P0152 OBD-II Trouble Code: O2 Sensor Circuit High Voltage (Bank 2 Sensor 1)

P0152 trouble code definition

O2 Sensor Circuit High Voltage (Bank 2 Sensor 1)

What the P0152 code means

P0152 is the OBD-II generic code indicating that the O2 sensor for bank 2 sensor 1 fails to have a lower voltage output below 1.2 volts for more than 10 seconds indicating a lack of oxygen in the exhaust stream or a short to power in the sensor circuit.

What causes the P0152 code?

• The engine control module (ECM) sees the voltage of the O2 sensor for bank 2 sensor 1 above 1.2 volts when the ECM has commanded the fuel to a targeted lean condition on that bank of the engine.

• The ECM detects the voltage high problem and turns on the Check Engine Light.

What are the symptoms of the P0152 code?

• The engine runs lean during the testing phase of the sensor.

• The ECM tries to correct the rich problem by leaning the mixture and the engine may hesitate or misfire.

• The Check Engine Light will be illuminated once the O2 sensor fails.

How does a mechanic diagnose the P0152 code?

• Scans the codes and documents the freeze frame data, clears the codes to verify if it returns

• Next, a mechanic would monitor the O2 sensor data to see if the voltage is stuck at or above 1.2 volts. If it is, they would then disconnect the sensor to see if the voltage goes to zero and replaces the sensor.

• If voltage is shorted with the sensor, disconnects it then checks the O2 sensor wiring and the harness connections for any cuts or burned wires, repairing any as needed

Common mistakes when diagnosing the P0152 code

Follow these simple guidelines to prevent misdiagnosis:

• Compare bank 1 and bank 2 O2 sensors to compare the engine overall running conditions to see if the high voltage is common for both banks indicating a fuel injection problem and not an O2 sensor problem.

• Check the O2 sensor for oil or coolant contaminants that can cause shorting and repair any leaks first before replacing the O2 sensor.

How serious is the P0152 code?

• The high voltage output from the O2 sensor may be an over rich condition from a stuck open or leaking injector.

• The ECM may not be able to control the air-fuel mixture if the fuel system is leaking fuel or the O2 sensor is shorted.

What repairs can fix the P0152 code?

• Scanning and clearing the fault codes, verifying if the code returns, and checking the data for high voltage output

• Replacing the shorted O2 sensor for bank 2 sensor 1

• Repairing the shorted or burned wiring or connection to the O2 sensor for bank 2 sensor

• Repairing a leaking injector or fuel pressure regulator

Additional comments for consideration regarding the P0152 code

The high voltage condition from the O2 sensor is indicating a lack of oxygen in the exhaust or problems causing the issue. Problems may be a leaking fuel injector or a leaking fuel pressure regulator.

Need help with a P0152 code?

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