What Does Code P0153 Mean?
- P0153 definition: O2 Sensor Circuit Slow Response (Bank 2 Sensor 1)
- Issue Severity: LOW – Continued driving for a short period of time is okay.
- Repair Urgency: Get this fixed within the next month to prevent catalytic converter and emission system damage.
- Diagnosis: This trouble code will most likely not prevent your vehicle from running, but it is still something that we recommend you get fixed as soon as possible. This code can cause harmful pollutants to be emitted from your vehicle into the air, which is extremely bad for the environment. You also will not be able to pass emissions tests with this code present.
The O2 sensor (Bank 2, Sensor 1) is meant to communicate with the Engine Control Module (ECM) about the air to fuel ratio of the engine, and adjust it accordingly. This is done in order to limit the number of pollutants that your vehicle is emitting, and also control your car’s fuel consumption. Code P0153 is triggered when the voltage output that your O2 sensor sends to your ECM does not change quickly enough in relation to the air to fuel ratio when you press on the gas pedal.
P0153 Causes
There are many potential causes of code P0153.
- Faulty O2 sensor (most common)
- Faulty/Frayed wiring to the O2 sensor
- Exhaust Leak
- Engine Vacuum Leak
- Dirty Mass Air Flow sensor
P0153 Symptoms
- Check Engine Light
- Poor Fuel Economy
- Excessive smoke from the exhaust
- Rough running engine
- Poor idle
- Possible Stalling
- No noticeable adverse conditions in some cases
How Do I Fix Code P0153?
With an O2 sensor problem, the first step is to get it diagnosed to figure out what is causing the problem.
If your vehicle has this fault and you’re not comfortable diagnosing this issue at home, we recommend finding a RepairPal certified shop nearby 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 P0153?
P0153 can be caused by anything from a bad O2 sensor to faulty wiring to vacuum leaks. It’s impossible to give an accurate estimate without properly diagnosing the issue first.
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 P0153 code.
Possible Repair Costs for P0153
For error code P0153, 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
- Exhaust repair $100-$200 (if welded to repair)
- Vacuum leak $100-$200
DIY Steps to Diagnose Code P0153
Engine code P0153 could be caused by a number of things, including a bad oxygen sensor, faulty wiring, or vacuum leaks. If you’d like to try to fix code P0153 at home without throwing money at parts, you’ll want to follow the steps below for proper diagnosis. This is a beginner-level diagnosis and repair.
DIY difficulty level: Beginner
Tools/parts needed (our top picks from Amazon):
STEP 1: USE FIXD TO ENSURE NO OTHER ENGINE CODES ARE PRESENT.
Use FIXD to check if there are any other codes along with P0153.
STEP 2: CHECK SENSOR WIRING.
Conduct a visual inspection of wiring and connector at the O2 sensor for fraying or disconnection.
STEP 3: CHECK AND CLEAN MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR.
Check the Mass Air Flow sensor to make sure that it is not dirty and possibly putting out false readings which affect the O2 sensor. If it is dirty, clean it, clear your codes using the FIXD device, and re-scan to see if the code is still triggered.
STEP 4: CHECK FOR VACUUM OR EXHAUST LEAKS.
Check for any exhaust or vacuum leaks. If there are any, fix them, clear your codes using the FIXD device, and re-scan to see if the code is still triggered.
STEP 5: REPLACE O2 SENSOR
If the problem persists, consider replacing the bank 2 O2 sensor in front of the catalytic converter.
Common P0153 Diagnosis Mistakes
The most common diagnosis mistake is not doing a visual inspection of the O2 sensor or the Mass Air Flow sensor before replacing it. Often times, the O2 sensor’s wiring is frayed or the Mass Air Flow sensor is dirty, which can both trigger Code P0153 to occur. Exhaust and Engine Vacuum Leaks can also cause P0153 to be triggered.
Still Need Help Fixing Code P0153?
If you’ve followed the steps above and are still experiencing check engine code P0153, 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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Recovering autocross and track day enthusiast. Once turned a VW Jetta into a pickup truck. Lives in a van down by the river. Dream car: 2001 Subaru WRC rally car.
