P0154 02 Sensor Circuit No Activity Detected (Bank 2 Sensor 1) Trouble Code

P0154 02 Sensor Circuit No Activity Detected (Bank 2 Sensor 1) Trouble Code

P0154 02 Sensor No Activity Circuit B2S1

OBD-II Trouble Code Technical Description

O2 Sensor Circuit No Activity Detected (Bank 2 Sensor 1)

What does that mean?

This diagnostic trouble code (DTC) is a generic powertrain code, which means that it applies to OBD-II equipped vehicles. Although generic, the specific repair steps may vary depending on make/model.

The oxygen sensors are critical to the engine running properly. It basically informs the PCM (Powertrain Control Module) of oxygen content of the exhaust. The PCM then uses this information to regulate fuel into the engine and maintain proper air:fuel ratio. It is a four wire sensor, with the PCM providing a reference/signal voltage of about half a volt (0.5v) to the sensor. It usually provides a ground also


 

The other two wires are dedicated to the oxygen sensor heater element. This heater allows the sensor to warm up faster, which allows the engine to enter closed loop faster, reducing startup emissions. The heater element is supplied a 12v feed from the power distribution center (usually) and a ground.

The oxygen content of the exhaust affects the O2 sensor resistance. This resistance produces a counter voltage on the reference/signal wire that the PCM will use to analyze oxygen in the exhaust. Lean exhaust produces low voltage, while rich exhaust produces high voltage. The oxygen sensor is capable of varying between 0.9v (rich) and 0.1v (lean). Once the engine reaches closed loop, the O2 sensor should begin switching rapidly between rich and lean voltages 2-3 times per second. If for some reason the O2 sensor doesn't switch properly or "sticks", P0154 may set. This code indicates the O2 sensor isn't operating.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a P0154 code may include:

MIL (Malfunction Indicator Lamp) illumination Other codes indicating rich or lean condition may be present Poor idle, won't idle Misfire at idle or at highway speed Engine may blow black smoke at tailpipe Fuel economy may decrease May start and stall

Causes

Potential causes of a P0154 code include:

Faulty bank 2,1 Oxygen sensor Holes in exhaust near oxygen sensor Short to voltage or ground on signal circuit Open or high resistance in signal circuit Wiring harness chafing/rubbing on exhaust components Water/oil intrusion at O2 sensor connector Broken lock or loose terminals on O2 sensor connector Oil/coolant fouled oxygen sensor

Possible Solutions

First start the engine and bring it up to operating temperature and ensure the engine reaches closed loop. Then, using the live data function on a scan tool, observe the Bank 2,1 oxygen sensor voltage reading. Is it switching properly? If so, the problem may be an intermittently bad sensor or more likely a wiring problem. Visually check the O2 sensor wiring and repair as needed. Does the voltage for the Bank 2,1 oxygen sensor appear to be "stuck" and not moving? If so, increase idle speed for 30 seconds or so. If the sensor begins switching after a period of elevated idle, visually check the exhaust for holes or rust near the O2 sensor that could be affecting the voltage reading

If the exhaust checks out, suspect the sensor to be sluggish and replace it. If the Bank 2,1 oxygen sensor appears to be not switching, turn the engine off, and unplug the Bank 2,1 oxygen sensor. With KOEO (Key on engine off) jumper the O2 sensor signal wire to the ground wire. Now the voltage reading should be low (about 0.1v). If it is, then check for a bad connection at the O2 sensor connector. Repair as necessary. If no bad connection is found, replace the O2 sensor and re-check. If when you jumper the signal wire to the ground wire the voltage reading isn't low (about 0.1v), remove the jumper wire. Now check for voltage at the O2 sensor signal wire. It should have, with KOEO and O2 sensor unplugged, roughly 0.5 volts. If it does, check also for a

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