P0130 The upstream oxygen sensor on bank 1 is sending a signal the computer judges to be wrong

O2 sensor circuit malfunction, bank 1 sensor 1

Severity not verified — if the car runs badly, have it inspected

The sources read for this code do not rate its urgency, so no severity is claimed. TroubleCodes.net describes the usual symptom as a check engine light, sometimes with poorer fuel economy or running; have it diagnosed rather than ignoring it.

Source: how we rate severity

P0130 in short

P0130 is a generic code for an oxygen sensor circuit malfunction on bank 1, sensor 1, the sensor before the catalytic converter. The computer sees a signal voltage that does not fit the conditions. Causes include a worn sensor, damaged wiring, an exhaust leak or a rich or lean mixture.

Bank 1 is the side of the engine with cylinder 1, and sensor 1 is the upstream sensor ahead of the catalytic converter. The Delaware DMV list and TroubleCodes.net both title P0130 as a circuit malfunction for that sensor.

TroubleCodes.net describes P0130 as the computer detecting a signal voltage from that sensor that is inappropriate for the circumstances. In closed loop the sensor signal should swing regularly between rich and lean.

The listed causes are a defective sensor, an engine running too rich or lean, damaged or disconnected wiring, and exhaust leaks, so wiring and leaks are worth checking before a new sensor.

Most likely causes

These are general causes for this code across vehicles. None is specific to one make or model.

  1. Worn or defective upstream oxygen sensor

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    TroubleCodes.net lists a defective oxygen sensor first among the causes.
    What would change this
    Rises if the sensor signal is flat or does not swing between rich and lean in closed loop while wiring tests good. Falls if the signal cycles normally.
    How to test the oxygen (o2) sensor

  2. Damaged, burned or disconnected sensor wiring or connector

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    The page lists damaged, burned or disconnected wiring and connectors, particularly near hot exhaust parts or sharp edges.
    What would change this
    Rises if insulation is melted or chafed or the connector is loose or corroded. Falls if wiring and connector are sound.

  3. Engine running too rich or too lean

    Possible — needs testing
    Why it ranks here
    The page lists a rich or lean running engine as a cause, which means the sensor may be reporting a real problem.
    What would change this
    Rises if other fuel or air codes are stored or fuel trims are far from normal. Falls if trims are normal.

  4. Exhaust leak near the sensor

    Possible — needs testing
    Why it ranks here
    The page lists exhaust system leaks, which let outside air reach the sensor.
    What would change this
    Rises if a hole, crack or loose joint or soot track is found near the sensor. Falls if the exhaust is tight.

What to test first

Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.

  1. Read all stored codes and freeze-frame data with a scan tool and note any fuel, air or other oxygen sensor codes.

    Low riskTool: OBD-II scan tool

  2. With the exhaust fully cold, inspect the sensor harness and connector for burns, chafing, damage or corrosion and check the sensor's fuse.

    Use cautionTool: flashlight; fuse tester

    Warning:Exhaust parts and the sensor stay hot long after the engine is off and can cause serious burns. Work only on a cold exhaust and never under a car held up only by a jack.

  3. Warm the engine to closed loop and watch the bank 1 sensor 1 signal on a scan tool while idling; it should cycle regularly between rich and lean.

    Low riskTool: scan tool with live data

Symptoms

  • Check engine light
  • Lower fuel economy
  • Dark exhaust smoke
  • Poor engine performance

How to fix

  1. With the exhaust fully cold, look over the sensor wiring and connector for melted insulation, chafing or corrosion.

  2. Check the exhaust near the sensor for holes, cracks or loose joints.

Parts and cost context

  • Oxygen (O2) sensor:Replace the sensor only after wiring, fuses and exhaust leaks are checked. Use the part made for that bank and position. Labour varies; get a quote.

Labor varies by vehicle and shop; get a quote before you approve a repair.

Compare used part prices on PartPriceGuide

On your vehicle

Ford

  • 2010–2012 · Fusion

    Supported by vehicle data

    NHTSA flat-file summary of Ford bulletin TSB 16-0143 (summary: some 2010-2012 Fusion Hybrid, Milan Hybrid and MKZ Hybrid vehicles may show a lit MIL with P0030 and/or P0130, and it points to service procedure steps). Whether it is still current is not verified.

  • 2009–2011 · E-350

    Supported by vehicle data

    NHTSA flat-file summary of Ford bulletin TSB-14-0022 (summary: P0130 or P0150 appears with the MIL on some trucks, listed as 2009-2011 E-Series models, and a service procedure is provided). Whether it is still current is not verified.

  • TSB 16-0143Status unverified

    Hybrid models with MIL and P0030/P0130

    2010–2012fusion · issued · NHTSA 10090508

    NHTSA flat-file summary only; the full bulletin was not read. The summary mentions some 2010-2012 Fusion Hybrid, Milan Hybrid and MKZ Hybrid vehicles may show a lit MIL with P0030 and/or P0130, and it points to service procedure steps.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • TSB-14-0022Status unverified

    Trucks with MIL and P0130 or P0150

    2009–2011e-150, e-250, e-350, e-450 · issued · NHTSA 10055018

    NHTSA flat-file summary only; the full bulletin was not read. The summary mentions P0130 or P0150 appears with the MIL on some trucks, listed as 2009-2011 E-Series models, and a service procedure is provided.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

Nissan

  • 2013 · Altima

    Supported by vehicle data

    NHTSA flat-file summary of Nissan bulletin NTB12085B (summary: a lit MIL with one or more of P0130, P014C, P014D or P2097 stored, a step to confirm the bulletin applies, then ECM reprogramming and a further replacement step (the summary is cut off)). Whether it is still current is not verified.

  • NTB12085BStatus unverified

    MIL on with P0130, P014C, P014D or P2097

    2013altima · issued · NHTSA 10192159

    NHTSA flat-file summary only; the full bulletin was not read. The summary mentions a lit MIL with one or more of P0130, P014C, P014D or P2097 stored, a step to confirm the bulletin applies, then ECM reprogramming and a further replacement step (the summary is cut off).

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

Kia

  • 2005–2008 · Sportage

    Supported by vehicle data

    NHTSA flat-file summary of Kia bulletin TSB-075 (summary: a combined TSB and service action for an ECM software upgrade on some 2.7L vehicles that show a lit MIL with P0130/P0150); and TSB-053 (summary: an ECM software upgrade for some 2005-2006 vehicles with 2.7L engines that show a lit MIL with ECM-related codes P0130 and P0150). Whether it is still current is not verified.

  • 2005–2006 · Optima

    Supported by vehicle data

    NHTSA flat-file summary of Kia bulletin TSB-053 (summary: an ECM software upgrade for some 2005-2006 vehicles with 2.7L engines that show a lit MIL with ECM-related codes P0130 and P0150). Whether it is still current is not verified.

  • TSB-075Status unverified

    ECM upgrade for MIL with P0130/P0150

    2008sportage · issued · NHTSA 10034511

    NHTSA flat-file summary only; the full bulletin was not read. The summary mentions a combined TSB and service action for an ECM software upgrade on some 2.7L vehicles that show a lit MIL with P0130/P0150.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • TSB-053Status unverified

    ECM upgrade for P0130 and P0150 on 2.7L engines

    2005–2006optima, sportage · issued · NHTSA 10033673

    NHTSA flat-file summary only; the full bulletin was not read. The summary mentions an ECM software upgrade for some 2005-2006 vehicles with 2.7L engines that show a lit MIL with ECM-related codes P0130 and P0150.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

Hyundai

  • 2000–2004 · Accent

    Supported by vehicle data

    NHTSA flat-file summary of Hyundai bulletin 0536003 (summary: 2000-2004 Accent vehicles with P0130 (oxygen sensor malfunction) and P0503 (speed sensor malfunction), plus a reverse-to-drive lurch while rolling backwards on automatic transaxles). Whether it is still current is not verified.

  • 0536003Status unverified

    Accent P0130 and P0503

    2000–2004accent · issued · NHTSA 10015328

    NHTSA flat-file summary only; the full bulletin was not read. The summary mentions 2000-2004 Accent vehicles with P0130 (oxygen sensor malfunction) and P0503 (speed sensor malfunction), plus a reverse-to-drive lurch while rolling backwards on automatic transaxles.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • P0131The engine computer sees a voltage that is too low on the upstream oxygen sensor circuit for bank 1

    Same system Possible — needs testing

    P0131 is the low-voltage code for the same bank 1 sensor 1 circuit; both start with the sensor's wiring and signal.

  • P0135The heater in the upstream oxygen sensor on bank 1 isn't working as the computer expects

    Same system Possible — needs testing

    P0135 is the heater circuit code for the same sensor; check wiring and fuses for both together.

All Oxygen sensors codes

P0130 questions

What does bank 1 sensor 1 mean?

Bank 1 is the side of the engine with cylinder 1. Sensor 1 is the upstream sensor, ahead of the catalytic converter. An inline engine has only bank 1.

Sources and review

  1. P0130 trouble code page — TroubleCodes.net
  2. TSB 16-0143: Hybrid models with MIL and P0030/P0130 — Ford
  3. TSB-14-0022: Trucks with MIL and P0130 or P0150 — Ford
  4. NTB12085B: MIL on with P0130, P014C, P014D or P2097 — Nissan
  5. TSB-075: ECM upgrade for MIL with P0130/P0150 — Kia
  6. TSB-053: ECM upgrade for P0130 and P0150 on 2.7L engines — Kia
  7. 0536003: Accent P0130 and P0503 — Hyundai
  8. On-Board Diagnostic Trouble Codes (generic code title list) — Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles
Last reviewed
Written by
Saurabh K.
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