P0130: O2 Sensor Circuit (Bank 1 Sensor 1)

What does P0130 mean?

The engine computer sees an electrical or signal problem with the oxygen sensor on bank 1, sensor 1. Bank 1 is the side of the engine with cylinder 1 (on four-cylinder engines there's only one bank). Sensor 1 is the upstream sensor, mounted before the catalytic converter; the engine computer uses its signal to adjust fuel mixture. A bad signal here can affect how the engine runs.

Generic OBD-II definition: O2 Sensor Circuit (Bank 1 Sensor 1). Confirm applicability in your vehicle service information.

Common causes

• Oxygen sensor aged or contaminated (e.g. by coolant or oil burning)
• Signal wire shorted or open between the sensor and the computer
• Exhaust leak ahead of the sensor drawing in outside air
• Connector melted or loose near the exhaust

Symptoms

• Check engine light
• Possible rough idle or hesitation, since fuel control relies on this sensor
• Lower fuel economy

Can I keep driving with P0130?

Severity: Medium Drive gently and get it diagnosed soon.

If the check engine light is flashing or the car runs badly, stop driving and have it checked.

Typical fixes

• Watch the live sensor voltage on a scanner: a healthy warm upstream sensor switches rapidly between about 0.1 and 0.9 volts
• Inspect wiring where it runs near the exhaust
• Fix any exhaust leaks ahead of the sensor first
• Replace the sensor if the wiring is good and the signal is flat or out of range