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P0037 – Meaning, Causes, Symptoms, & Fixes

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What Does Code P0037 Mean?

  • P0037 definition: H02S2 Heater Control Circuit Low (Bank 1, Sensor 2)
  • Issue Severity: MODERATE– Extended driving with this code can cause internal engine damage.
  • Repair Urgency: Get this code fixed as soon as possible.
  • Diagnosis: It is important to complete the entire diagnostic process when diagnosing the P0037 code. This DTC can be triggered by a faulty oxygen sensor, damaged wiring, blown fuse, or an ECM failure. Use the FIXD Sensor and app to see the most likely fix and cost for P0037, get detailed diagnostics in plain English, access our Mechanic Hotline, and more.

The HO2S2 (heated oxygen sensor 2) sensor calculates the air to fuel ratio of the vehicle’s exhaust. The P0037 code is set when the ECM detects that the HO2S2 on bank 1 has a malfunctioning heater element. The heater in the oxygen sensor helps get the sensor up to operating temperature faster in order to improve fuel economy and emissions. This O2 sensor is located after the catalytic converter and monitors the catalytic converter’s efficiency.

P0037 Causes

  • Faulty Bank 2 Oxygen Sensor 2 Heater (Most likely cause)
  • Malfunctioning ECM Sensor Heater Driver
  • Shorted Control Circuit
  • A break in wire between ECM and HO2S2
  • Poor Ground
  • Blown Fuse

P0037 Symptoms

How Do I Fix Code P0037?

With a P0037 code, the first step is to get it properly diagnosed to figure out what is causing the malfunction in the downstream oxygen sensor system. Using the live data function of the FIXD sensor and app allows you to read and analyze engine data to properly diagnose a P0037 code. If you get stuck, you can also give our FIXD Mechanic Hotline a call for more troubleshooting.

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If the sensors are all reading correctly and you’re not comfortable further diagnosing this issue at home, we recommend finding a RepairPal-certified shop to pinpoint the problem and give an accurate estimate for repairs.

These shops can not only help you figure out what’s going wrong before you waste time and money on the wrong parts, but they also offer a minimum 12-month, 12,000-mile warranty and stand behind all their estimates with guaranteed fair pricing.

How Much Does It Cost to Fix Code P0037?

If you take your car to a shop for diagnosis, most shops will start with an hour of “diag time” (the time spent in labor diagnosing your specific issue). Depending on the shop’s labor rate, this typically costs somewhere between $75-$150. Many, if not most, shops will apply this diagnosis fee to any required repairs if you have them perform the repairs for you. From there, a shop will be able to give you an accurate estimate for repairs to fix your P0037 code.

Possible Repair Costs for P0037

When it comes to making repairs associated with the P0037 code, one or more of the below repairs may be needed to solve the underlying issue. For each possible repair, the estimated cost of repair includes the cost of the relevant parts and the cost of labor required to make the repair.

  • Heated oxygen sensor: $200-$300
  • Wiring repair/replacement: $100-$1000
  • ECM: $1000-$1200

DIY Steps to Diagnose Code P0037

If you’d like to try to fix code P0057 at home without throwing money at parts, you’ll want to follow the steps below for proper diagnosis. Complete diagnosis may require some specialized equipment beyond what the FIXD Sensor can provide, but for the most part, this diagnosis and repair can be attempted by beginner DIYers.

DIY difficulty level: Beginner

This repair can be attempted by beginner DIYers.

Tools/parts needed (our top picks from Amazon):

STEP 1: USE FIXD TO ENSURE NO OTHER ENGINE CODES ARE PRESENT.

Scan your vehicle to verify P0037 is the only code present. If other codes are present, they must be addressed first.

STEP 2: INSPECT O2 SENSORS AND WIRING.

Visually inspect the wiring around the bank 2 HO2S2 for disconnection or damage.

STEP 3: CHECK OXYGEN SENSOR(S) WITH MULTIMETER.

Check resistance of the heater element to ensure it is within the specified range. If out of spec, replace HO2S2. Check voltage to the O2 heater. If no voltage is detected (open circuit), check for a blown fuse or break in the wire.  Check ground to heater, if no or poor ground, check for loose ground, clean, and tighten.

STEP 4: CONSULT A PROFESSIONAL.

If at this point the vehicle is still setting the same code, you may have a more serious problem with your car’s oxygen sensor system, and you should bring the vehicle to a certified shop to have further diagnostic work performed.

Common P0037 diagnosis mistakes

Prematurely replacing the HO2S2 (heated oxygen) sensor without visually inspecting the wiring of the control circuit for disconnection or damage.

Still Need Help Fixing Code P0037?

If you’ve followed the steps above and are still experiencing issues with the oxygen sensor system and code P0037, please contact the FIXD Mechanic Hotline if you’re a FIXD Premium subscriber or find a RepairPal certified shop near you to get the right repairs at a fair price. Don’t have a FIXD Sensor yet? Click here to get yours for just $19.99, including a free 14-day trial of FIXD Premium!

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Fixed It But The Check Engine Light Is Still On?

Check engine light sometimes need to be reset manually, check out our article:

How to Reset Your Check Engine Light | 4 Ways To Clear It (With or Without a Scanner)

Jeffrey N. Ross

Lifelong automotive enthusiast with a soft spot for offroading. Wrencher turned writer, but I still love to tinker on just about anything with an engine. Dream car: tie between a ‘71 Hemi ‘Cuda and a ’91 GMC Syclone. #GirlDad #SaveTheManuals

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About the Author

Jeffrey N. Ross

Jeffrey N. Ross

Lifelong automotive enthusiast with a soft spot for offroading. Wrencher turned writer, but I still love to tinker on just about anything with an engine. Dream car: tie between a ‘71 Hemi ‘Cuda and a '91 GMC Syclone. #GirlDad #SaveTheManuals

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