P0159 Oxygen sensor responding too slowly, bank 2 sensor 2

O2 sensor slow response (bank 2, sensor 2)

Monitor

This is an oxygen sensor fault after the catalytic converter that mostly affects emissions monitoring, so the car can normally be driven while you book a check.

It gets more serious if:

  • Inspect soon: Get it inspected soon if the engine runs rough, hesitates badly or stalls, since other faults may be involved.

Source: how we rate severity

P0159 in short

P0159 means the computer has found a slow response from the oxygen sensor after the catalytic converter on bank 2. The usual causes are a failed sensor or damaged wiring and connectors. The car is normally driveable, but the fault can hide other problems and will fail an emissions inspection, so get it checked.

The Delaware DMV list and TroubleCodes.net both define P0159 as an oxygen sensor fault on bank 2 (slow response). Bank and sensor numbers come from the carmaker, so check service information for which sensor is which on your engine.

Reference pages say the sensor itself is the most common failure, with wiring and connector damage next. Sources describe the symptoms as mild; often only the warning light shows.

Most likely causes

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

  1. Failed or contaminated oxygen sensor

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    TroubleCodes.net lists the sensor itself as a leading cause.
    What would change this
    Rises if the sensor signal is stuck or out of range on live data. Falls if the signal looks normal and moves.
    How to test the oxygen (o2) sensor

  2. Damaged or corroded wiring or connector

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    TroubleCodes.net lists wiring and connector damage as the other main cause.
    What would change this
    Rises if the harness or plug shows damage or corrosion. Falls if wiring and connector are clean and intact.

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 note any other oxygen sensor codes stored with P0159.

    Low riskTool: OBD-II scan tool

    • IfSeveral oxygen sensor codes are stored

      It meansA shared wiring or power problem is possible.

      Go to step 2

    • IfP0159 is the only code

      It meansCheck the wiring and connector at the sensor.

      Go to step 2

  2. Look over the sensor wiring and connector for damage, burns or corrosion.

    Best left to a shop

    Warning:Exhaust parts are very hot after driving and a seized sensor can be damaged or break the thread when removed. Let the exhaust cool and have a shop do it.

Symptoms

  • Check engine light
  • Failed emissions inspection
  • Reduced fuel economy, hesitation or rough idle can appear, but often only the light comes on

How to fix

  1. With the engine off and cool, look at the sensor connector and wiring for damage or corrosion.

Parts and cost context

  • Oxygen (O2) sensor:Confirm which sensor is bank 2 sensor 2 on your engine. 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

Nissan

  • 2013–2015 · Armada

    Supported by vehicle data

    Nissan bulletin NTB15056 covers P0139 and P0159 (heated oxygen sensor 2 slow response). Its summary says not to replace the oxygen sensors if the ECM part number is in the bulletin. Whether it is still current is not verified.

  • 2013–2015 · Titan

    Supported by vehicle data

    Nissan bulletin NTB15056 covers P0139 and P0159 (heated oxygen sensor 2 slow response). Its summary says not to replace the oxygen sensors if the ECM part number is in the bulletin. Whether it is still current is not verified.

  • NTB15056Status unverified

    Slow-response rear oxygen sensor codes P0139 and P0159

    2013–2015armada, titan · issued · NHTSA 10192593

    Nissan bulletin for vehicles with P0139 and/or P0159 (heated oxygen sensor 2 circuit slow response). Its note says not to replace the oxygen sensors for these codes if the current ECM part number is in the bulletin's list. Only the NHTSA summary was read.

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

Chrysler

  • 2005–2006 · 300

    Supported by vehicle data

    Chrysler bulletin 0803405 lists P0159 among the codes for a check engine light. Whether it is still current is not verified.

  • 0803405-chryslerStatus unverified

    MIL on with several oxygen sensor codes including P0159

    2005–2006300 · issued · NHTSA 10016925

    Chrysler bulletin about a check engine light with P0037, P0058, P0131, P0132, P0133, P0138, P0151, P0153 and P0159. Only the NHTSA summary was read; it gives no repair.

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

Dodge

  • 2006 · Charger

    Supported by vehicle data

    Dodge bulletin 0803405 lists P0159 among the codes for a check engine light. Whether it is still current is not verified.

  • 2005–2006 · Magnum

    Supported by vehicle data

    Dodge bulletin 0803405 lists P0159 among the codes for a check engine light. Whether it is still current is not verified.

  • 0803405-dodgeStatus unverified

    MIL on with several oxygen sensor codes including P0159

    2005–2006charger, magnum · issued · NHTSA 10016925

    Dodge listing of the same bulletin: check engine light with P0037, P0058, P0131, P0132, P0133, P0138, P0151, P0153 and P0159. Only the NHTSA summary was read; it gives no repair.

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

Hyundai

  • 2001–2002 · XG350

    Supported by vehicle data

    Hyundai bulletin 02360321 gives ECM reprogramming instructions for P0139 and P0159. Whether it is still current is not verified.

  • 02360321Status unverified

    ECM reprogramming for P0139 and P0159

    2001–2002xg350 · issued · NHTSA 10002238

    Hyundai bulletin with ECM reprogramming instructions for P0139 and P0159, plus reprogramming for smoother initial acceleration. 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 P0159 yet.

All Oxygen sensors codes

Sources and review

  1. P0159 - Oxygen Sensor Circuit (Slow Response) — TroubleCodes.net
  2. NTB15056: Slow-response rear oxygen sensor codes P0139 and P0159 — Nissan
  3. 0803405: MIL on with several oxygen sensor codes including P0159 — Chrysler
  4. 0803405: MIL on with several oxygen sensor codes including P0159 — Dodge
  5. 02360321: ECM reprogramming for P0139 and P0159 — Hyundai
  6. On-Board Diagnostic Trouble Codes (generic code title list) — Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles
Last reviewed
Written by
Saurabh K.
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