fuel ratio sensor and its wiring, checking for leaks in the exhaust system, and performing tests to determine if the sensor is responding slowly.
4. Can a dirty air filter trigger OBDII code P1279?
- Yes, a dirty air filter can affect the air fuel mixture and potentially lead to a slow response from the air fuel ratio sensor, triggering code P1279.
5. Is it safe to continue driving with OBDII code P1279 present?
- It is generally not recommended to continue driving with this code active, as it can negatively impact engine performance and fuel efficiency.
6. How can I repair OBDII code P1279?
- Repair options may include replacing the air fuel ratio sensor, repairing or replacing damaged wiring, fixing exhaust leaks, or addressing any underlying engine issues causing the slow response.
7. Are there any maintenance tips to prevent OBDII code P1279 from recurring?
- Regularly checking and replacing air filters, ensuring proper engine maintenance, and using high-quality fuel can help prevent issues that may trigger code P1279.
8. Can extreme weather conditions affect the performance of the air fuel ratio sensor and trigger OBDII code P1279?
- Yes, extreme temperatures or weather conditions can impact the sensor's response time, potentially leading to the activation of code P1279.
9. How long does it typically take to repair OBDII code P1279?
- The repair time can vary depending on the exact cause of the code, but it may take anywhere from a few hours to a full day to diagnose and address the issue.
10. Will resetting the check engine light make OBDII code P1279 disappear permanently?
- Resetting the check engine light without addressing the underlying issue will not make code P1279 disappear permanently; the underlying problem must be fixed to prevent its recurrence.
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