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Everyone's heart drops when the Check Engine Light turns on, especially when your car starts to run poorly. While Check Engine Lights are seen as the worst, they don't have to be. When you use an OBD-II scanner you can read the code yourself and diagnose your vehicle based on the code.
One of the most common codes to come across is the P0036 code. It refers to “HO2S Heater Control Circuit – Bank 1 Sensor 2”. These codes appear when your engine's computer discovers that something is wrong with the circuit.
The good news is that you don't have to panic when you see this code. Read on to learn everything you need to know about it.
What Is the P0036 Code And the Symptoms?
The P0036 engine code refers to the heated oxygen sensor (HO2S) control circuit in bank 1, specifically sensor 2. This means that there is an issue with your vehicle's sensors in bank 1, which is on the left side of the engine if you're looking at it from the front end. When your ECU is displaying this code, it can be an issue with the downstream sensor (sensor 2) or the entire circuit. The HO2S sensor may also be referred to as the rear O2 sensor because it's located past the exhaust manifold.
The purpose of the HO2S system is to monitor the oxygen found in the air and in the exhaust system. Readings are usually made once the air passes through your vehicle's catalytic converter, which helps your vehicle make adjustments to reduce emissions.
What Are the Symptoms of the P0036 Engine Code?
When you're dealing with a P0036 engine code, you won't notice too many symptoms. This is because the HO2S sensor doesn't impact drivability very much. In fact, sometimes the only symptom is a Check Engine Light.
That said, you may notice the following symptoms in time if you fail to address the problem:
- Poor fuel efficiency
- Rough idle
- Pungent exhaust fumes
- A reduction in performance
- Your vehicle entering limp mode
Failing to replace the sensor, fix the catalytic converter, or address the problem can lead to more severe symptoms and engine damage.
How Serious Is the P0036 Code And What Are the Causes?
Most technicians will consider the code mild to moderate depending on how your vehicle is operating. While the problem isn't too serious, that doesn't mean you should ignore it. You might be dealing with burnt wires, failing sensor loops, and damage to other components.
There are a handful of factors that contribute to a P0036 code. Still, some causes are more common than others. The most common causes include issues with the system's wiring. Examples include loose wires, damaged wires, or excessive resistance in the heated oxygen sensor. Melted components or problems with your engine's PCM will also trigger this code.
Another cause of the P0036 code is corrosion on the exhaust system ground strap. Once the corrosion is bad enough your vehicle's Check Engine Light will turn on and reveal the P0036 code.
Can I Still Drive With a P0036 Code On My Car?
Yes, you can still drive your car if you have a P0036 engine code. However, that doesn't mean you should. Some vehicles will enter limp mode when this code activates, which will cap your top speed and RPMs to protect the engine from damage. When this happens, you won't be driving far, even if the code isn't that serious.
For this reason, make sure you troubleshoot the code and have it addressed as soon as possible. Damage is also more likely if you continue to drive the vehicle.
A good rule of thumb to follow is that you should always correct it when the Check Engine Light turns on. A happy ECU is a happy engine.
How Can I Diagnose a P0036 Code?
You can diagnose a Check Engine Light with an OBD-II scanner, and the P0036 code is no different. These tools connect to your vehicle's computer to read the codes that they produce. These codes can be read once your Check Engine Light turns on, but they can also monitor certain systems and sensors without the light on.
Reading an OBD-II code is easy as long as you have the scanner. Start by connecting the scanner to the DLC underneath the driver's side dashboard. From there, turn on your ignition to supply power to the scanner. You can then navigate the menu to ready any OBD-II codes.
Once you read the P0036 code, on your scanner you'll want to start troubleshooting. First, reset the code and drive the vehicle. If the code reappears, you'll have to dig deeper. Start by checking the wiring and look for anything that's frayed, melted, or loose. From there, check the supply to the HO2S and the ground. If it's not getting any power, you've found your problem.
If the problem persists, you might have to replace the sensor or check for blown fuses. It's always best to bring your vehicle to a qualified technician if you're unable to diagnose the problem yourself.
How Difficult Is It to Inspect a P0036 Code?
Inspecting the P0036 code is challenging if you don't have the technical know-how to read engine codes, replace wires, or observe damage to sensors. For this reason, it's important to work with a professional when your vehicle's Check Engine Light turns on. That said, there are a few things you'll need to do to inspect the P0036 code if you plan on going the DIY route.
First and foremost, resistance needs to be tested. When inspecting this circuit you'll need the wiring diagram for your vehicle to know where the resistance should be. From there, test the system and measure the resistance. It's normal to have some resistance but excessive resistance means that there is an open circuit within the heating element. In this case, you'll have to replace the heating element or HO2S sensor.
It's also important to back-probe the ground wire and inspect the resistance between the ground and the connector for the oxygen sensor. Overall, you want to test the integrity of the wire from its endpoint to its source.
These are some of the best ways to inspect the problem. Make sure you're careful when testing wires and circuits because making the wrong assumption will lead to expensive repairs or further damage.
Need a new O2 sensor or items to fix wiring? Look no further than JEGS. With a massive selection of repair and performance parts in stock, we’ll have what you’re after.
