P0130 - O2 SENSOR CIRCUIT MALFUNCTION (BANK 1, SENSOR 1)

The Oxygen Sensor (SO2 1) is located in the exhaust manifold, the function of this sensor is to detect the amount of oxygen in the exhaust gas compared to the outside air. SO2 1 has a tube in the extreme part which is closed, made of ceramic zirconium, material that generates voltage according to the conditions, for example, at 1V in rich conditions and at 0V in milder conditions.

This sensor sends a signal to the ECM computer, (Engine Control module), which adjusts the duration of the injection propulsion, thus achieving an ideal air-fuel ratio. This relationship is produced close to the radical change from 1V to 0V.

• The Check Engine Service light is on.
• There is a high fuel consumption.
• Excessive amount of exhaust smoke.
• Engine operation is not normal.

Usually the solution to this diagnostic code is the change of an oxygen sensor, but also a P0130 code can have one or more of the following problems, so we recommend carrying out the following checks before making the sensor change:

• Water has created corrosion in the connector.
• Some terminal loose in the connector.
• A cable burned in the exhaust parts.
• A short circuit in the wiring, caused by the friction of the motor components.
• There may be one or more holes in the exhaust and in this way the oxygen is not measured in the exhaust system.
• The computer of the PCM control module (Powertrain Control Module) may be defective.

To fix the P0130 DTC code you can check the following components:

• Determine if the oxygen sensor in bank 1 changes correctly. This must be done quickly and evenly between the rich and poor mixture. If so, the problem may be in the wiring.
• Perform a movement test between the connector and the cable and observe the voltage of the O2 sensor using a voltmeter.
• Identify if the O2 sensor is giving an accurate reading, this is achieved by eliminating for a moment the vacuum of the fuel regulator, the reading given by the sensor must be rich, since in this way it reacts to the fuel that was added to it. Then install the regulator again and create a poor condition by removing an empty supply line from the intake manifold. The reading of said sensor must be uniform, thus giving a response to the exhaust gases. In case the sensor works correctly, the problem can be caused by holes in the exhaust pipe or a vacuum leak not measured in the engine.
• In the event that the Oxygen Sensor does not work or does it slowly, the sensor must be disconnected to verify that it has a minimum of 5 volts of power. In the same way, check the ground or mass inside the circuit, then check that the power supply is 12 volts to the oxygen sensor circuit. In case these are lost or have the correct voltage can be the problem
• After performing all these checks you can try to replace the Oxygen Sensor (O2).