What Does Code P0152 Mean?
- P0152 definition: Bank 2 Sensor 1 oxygen sensor has an abnormally high voltage reading
- 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 P0152 code. This DTC can be triggered by a faulty oxygen sensor and/or wiring or issues with the fuel/air system.
Code P0152 is triggered when the Engine Control Module (ECM) detects an abnormally high voltage (approximately 1.2V or higher) on the signal circuit of the bank 2 sensor 1 Oxygen (O2) Sensor for an extended period of time. Bank 1 is the bank with cylinder 1, bank 2 is the opposite bank. Sensor 1 is the oxygen sensor before the catalytic converter in reference to exhaust flow. This high voltage reading can be caused by a short to power on the signal circuit, the engine actually running rich, or a faulty O2 sensor.
P0152 Causes
- Bank 2 Sensor 1 O2 Sensor (most common)
- Vehicle running rich (possible codes P0172 and/or P0175)
- Frayed, damaged, or shorted wiring
- Faulty connector(s)
- Stuck open or leaking fuel injector
- Faulty fuel pressure regulator
P0152 Symptoms
- Check Engine Light
- Poor fuel economy
- Higher emissions
- Poorly running engine
*No noticeable adverse conditions in some cases
How Do I Fix Code P0152?
With a P0152 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 P0152 code.
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.
> Find a RepairPal Certified Shop Near You
How Much Does It Cost to Fix Code P0152?
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 P0152 code.
Possible Repair Costs for P0152
When it comes to making repairs associated with the P0152 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.
- Oxygen sensor: $200-$300
- Catalytic converter: $400-$2400
- A leak in exhaust: $100-$200 (if welded to repair)
DIY Steps to Diagnose Code P0152
If you’d like to try to fix code P0152 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 the biggest challenge for this repair is that internal engine issues could be the root cause of this code. As such, this diagnosis and repair should not 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):
- FIXD
- Basic Hand Tools
- Vehicle Specific Service Manual
- Multimeter
STEP 1: USE FIXD TO ENSURE NO OTHER ENGINE CODES ARE PRESENT.
Scan your vehicle to verify P0152 is the only code present. If other codes are present, they must be addressed first.
STEP 2: INSPECT O2 SENSORS AND WIRING.
Visually check the electrical connections, wire harness, and metal tabs in terminals for any damages. If any damage is found, replace the oxygen sensor.
STEP 3: CHECK FREEZE FRAME DATA.
Check the freeze frame data in order to pinpoint the issue.
STEP 4: CHECK OXYGEN SENSOR(S) WITH MULTIMETER.
Using your multimeter, check for varying voltage of between .1-.95V on the signal wire of the bank 2 sensor 1 O2 sensor with the engine running at operating temperature. If this reading is consistently high, unplug the O2 sensor and see if the voltage changes. If it stays the same, you have a short in the wiring harness and it will need to be repaired. If it drops, the circuit is fine and you either have a rich running concern or a faulty O2 sensor. Consider replacing the bank 2 sensor 1 O2 sensor at this point.
STEP 5: CHECK THE ENGINE GROUND.
If after replacing the oxygen sensor the code repopulates, you may have an issue with the vehicle actually running rich. Consider checking fuel pressure; if this is normal, it may be time to take it to a shop that has a diagnostic scan tool capable of performing fuel trim tests.
STEP 6: 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 P0152 Diagnosis Mistakes
Replacing the O2 sensor without checking for a wiring concern.
Still Need Help Fixing Code P0152?
If you’ve followed the steps above and are still experiencing issues with the catalyst system and code P0152, 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.
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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
