P0153 The upstream oxygen sensor on bank 2 is slow to react to changes in the exhaust

Bank 2 sensor 1 oxygen sensor slow response

Monitor

A slow oxygen sensor mainly hurts fuel economy and emissions, according to TroubleCodes.net's symptom list, so you can usually drive while you arrange a check.

It gets more serious if:

  • Inspect soon: Inspect soon if the engine idles roughly, hesitates or stalls.

Source: how we rate severity

P0153 in short

P0153 means the oxygen sensor ahead of the catalytic converter on bank 2 is responding too slowly to changes in the exhaust. An aged or oil-fouled sensor is the usual cause, but exhaust leaks, wiring faults or fuel pressure can also trigger it. Fix other codes first, then test the sensor.

The upstream sensor tells the computer whether the mixture is rich or lean. A healthy sensor flips quickly; if it is slow, the computer cannot adjust fuel well and sets P0153.

The bank 2 label depends on the engine layout, so check which side your maker calls bank 2.

Most likely causes

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

  1. Worn, contaminated or defective bank 2 sensor 1

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    TroubleCodes.net lists oil fouling and a defective sensor as the main causes.
    What would change this
    Rises if the sensor is fouled or slow on a live-data graph. Falls if it switches quickly.
    How to test the oxygen (o2) sensor

  2. Wiring, connector, fuse or heater circuit fault

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    TroubleCodes.net lists heater circuit problems, damaged wiring and blown fuses.
    What would change this
    Rises if wiring is damaged or the heater circuit is faulty. Falls if the circuit tests good.

  3. Exhaust or vacuum leak or low fuel pressure

    Possible — needs testing
    Why it ranks here
    TroubleCodes.net lists leaks and low fuel pressure, which change what the sensor sees.
    What would change this
    Rises if a leak is found or fuel pressure is low. Falls if both are normal.

What to test first

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

  1. Record all stored codes and freeze-frame data, and deal with other codes first.

    Low risk

    • IfOther oxygen sensor, misfire or fuel trim codes are stored

      It meansFix those first; they can cause this code.

      Go to step 2

    • IfOnly P0153 is stored

      It meansInspect the sensor and wiring.

      Go to step 2

  2. Look over the bank 2 sensor wiring and connector for damage, and check for exhaust leaks.

    Low risk

  3. Watch the sensor on a scan tool while snapping the throttle, and compare its response with the specification.

    Best left to a shopTool: scan tool, multimeter

    Warning:Exhaust parts get very hot and the engine is running while you test. Let a shop do it if you are unsure.

Symptoms

  • Check engine light
  • Rough idle or hesitation
  • Higher fuel use
  • Stalling Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.

How to fix

  1. With the engine cool, look over the bank 2 sensor wiring and connector for damage.

Parts and cost context

  • Oxygen (O2) sensor:Confirm the fault before buying a sensor. 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

Ram

  • 2015–2016 · ProMaster

    Supported by vehicle data

    Ram bulletin 1813522 covers a PCM reprogramming bulletin for the check engine light with one or more stored codes that include P0153 on 2015-2016 vehicles. Whether it is still current is not verified.

  • 1813522Status unverified

    PCM software update for 2015-2016 ProMaster with MIL on

    2015–2016promaster · issued · NHTSA 10225282

    Reprogramming of the powertrain control module for 2015-2016 ProMaster vans with the check engine light on, where the technician may find one or more stored codes that include P0153. The cached summary is cut off before the full code list. Only the NHTSA summary was read.

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

Jeep

  • 2021–2022 · Cherokee

    Supported by vehicle data

    Jeep bulletin S2225000002 covers P0133 and P0153 slow-response codes appearing in a pending state only on very low mileage vehicles on 2021-2022 vehicles. Whether it is still current is not verified.

  • S2225000002Status unverified

    P0133 and P0153 slow-response codes present in pending state only

    2021–2022cherokee · issued · NHTSA 10221447

    Scan tool inspection of 2021-2022 Cherokee may show P0133 and P0153 slow-response codes in the PCM in a pending state only (not active or stored), which the bulletin says can occur on very low mileage vehicles. The cached summary is cut off there. Only the NHTSA summary was read.

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

Hyundai

  • 2009–2010 · Sonata

    Supported by vehicle data

    Hyundai bulletin TSB-09-01-035 covers an inspection and repair procedure for the S1 oxygen sensors on some 3.3L engines that may set P0133 and/or P0153 on 2009-2010 vehicles. Whether it is still current is not verified.

  • 2009–2010 · Santa Fe

    Supported by vehicle data

    Hyundai bulletin TSB-09-01-035 covers an inspection and repair procedure for the S1 oxygen sensors on some 3.3L engines that may set P0133 and/or P0153 on 2009-2010 vehicles. Whether it is still current is not verified.

  • TSB-09-01-035Status unverified

    Inspection and repair procedure for S1 oxygen sensors with P0133 or P0153

    2009–2010santa-fe, sonata · issued · NHTSA 10033650

    Gives an inspection and repair procedure for the S1 oxygen sensors on some 3.3L Hyundai engines that may set P0133 and/or P0153. Only the NHTSA summary was read.

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

Dodge

  • 2010 · Challenger

    Supported by vehicle data

    Dodge bulletin SB-18-032-09 covers PCM flash reprogramming for an illuminated check engine light with P0133-02 and/or P0153-02 slow response set on 2010 vehicles. Whether it is still current is not verified.

  • SB-18-032-09Status unverified

    PCM flash reprogramming for P0133-02 and P0153-02 slow response

    2010challenger · issued · NHTSA 10032787

    Flash reprogramming of the powertrain control module for complaints of an illuminated check engine light where P0133-02 and/or P0153-02 sensor slow response is set. Only the NHTSA summary was read.

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

  • 0803405-dodgeStatus unverified

    MIL on with a list of oxygen sensor and related codes including P0153

    2005–2006charger, magnum · issued · NHTSA 10016925

    Check engine light illumination with a list of stored codes that includes P0153 on 2005-2006 Charger and Magnum. Only the NHTSA summary was read.

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

Nissan

  • 2008 · Pathfinder

    Supported by vehicle data

    Nissan bulletin NTB08-061 covers codes P0133 / P0153 on the V8 engine; the summary gives nothing more on 2008 vehicles. Whether it is still current is not verified.

  • NTB08-061Status unverified

    2008 Pathfinder V8 with DTC P0133 / P0153

    2008pathfinder · issued · NHTSA 10025006

    Nissan bulletin for the 2008 Pathfinder with the V8 engine and codes P0133 / P0153. The summary says nothing more. Only the NHTSA summary was read.

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

  • NTB08-060Status unverified

    2008 Titan and Armada with DTC P0133 / P0153

    2008armada, titan · issued · NHTSA 10025007

    Nissan bulletin for the 2008 Titan and Armada with codes P0133 / P0153. The summary says nothing more. Only the NHTSA summary was read.

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

No curated relationships for P0153 yet.

All Oxygen sensors codes

P0153 questions

Can I keep driving with P0153?

Usually yes for a short time, but fuel economy and emissions suffer. Get it checked if the engine runs roughly.

Sources and review

  1. P0153 trouble code summary — TroubleCodes.net
  2. 1813522: PCM software update for 2015-2016 ProMaster with MIL on — Ram
  3. S2225000002: P0133 and P0153 slow-response codes present in pending state only — Jeep
  4. TSB-09-01-035: Inspection and repair procedure for S1 oxygen sensors with P0133 or P0153 — Hyundai
  5. SB-18-032-09: PCM flash reprogramming for P0133-02 and P0153-02 slow response — Dodge
  6. NTB08-061: 2008 Pathfinder V8 with DTC P0133 / P0153 — Nissan
  7. On-Board Diagnostic Trouble Codes (generic code title list) — Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles
  8. NTB08-060: 2008 Titan and Armada with DTC P0133 / P0153 — Nissan
  9. 0803405: MIL on with a list of oxygen sensor and related codes including P0153 — Chrysler
  10. 0803405-dodge: MIL on with a list of oxygen sensor and related codes including P0153 — Dodge
  11. 00204: MIL on with DTC P0133/P0153 — Lexus
  12. 17170: MIL on with DTC P0133 and/or P0153 — Ford
  13. 090102: Codes P0420, P0121, P0133 and P0153 on 2002 Cadillacs — Cadillac
  14. 99025: Information on MIL with DTC P0133 or P0153 — Acura
Last reviewed
Written by
Saurabh K.
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