Error P0152 – how to fix?

Error code definition P0152

High Voltage O2 Sensor Circuit (Bank 2 Sensor 1)

What does the code P0152 mean

P0152 is a generic OBD-II code which indicates the bank 2 sensor O2 sensor 1 has no output voltage below 1.2V for more than 10 seconds, indicating no oxygen in the exhaust stream or a shorted sensor circuit.

What causes the P0152 code?

• The engine control module (ECM) sees the O2 sensor voltage for sensor bank 2 above 1.2 volts when the ECM has commanded fuel to a target lean state on that engine bank.
• The ECM detects a high voltage problem and turns on the Check Engine light.

What are the symptoms of the P0152 code?

• The engine is running in low gear during the sensor testing phase.
• The ECM tries to correct the rich mixture problem by thinning the mixture, and the engine may freeze or fail to ignite.
• The Check Engine light will illuminate when the O2 sensor fails.

How does the mechanic diagnose the P0152 code?

• Scan the codes and document the data from the frozen frame, erase the codes to see if the problem returns.
• The mechanic will then monitor the O2 sensor data to see if the voltage is stuck at or above 1.2 volts. If so, they will disconnect the sensor to see if the voltage drops to zero and replace the sensor.
• If the voltage is shorted to the sensor, disconnect the sensor and then check the O2 sensor wiring and harness connections for cuts or burned wires and repair as needed.

The most common errors when diagnosing the P0152 code

Follow these simple tips to avoid misdiagnosis:

• Compare the O2 sensors in bank 1 and bank 2 to compare general engine conditions and see if the high voltage is common to both banks, indicating a fuel injection problem, not an O2 sensor problem.
• Before replacing the O2 sensor, check the sensor for oil or coolant contamination that could cause a short circuit, then repair any leaks.

How serious is the P0152 code?

• High voltage at the output from the O2 sensor may be an excessively rich condition from an open or a leaky clogged injector.
• The ECM may not be able to control the air / fuel ratio if there are fuel leaks in the fuel system or the O2 sensor is shorted.

What repairs can fix the P0152 code?

1. Scanning and clearing error codes, checking if code returns, and checking high voltage output.
2. Replace the shorted O2 sensor for bank 2 of sensor 1.
3. Repair the shorted or burnt wires or connection for bank 2 O2 sensor
4. Repair the leaking fuel injector or fuel pressure regulator

Additional considerations for code P0152

An O2 sensor high voltage condition indicates a lack of oxygen in the exhaust gas or a problematic problem. The problem may be a leaky fuel injector or a leaking fuel pressure regulator.