P0062 OBD-II Trouble Code: HO2S Heater Control Circuit (Bank 2 Sensor 3)

P0062 trouble code definition

Trouble code P0062 indicates that the heater circuit used to warm up an oxygen sensor has malfunctioned. A voltage ranging from 12.0-13.5 and a ground connection is required to operate the oxygen sensor.

The cause of the code is commonly due to the oxygen sensor not receiving the proper power or ground needed to successfully operate the heater element inside of the oxygen sensor. An oxygen sensor is used to monitor the air-fuel ratio of the engine. As well as to keep track of the amounts of pollutants that are created when an engine consumes gasoline.

What the P0062 code means

The code is commonly due to the oxygen sensor not receiving the proper power or ground needed to successfully control the heater element inside of the oxygen sensor. An oxygen sensor has a small circuit within it which may lose the ability to produce heat. The oxygen sensor is part of, and is connected to a circuit that is used to heat the oxygen sensor.

For the oxygen sensor to work properly it has to reach a temperature around 600 degrees Fahrenheit. If the sensor does not reach such temperatures the air-fuel ratio readings will be incorrect.

The oxygen sensor is used by the power control module(PCM) or engine control module (ECM) to monitor the air-fuel ratio of the engine. The most environmentally friendly and cost efficient air-fuel ratio that we modernly know is 14.7:1. The oxygen sensor monitors the air-fuel ratio. The power control module (PCM) or engine control module (ECM) will read the ratio from the oxygen sensor. The PCM or ECM will then attempt to adjust the air-fuel ratio to the ideal range of 14.7:1.

What causes the P0062 code?

• Corrosion of or oil saturation on the electrical components of the oxygen sensor, such as the wiring or electrical terminals

• An internal heater element fault of the oxygen sensor

• A faulty PCM or ECM

• An open or a short to ground circuit condition

• A blown oxygen sensor fuse

What are the symptoms of the P0062 code?

• A service engine or Check Engine Light being set
• Higher consumption of fuel
• A loss in acceleration
• Engine may hesitate or stumble

How does a mechanic diagnose the P0062 code?

• Checks the ground and power supply of the oxygen sensor

• Uses a scan tool to monitor the live feedback of the oxygen sensor

• Checks for a rise in temperature of the oxygen sensor when it is removed from the exhaust

Common mistakes when diagnosing the P0062 code

• Neglecting to clean the terminals of the oxygen sensor

• Not checking the oxygen sensor’s power and ground supply before replacing the sensor

• Misidentifying which of the oxygen sensors are at fault and possibly replacing the wrong sensor

How serious is the P0062 code?

• An improper air-fuel ratio will shorten the lifespan of the catalytic convertor.

• It is harmful to the environment because the amounts of pollutants won’t be fully regulated by the PCM.

What repairs can fix the P0062 code?

• Replacing the oxygen sensor itself will usually get rid of the code

• Replacing the ECM or PCM

• Replacing the oxygen sensor fuse (if applicable)

• Repairing or replacing any damaged oxygen sensor wiring

Additional comments for consideration regarding the P0062 code?

Always be sure to check the voltages and ground connections of the oxygen sensor circuit before deeming the oxygen sensor itself as faulty.

Need help with a P0062 code?

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